Acquiring network access, problem with wireless network?

Question

I have just set up wireless networking in my home, or at least I thought I had. I have a connection to AOL broadband through my main PC, I have a BT Voyager 2110 modem router connected to this and I am now accessing the internet via my laptop that has an internal wireless card installed. However every now and then I lose my connection, depsite having excellent signal strength and then it says it is acquiring network access and sometimes takes 20 minutes to recoonect - any ideas?

Answer 1

I have just done a similar thing (except my Linksys router connects to a cable modem). The description you give of your connection sounds a little awry. I would expect that your phone line is connected to the ADSL modem/router, then you have a wired connection from the router to your PC and a wireless connection from the router to the laptop.

What type of security have you set? Is your keyword set to renew every so often? I have had that problem with my system and I am still looking for a solution (but it's early days yet)!

Unfortunately I am not familiar with the BT Voyager modem/router. In your situation, I think I might gather all the information I could about the settings you have made (including the security setting and which standard you are using) and phone the BT Helpline - there is probably a number in the manual that came with the router.

Edit: Ryan's suggestions are good. I would add that if you are wandering around the house with the laptop, that can also cause it to lose connection. 20 minutes to reconnect sounds as though there is something interfering with the signal, though. You might try changing the channel number (it is probably on 11 by default - try 6 or 9). Another wireless network in the vicinity might be causing the drop outs or other equipment that works on the same 2.4GHz band can do it. I, too, have read of problems with BT equipment.

Answer 2

Ya, first get rid of AOL.

Next, you can probably change the DHCP lease expiration on your router or reserve an IP address for your laptop so the IP never expires.

Login into your router. Odds are the address will be 192.168.1.1. If not, check the properties of your wireless network. The default gateway will by your router. Login, if you haven't changed the password, odds are it's "root/admin"

Next look at the DHCP tab and see what the expires time is. If you can make IP reseveration on your router, create one for your laptops MAC address (that will also be displayed in the wireless network settings)

You also might want to try switching your broadcast channel. Something might be interfering that is causing you to loose the connection.

Hopefully that helps

Answer 3

You may have neighbors that are using the same WiFi channel that you are using.

Try changing the WiFi channel to a different channel on the wireless router.

If you want to be really spiffy, you can download a program called NetStumber that you can run on your wireless enabled computer and it will show you all the other WiFi networks nearby and the channel that they are using.

Choose a channel that is as far away from the other channels already in use.

Also, check whether your cordless phone use the same frequency as WiFi (2.4GHz). If you do have one that uses that same frequency spectrum, try pushing the button on the cordless phone that changes the frequency that it uses until you find one that doesn't interfere with your WiFi signal.

Good Luck,

Annorax64

Answer 4

I have the same problem. Try getting a router with a stronger signal(Bigger antenna), or a better wireless card in the laptop.

Answer 5

AOL - why? It's just a giant corporate 'virus' that screws up your system, stops you accessing the entire internet and is nearly impossible to remove..... should've stuck with BT.

One thing to check on the wireless card - turn OFF any power saving modes - they can just 'randomly' disconnect you for the fun of it.

Answer 6

I would buy a new router - netgear, belkin, or linksys. I have had endless problems with BT Voyager.

Answer 7

your BT Voyager 2110 modem is the week link, I've had problems no end with BT's products

Answer 8

you will probably have to go to the properties and change some setting on the computer trying to connect

Answer 9

your router has problem
get new kind
like netgear G type
or linksys G type router

Answer 10

try an antennae for your laptop