HowToFixComputers.com

J.Lef · Guest

I have my gateway laptop, picking up signals from my gateway desktop via
dsl modem.
The question I have is why sometimes my laptop tells me there is no
available wireless connections, even though I could be two feet away from my
desktop with the laptop?(And the desktop IS connected and receiving fine
from the internet)
I find this so strange. If I wait a while, sure enough within ten
minutes or so, it will pick up the connection. When the laptop is in its
normal place in house(a back bedroom-office), it does the same thing. So it
makes no difference where in the house the laptop is.
Any explanations?

Much regards Jerry

Ben Myers · Guest

Poltergeists? Radio interference? Malfunctioning wifi adapter? What type
is it? I am partial to the Intel 2200BG and 2915ABG as adapters inside the
notebook chassis.

Wifi adapter in the notebook gone to sleep? Check the settings for the wifi
adapter to see if it can be powered down automatically to conserve power.

Possible incompatibility between wifi adapter and wifi router? I still use an
older Linksys 802.11b router here, and it sometimes stops wifi-ing when
confronted by a notebook with a newer 802.11g adapter. I'm getting tired of
this, and may eventually spring for the bucks to replace it... Ben Myers

On Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:04:02 GMT, "J.Lef" <j.lef@verizon.net> wrote:

J.Lef · Guest

As always Ben, thanks a lot for the quick response.
When I get home tonight, I will check to see whats in the box.
I believe the notebook has the 802.11 but I need to make sure.

Much regards Jerry

J.Lef · Guest

Ben Myers · Guest

Jerry,

First, here is the URL for the Westell documentation:

http://www.westell.com/content/sales/327W.pdf

Second, just to troubleshoot, I would connect my notebook to the Westell using
an Ethernet cable, just to verify that everything is working. While at it,
write down the IP address and other stuff (DNS addresses, internet gateway,
etc.) To do this, start up a command box (like an old DOS box), and enter the
command IPCONFIG /ALL . (As an aside, I find it wonderfully ironic that clanky
old Windows 95 had the GUI WINIPCFG program to view these settings, but XP
retains the same old NT/Unix command. Ahh, progress!) If your notebook
accesses the internet with an Ethernet cable, which it should, you know that the
327W is serving IP addresses correctly.

You may want to examine the wireless settings inside the 327W. To make it
really simple, your wireless transmitter should have a pretty unique name,
called the SSID. How about LefNet? It probably defaults to operate on
channel 6. And to make it all really really simple, make sure the 327W has wifi
encryption disabled (turned off). Yes, you are running a wide open insecure
wifi, but that is the first step in troubleshooting. The 327W appears to be
modern, supporting the fastest 802.11g standard.

Finally, attempt to connect from your laptop via wifi with the computer only a
few feet from the 327W. This reduces the possibility of radio interference,
which is a major pain in the *** in home wifi networks. Been there. Too
often.

Also, please supply the make/model of the wireless card, either inside your
notebook or installed as a PC Card. Gateway may have chosen a dog of a wifi
product, or maybe it is defective. No problem. These are cheap and easy to
replace, especially if you have teeny tiny fingers for working inside the
laptop's modem/wifi bay.

And you may want to contact Verizon. They have been pretty helpful when I have
contacted them on behalf of my clients... Ben Myers

On Tue, 20 Mar 2007 21:40:21 GMT, "J.Lef" <j.lef@verizon.net> wrote:

<SNIP>

J.Lef · Guest

As always Thanks Ben.
Your time spent is always appreciated. It looks
like I have a project for the weekend now to take care of. LOL. I will
keep you posted after I attempt your suggestions this weekend.

Much regards Jerry
"Ben Myers" <ben_myers_spam_me_not@charter.net> wrote in message
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