Wireless problem

Thicko · 24-04-2009, 10:07

I have a Linksys wireless router model wrt54g which is connected to my Virgin modem. My desktop is wired to the router with an ethernet cable and works well. My laptop will not connect wirelessly even though the router can be "seen" and shows excellent signal. The message on my laptop says "poor signal" and cannot connect even when I'm in the same room. I can however connect to an unsecured connection locally. On occasions the router appears to switch itself off with the cisco systems logo in the left side going blank. This lasts for approx 30secs and it then comes back on but the desktop shows local area connection cable disconnected and that recovers itself when things come back up.
I re-installed the router after pressing reset, this seemed ok for a couple of days but now same fault is occuring.
Any ideas / advice would be appreciated.

AndyCambs · 24-04-2009, 10:12

Are you using any security settings on the router?

danielf · 24-04-2009, 10:17

There's several things that could be wrong. First off, I would see if changing the wireless channel makes any difference. You can also see if there are any new driver for the wireless card in your laptop. Finally, if all else fails you could chnage the frimware in your router to Tomato. The Tomato firmware gives you the option to boost the wireless signal in the router.

when you say you can connect to 'an unsecured connnection', is that the Linksys without encryption or is it another connection?

Thicko · 24-04-2009, 10:20

Yes, secured with WPA2-PSK-AES.
My laptop is set to connect automatically when switched on, does attempt to but fails. It also fails when trying to connect manually, but will connect to somebody else's router. I have only tried connectingto an alternative for test purposes only.

danielf · 24-04-2009, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thicko

Yes, secured with WPA2-PSK-AES.
My laptop is set to connect automatically when switched on, does attempt to but fails. It also fails when trying to connect manually, but will connect to somebody else's router. I have only tried connectingto an alternative for test purposes only.

Try another channel. It may be interference with other nearby networks/Dect telephones/Microwaves/wet dogs.

Thicko · 24-04-2009, 18:50

Problem cured thanks. Reload the router disc, altered channel from 11 to 6 and it picked up straight away. Thanks to all of you for your advice.

danielf · 24-04-2009, 19:34

Good. Glad you got it sorted