Intel Centrino and Netgear DG834G Router

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Hi, just bot a Netgear DG834G ADSL Router. Got it to work WIRED up, but not WIRELESS (even with the router 1 ft away). Netgear support told me it's product defects.

From what i read on this forum on the Centrino, wonder if this is a Centrino defect or Netgear defect. Or a purchase of an external wireless adaptor will help. Thanks.

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Not quite sure what you are saying? Netgear has said its product is defective? Hardware testing is hard to do, as there is no real equipment available to normal users. Can you test each component with another? Like take the notebook to a friends house and see if the wireless card works? Or bring a friend over and see if he/she can link with the router? How do you have the two devices configured? I assume that you followed the installation manuals for each device and have the SSID and channel set correctly? You did not mention the notebook or what operating system? I assume WinXP, and are you using the Windows Automatic configuration?

Centrino and the wireless miniPCI card have problems, but it is best to check out everything first. Just to make sure that it is not a simple configuration problem. Also, it is not that unusual to have new equipment not work right away.

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sorry mpkn3rd for not making myself clear.

The notebook is running on WinXP with built-in Intel(R) PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter. Have tested the notebook at a friend's shop and it's got no problem detecting all the wireless network there, so I presumed it's been properly configured.

The router should also be correctly configured as it was guided thru' by Netgear Support staff. After about an hour on the phone, he finally declared that it must be a defective router and asked me to go back to the shop and exchange for a new one.

What I really want to know is,

1. Is it worth investing in an external adapter even if the Mini Adapter works?
2. If so, is it better to buy a Netgear adapter just to avoid any compatibility problems?
3. Hv read some horror stories on Netgear products, should I go back to the shop and exchange for another maker all together??

Cheers.

[M/Q]

Now, I understand. To answer the questions is somewhat subjective on my part. But I will try, I have had too many problems with the onboard miniPCI card to even want to deal with them at least at this version level. The next version out should be much better as Intel has been bombed with complaints about them. They do not have the range of a pc card, if that is an issue. But if not and it works, I guess I would use it until or if it starts giving you problems. If you keep it in the back of your mind, and start having problems, it will usually make trouble shooting much easier.

As for the compatibility client cards are not as sensitive to vendor differences as node devices. At least that is my opinion. They all have to comply with the Wi-Fi standards, and they have less room for proprietary firmware. That is of course unless you talk about the Super G/ExtremeG or what ever the vendor calls the 108mbs firmware they use. I personally like the Cisco and Proxim pc cards the best, more expensive but worth it to me. I am not affiliated with any vendor by the way.

Now the tough one, I am not a fan of what people call a wireless router. It actually is a combination unit. Router/wired switch/AP all in one.
I prefer a wired router that has a built in switch and a separate AP device. I find that they work better and I can place the router near where the Internet connection is and then place the AP where it should be to have the best coverage area. Again it is just my opinion. But there is only one wireless router/combination unit that I will recommend and that is the Proxim

http://www.proxim.com/products/wifi/ap/bg2000/index.html

It is the only one made by what I consider the enterprise brand names in wireless equipment. Most of those vendors do not make a combination unit. I also understand the price and availability issue, as well as a combo unit will work perfectly for many situations. I just don't like to play the odds.

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Thks for advice mpkn3rd, much appreciated.