Wireless problem (Long)

[What's_nitro?]

Is the tower hard-wired? Have you tried plugging it directly into the modem? Even then it's strange that the laptop would "see" the network sometimes, then not.

[J57ltr]

Freeze:

I did have it connected (upstairs) to the APC backup with built in surge suppressor, but have since brought the router and modem down stairs where it seems to be Ok for the last few days.

The USB wireless device works on the tower and doesn't seem to be a problem. I had it connected directly to the router up until I moved them downstairs. When connected directly to the router via a cable I have not had a problem with the tower or laptop. It is entirely possible that I have not set something correctly but what I don't know.

My ISP is SBC the router I am using now is a D-link with a built in 4 port switch. The Modem is a Speedstream have to get the models for both. They provided the Modem. It is WEP encrypted. I did change the password and the username on the router. I have not tried other peoples computers at my house but I did try an old laptop with the spotty results as well.

Nitro:

I had the tower hard wired and never had a problem. I also have never been able to connect to the internet when going straight to the modem. I have to have a router or it will not work. It did the same thing when I tried to connect to Xbox live on the 360 meaning I had to have the 360 connected through the router in order for it to work. It's really strange it's like there is some sort of interference going on it just seems to knock the wireless signal (direct con. works) out completely. When I move the router around just a few feet it seems to help, other times I have to reset power. It’s been working like a champ since Monday I couldn’t get it to display less that 54mbps.

Jeff

WEP useless for protecting wireless, switch to WPA2.

What antivirus/spyware firewall software are you running on your laptop if any? That stuff can really cause havoc with internet connections. What versions of windows are we running here? Have you updated the windows with current service packs and patches? Are you using Windows built in wireless connection or the software that came with the wireless cards? I"ve had machine that just refused to to run on windows wireless setup and only worked with their software and vice versa.

I would really like to know if someone OUTSIDE of the house can connect with their laptop with or without issues.

[J57ltr]

Ill see if I can switch it but I think there were 3 options and 1 of them was unprotected.

I use AVG for antivirus and Malewarebytes anti maleware for the laptop and Mcafee and Maleware bytes for the tower.

Both use XP service pack 2. I use the Linksys for the tower and the built in card on the Dell laptop and the dell software manages the laptop. I have connected right outside the house in the garage and in the driveway but haven't seen how far it goes. I did have my nieghbor 1 house down from me that said he can see my wireless but not good enough to make a connection (1 bar).

[eovnu87435ds]

Originally Posted by Freezebyte

WEP useless for protecting wireless, switch to WPA2.

They are only useless if there is someone you know is very clever at computers, and feels your internet is superior than others. WEP is easily crackable and can be done with no prior information about the network in under 4 minutes with an average computer. WPA can be cracked just as fast if your password is something that you could find in a dictionary. It takes considerably longer to hack if it is a non-dictionary word. In the real world, any password will stop your average internet leechers from getting some free internet access, but it will always be able to be broken into if someone with the knowhow really really wanted to(example: to steal secret plans, or credit card info)