Serious problem - USB wireless adapters on Vista - net keeps dropping

ArmyofHarmony

ArmyofHarmony

ArmyofHarmony

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Hi,

I recently got a new PC, however it was a prebuilt one with sealed up PCI slots. For this reason I've had to go donw the USB wireless adapter route.

I've now tried 3 USB wireless adapters, and each have problems.

The first was a belkin g+ - this could barely detect our wireless network (router is a Netgear G). I then I got a linksys N+ wireless adapter, which connected perfectly however the internet dropped every 10 mins. I now have a belkin N1 Wireless USB adapter and the same problem occurs.

Does anyone know why I might be losing connection to the internet, whilst maintaining a good signal? It's a serious problem that's frustrating me big time!

I even tried those networking devices that go through the copper wiring in the house, but the speed was ridculously slow (4mbit connection instead of 20mbit) so I had to return them.

I think Vista is the reason this all isn't working - but surely there should be some fix for this?


Any ideas would be appreciated
 
One sure fire way of sorting this would be a wireless ethernet bridge. These are driverless 'access points' which plug into your computer via ethernet. They are often used on game consoles e.g. PS2 where wired is not an option. That would no doubt work without a problem. It's a solution, though somewhat expensive. A linksys router would also work, flashed with DD-WRT as this has the ability to work as a repeater bridge, thus extending your wifi range whilst still providing you with access.

However, on the problem at hand - are you sure this is a Vista issue? 64-bit or 32-bit? I know Vista sometimes polls the network but I cannot see them as having overlooked such a flaw if it exists...

On a side note, how are the PCI slots sealed up?
 
thanks for the reply. It's vista 32bit.

Basically the bits that you can usually just remove where the cables would connect to are melted together. I can break through them but that would void the warranty. Right now i'm not willing to do that!

It's a very strange problem, but it's happened on 3 different USB cards now, connection just randomly dies to the internet, even though the signal is still "very strong".

Wireless bridge is something i've considered - but yes they are expensive. I don't know if that would be guarrenteed to work though?
 
I doubt it is the router - if the other PC's are ok, then I cannot see why this one would cause a problem. Hmm... Not with 3 different adapters...

A bridge is very likely to succeed - the computer will think it is wired into the router directly. They are very much transparent. If you are going with the bridge, I would buy a Linksys Router WRT54GL and flash it to DD-WRT. It's probably cheaper than buying a bridge!

Odd...

Got me stumped!

Also, I can't see how opening the blanker plates will void the warranty - I would check with the system builder/ manufacturer about that.
 
Have you tried running WEP rather than WPA (+derivatives)? I know its pants, but I had similar problems whereby I had good signal yet dropped signal in Vista x64. WEP solved the problem. Have since upgraded to different hardware.

See linky

Just a thought...
 
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