Wireless Connection Drops - Netgear WGT624

pk1209 · 02-09-2006, 23:05

Hi guys, i've recently started having connection drops with this router, usually a few times a day now. When it's running it's fine, signal strength is good, and usually runs at over 48mbps, however, when it drops the connection speed in the wireless utility sats 108mbps then 250kpbs and flicks between the 2 (but both of these only show 1 "dot" of signal. ie. the lowest). I pull the power out the router, plug it back in, and strength straight back to 48mbps plus. The firmware is latest version.

Any idea?

cybernetic_tiger · 03-09-2006, 08:31

Had you updated the firmware before the problems began?

pk1209 · 03-09-2006, 12:48

I'd been running the latest firmware for a couple months with no problems. I've changed the mode to g and b from 108 auto and changed the channel to see if that helps.

cybernetic_tiger · 03-09-2006, 12:59

Try a wired connection when the wireless drops to see if the whole router is locking up, also try with another computer / laptop to try to eliminate the PC as the issue.

pk1209 · 03-09-2006, 13:10

Wired connection is tricky, but I do have another laptop, so i'll check with that.

ADd · 04-09-2006, 18:53

http://www.overclockers.com/tips1164/

Quote:

It seems like I hit a nerve - if you have a WiFi PCMCIA card that drives you nuts as it connects/disconnects with annoying frequency, you're not alone! It's not particular to one brand but rather an endemic Windows XP/2000 issue. Readers alerted me to a few articles that are MUST reads if this is a problem for you.

Readers responded with a variety of fixes, although it seems as if the most likely culprit is the Windows Zero Configuration Service in Windows XP (more extensive Microsoft documentation HERE.) This service "configures the wireless network adapter to connect to an available wireless network" and provides automatic configuration for 802.11 adapters.

Loads of links on the page with extra info, tried it on a friends pc - and worked like a dream - this is what I did:

Quote:

The most common problem that I've seen (and struggled with for a long time) has to do with Wireless Zero Configuration (WCZ) in some circumstances. Unfortunately this applies to XP only. The symptom is the computer will get the wireless connection, the drop it, then get it, then drop it, etc. Sometimes it's fast (30 seconds between each part), sometimes it drops and reconnects instantly and stays connected for 15 minutes. No matter what it's a major pain.

If your wireless network doesn't broadcast it's SSID and another nearby one does, then Windows will try to connect to that other nearby one, then it reconnects to yours. This is a "feature", and many people are hoping it's fixed in the next service pack. There are two solutions: Make your network broadcast its SSID, or turn off WZC.

To turn off WZC, get connected to the network, then stop the service and set it to manual in the services control panel thing of the Microsoft Management Console. It will stay connected and configured to the network it was attached to and the problem will go away. The other option is to use a 3rd party program to configure wireless settings (like the one your card vendor gave you). If you want to switch networks, you have to re-enable WZC.

It's all a big pain and it happens with more than just Netgear equipment (I've had the problem with my Linksys card too). If this is your problem, this is your solution. There was a blurb on Ars Technica a month or more ago about this. I struggled for this a long time until I found the answer on an obscure forum after a Google search. I really REALLY hope MS fixes this in the next release - it causes many people many headaches."

Hope that helps, need more info let me know

pk1209 · 04-09-2006, 19:05

Sounds promising.. thanks a lot!

OK.. have gone in and "stopped" the service.. let's wait and see.

ADd · 04-09-2006, 19:29

Don't forget you have to set the service to manual instead of automatic. To do this click Start>>>Run
type services.msc
scroll down to the Windows zero Configuration service right click, select properties
There is a drop down box next to start-up type, click on the arrow and select manual - ensure you are connected to your network whilst doing this else windows will be unaware what connection you wish it to stay with.

Then click OK

This will stop WZC searching for networks all the time, incientally if you do loose your connection after switching your pc off, you may have to repeat this process.

pk1209 · 04-09-2006, 21:23

Ok cheers.

pk1209 · 14-09-2006, 18:54

Hi folks,

Stopping WZC and switching start up to manual stabilised my connection nicely, but presented a new and rather annoying problem. With WZC stopped and start up on manual, my machine boots up in an odd manner... it loads about 5 progs into the sys tray, then stops for about a minute and a half before it loads the rest.. including (crucially) the netgear wireless utility. So it means I have to sit and look at my desktop for about 2 mins before I can even get on the net. I can't figure out what's going on, but if i switch WZC back on, hey presto no problem at start up, but less stable connection.

Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks