Laptop randomly disconnects from/ unable to find networks

[MaD_aTTaCk]

I purchased a Dell xps m1530 laptop in February that has performed almost flawlessly since. I have noticed however that it seems to randomly disconnect from my home network, when the icon on the taskbar shows" limited connectivity". Attempting to refresh/reconnect results in " no available networks" which is only remedied by restarting- turning wireless on/off doesn't work. In all other aspects however the network works- file and internet sharing, LAN gaming etc.

I have a linksys wrt54gl router with 2 desktops connected with no problems, and have had other ( including dell) laptops running seeming flawlessly from it. The laptop has an Intel PRO 3945 ABG card.

Obviously this isn't such a problem as it works most of the time, but I was hoping someone could reassure me the laptop isn't faulty before its warranty runs out!

[GroundZero3]

What os are you running?

Have you checked to see if the latest drivers are installed? Do you have your wireless router near a cordless phone (2.4 ghz) or a microwave?

[PoonDoggy]

Where, in relation to the router, are you? Try to setup the router in a central location and if the router is lower <ie: on the floor> raise it up.

[MaD_aTTaCk]

Thankyou for your replies. I don't think the problem is due to interference/ signal strength as the router is not next to any of the above, this issue occurs even in the next room with max signal strength. Also, at least 3 other laptops and a desktop have not had the same problem.

My laptop is running vista, and I shall investigate the drivers. Does it sound like it could be faulty?

[innoko]

No.. you are not mad / stupid / deranged.. I have a HP 6720s with the same wireless network card and a Linksys WAG54GX2 wireless router. It works fine for 4 -5 hours, then (usually when I am not looking) decides to disconnect and I have to reboot everything to get a reconnect. I have the latest drivers and Vista SP1. I loaded the Intel Pro extensions, which cleared quite a few issues (I think the Linksys uses some of the Cisco extensions). But it leaves this annoying little quirk. The router is on the latest firmware. I know it isn't the router because everything else in the house (a Toshiba laptop plus a generic one), and other wireless stuff keeps the connection OK for a LONG time....

[innoko]

On the Intel website for version 12 of the drivers (which I cannot get yet) for the wireless 3945ABG card , there is a known issue as follows:

Linksys* Access Point Association Timeout

After the association flow completes, the adapter stays awake (as in CAM mode) for 10 seconds, and then acts according to the PowerIndex (PI) regkey. PI should not be change during this period. The association timeout is 10 seconds. Using the Linksys access point, association occurs every 60 seconds, resulting in deauthentication and disconnection from the Linkysys access point.

Could someone more technical tell me whether this is the same issue??

So it could that Intel know about this, but when will they fix it??? And when will Hp pass it on??

[nemowolf]

Originally Posted by innoko

On the Intel website for version 12 of the drivers (which I cannot get yet) for the wireless 3945ABG card , there is a known issue as follows:

Linksys* Access Point Association Timeout

After the association flow completes, the adapter stays awake (as in CAM mode) for 10 seconds, and then acts according to the PowerIndex (PI) regkey. PI should not be change during this period. The association timeout is 10 seconds. Using the Linksys access point, association occurs every 60 seconds, resulting in deauthentication and disconnection from the Linkysys access point.

Could someone more technical tell me whether this is the same issue??

So it could that Intel know about this, but when will they fix it??? And when will Hp pass it on??

Do you have a direct link to this?

[innoko]

Release Notes for Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Software