problems with netgear wgr614 using DWL650+

[arctic]

ok so i'm using the dlink DWL650+ 802.11B/G adapter with the netgear wgr614 wireless router..

i get the weirdest problem, where in some places even when the signal strength is around 70%+ it'll just drop out, and afterwards it'll fail to pick up the signal.. but if i reset the router, the signal will be picked up again.

the adapter works fine at uni where there's a wireless network.. could it be that different brands is giving me the shits ?

[M/Q]

Welcome to the forum. You may have several issues all working together to cause the drops. First is the different vendor problem. It is in fact a problem in some cases. It will become more of a problem if you have WEP enabled and possibly more so if you use the longer encryption lengths. All these are supposed to be Wi Fi approved and play nice together, but that is not always the case. Your problem is compounded by the signal strength, 70% is not a good link. How are you determining that number? Just by the configuration utility? They are not very accurate, and in most cases if you have anything less than a 100% it will begin to cause problems.

http://www.netstumbler.com/

Also, it is important to make sure that the firmware and drivers are the latest available for all the wireless components. If the OS is WinXp, there are some updates as well.

I am not as concerned about the router as the pc card. I have very few pc cards that I will even think about using. Most others are just not up to the same standard. But as with everything else, they cost more. I would suggest if the problem continues to look at maybe a better card. I prefer Proxim, Cisco and EnGenius for what that is worth.

[arctic]

well i've tried disabling wep and using MAC address filtering instead, i still get the drop outs afterwards which the wireless network is no longer detectable by the NIC no matter what i do, unless i restart the router..

i'm using the manufacturer software to determin the signal link, where if i place the NIC close to the router access point, the link will be around 95% strength etc..

what i really don't get it is why after a dropout i'm no longer able to even see the wireless network ?

[M/Q]

I would try a couple of things. Have you tried resetting the router to the default settings? Also disable all security measure until you get the drop problem solved. Is there a possibility of other wireless networks in your vicinity? Bluetooth or any other RF sources that might cause interference? Check ou these links as well.

http://www.math.uwaterloo.ca/mfcf/computing-environments/wireless/xp.html

http://arstechnica.com/news/posts/1080251780.html