Signal readings from WinXP Wireless vs. Access Connections

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CChoi83 · #1 Post by **CChoi83** » Tue Mar 08, 2005 8:31 am

So I installed the new IBM 802.11a/b/g Mini-PCI II card in to my T42, downloaded the newest drivers and installed the latest Access Connections (the older versions don't support the new card). There seems to be a small glitch where the signal readings from WinXP's (SP2) wireless connection program is MUCH MUCH MUCH more accurate than IBM's Access Connections. I run Access Connections with the power management function on Low for best network performance. Does anyone else have this problem?

I've listed the driver and version info below:
IBM 802.11a/b/g Mini-PCI II
Atheros Communications Inc
12/27/2004
4.0.100.140

Access Connections
70CN16WW (3.70)

Right now I am home so both programs are reading Excellent (WinXP SP2) and 100% for AC because I'm basically right next to the wireless router but I cannot trust AC's measurments because of this anomoly. When I'm out of the house and at work I can pick up a dozen or so AP's from apartments around me and WinXP will see them as one or two bars but AC will say anywhere from 75%-100%. It's NEVER right. Suggestions and ideas?

CChoi83 · #2 Post by **CChoi83** » Wed Mar 09, 2005 10:03 am

Bump! Anyone? This is quite puzzling.

trailofdead · #3 Post by **trailofdead** » Sat Mar 26, 2005 9:37 pm

I just updated the drivers and I have the sam problem.

I have the first generation IBM 802.11 a/b/g mini-pci card in my T40. AC reports the wireless signal as MUCH stronger than it really is. Before where I used to get "poor" signal is now "excellent"

trailofdead · #4 Post by **trailofdead** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 3:58 am

andyli · #5 Post by **andyli** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 7:39 pm

Same thing, I have the older Atheros 5001 card. I wonder if it would report correctly on the newer cards?

Are there any significant improvements between the 5001 and the 5004 cards that would warrent an upgrade? CChoi, did you upgrade the wireless cards, because I see you said you installed a new wi-fi card in there.

CChoi83 · #6 Post by **CChoi83** » Mon Mar 28, 2005 9:09 pm

Yes, I have upgraded my card. My 2379-R9U originally came with the Intel 2200BG card. I have installed the IBM 802.11a/b/g Mini-PCI II (Atheros 5004) card. I honestly can't tell you the difference in overall performance between the 5001 and the 5004 b/c I've never had the original a/b/g card. I will tell you that the 5004 does seem to have better throughput and range (guessing) but at the expense of a bit more power (I would say 10-20 minutes at the MOST).

andyli · #7 Post by **andyli** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 7:14 pm

I just upgraded to Access Connections 3.71 (released 03/30/2005). It doesn't look like they fixed anything.

CChoi83 · #8 Post by **CChoi83** » Fri Apr 01, 2005 8:17 pm

andyli wrote:I just upgraded to Access Connections 3.71 (released 03/30/2005). It doesn't look like they fixed anything.

Sadly...

Signal readings from WinXP Wireless vs. Access Connections

Signal readings from WinXP Wireless vs. Access Connections

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