Belkin 54G WPA problems

[casw]

I am running with the latest Belkin F5D7130 AP, F5D7010uk. I am running firmware 2.00.01 on the 7130, and can setup WPA-PSK (No Server) no problem.

My troubles are with my laptop running Windows XP Pro, SP1 and WPA patch (Q815845). I can see that the patch has been applied, but I still fail to get the option of TKIP encryption on the client.

I called the US tech support and all they could insist is that I needed to install the "suppliant" or XP WPA patch.

I do have a friend who has the same setup and all is working, but for the life of me, I cannot get this frustrating setup working.

If anyone else has had similar problems, on the client side and found a fix, please let me know so that I can at least try it.

The last resort would be to re-install XP, but that means re-activating my OS again. (Yes it is legal, but a pain to do).

TIA - Colin.

[casw]

Update : Having no luck with my laptop configuration, I have a newly built Windows XP sp1 shuttle box. I have installed a F5D7000 Pci card, installed only the latest drivers, and installed the XP patch. Q815845.

I have exactly the same results as my laptop.

>Wireless card properties>Wireless Networks>configure>Wireless network key.

Network Authentication (only choices are) "open" or "shared"
Data encryption : "WEP" or "Disabled".

From what I have seen on the Microsoft sites, and Smallnetbuilder site, there should be an option for TKIP.

I have WPA-PSK setup on the AP. Can anyone shed some light on this.

Thanks in Adv.

Colin.:mad: :confused:

[WiFi-Expert]

The driver from whoever manufactures the card has to also support WPA-PSK.

In fact even if your AP didn't support WPA, it should be in the list under XP Zero Config if the patch has been installed and the driver supports it.

I'd seek for a new wireless adapter driver or think about getting a new card.

[casw]

WIFI-Expert : Thanks for your insight.

Maybe it wasnt clear enough but all of the wireless technology I am using is all manufactured by Belkin. There has always been knowledge in the industry that most wireless hardware works "best" keeping all peices from the same manufacturer.

I am not saying that mix'n'match won't work, I am saying from a compatibility stance, it's best to keep it the same.

So when I bought this kit, this compatibility was kept in mind. I have many years of experience in networking, it's my job.

Re : In fact even if your AP didn't support WPA, it should be in the list under XP Zero Config if the patch has been installed and the driver supports it.

I didnt say it didn't work, using the hardware and XP's basic wireless networking, is fine, and performance is good.

I just don't like the fact that it's easy to crack and sniff out data.

Thanks anyway.

[WiFi-Expert]

I thought you said it works but you couldn't see WPA as an option inside of the XP Zero Config?

I was just commenting that you need to make sure that whatever drivers you have for your Belkin Wireless Client Card are drivers that support WPA as well.

Sorry for the confusion, I'm still now unsure what you were asking.

[casw]

WiFi-Expert.

Your understanding was correct. I cannot see the TKIP option within the Windows wireless utility.

The drivers are the very latest which are WPA verified. Becuase IT & Networking is my full time job, things such as drivers and bios / firmware upgrades are such no brainers. I was a bit harsh on you, I apologise.

I am wondering if there one of the M$ hot fixes is breaking / hiding the WPA option. I am running out of ideas.

I am going to write to Belkin and point them to this forum, and see if they can come up with something, having spoke to their tech support already, I am sure they will suggest it's a Microsoft problem.

Thanks for trying to help.

-Colin.

[WiFi-Expert]

Yes that's odd.

Have you tried another adapter card that supports WPA? Perhaps you can isolate to that specific card/driver or isolate it to WinXP/WPA Patch issue.

Sorry for the misunderstanding.

[casw]

I have just asked my colleague to borrow his Belkin pc-card which currently works with no problems using tkip.

Any misunderstandings are now resolved :-)

I'll keep you posted.

Have a good weekend.

-Colin.

[casw]

Well, just in case anyone remembers this post. I wanted to post a quick update.

I have just got another laptop, this time, the laptop has a wireless card that supports A, B & G standards. The best of all worlds.

I have downloaded the latest WPA rollup patch dated Oct 03. I can see the base station, and even if I change the SSID, the laptop detecs the new SSID string after a refresh.

But for the life of me, I still cannot get the WPA-TKIP option.

ARGGGGGGGGH!!.

I am seriously thinking of sending the Belking base station back, for months now, there hasn't even been any firmware updates.

Has ANYONE else seen this behaviour? PLEASE!

Thanks. - Colin.:mad: