Wireless card won't stop scanning for networks...

r3nu4l

I recently bought and configured this product from Peats. Everything went smoothly and I had no real problems, I can get hardwired internet connection easily and the card picks up my wireless network.

The router is the Netgear Wireless N Rangemax.
The card is a Netgear WN511B cardbus.

Now, the problem is that my wireless connection lasts less than 20 seconds. The card detects my network, I tell it to connect, hit the "Apply" button (whereupon a box appears on screen saying "Validate setting") and I'm online for about 5 seconds before the card begins scanning for networks again and dumps me out of my connection.

I'm using WPA2-PSK password protected security and enter my password when prompted to connect tot he network.

So, I have a couple of questions.
1) Is this problem caused by the scanning for networks? If so how do I stop it scanning once I've connected or how do I stop it dumping me off my network as it scans?

2) Is this problem caused by this strange "Validate Setting" box that flashes when I press "Apply" to my settings? How do I fix it?

Thanks in advance.

ST

Have you tried connecting using a different channel?
When it is scanning for networks, does it detect others?

Also try connecting with the encryption turned off.

If you can connect without encryption try a basic password/key, and test it, then if all ok something more secure.

Are you using the Netgear client or one built into windows.

Make sure the pc is only using one.

Download the latest drivers for your Netgear Card from their website. I had a similar problem once and a driver update fixed it.

nuada

I'd say the first step is to try connecting with no wep or wpa.

r3nu4l

Thanks ST - replies below...
Have you tried connecting using a different channel? huh?
When it is scanning for networks, does it detect others? Yes.

Also try connecting with the encryption turned off. I'll try that later

If you can connect without encryption try a basic password/key, and test it, then if all ok something more secure.Ok

Are you using the Netgear client or one built into windows.I used the Netgear one

Make sure the pc is only using one. How do I do that, it gave me an option and I chose Netgear, there is no other windows wireless signal icon in the taskbar, does this mean I'm only using the Netgear one?

Download the latest drivers for your Netgear Card from their website. I had a similar problem once and a driver update fixed it. I did that during the install, I've all the latest drivers.

Thanks.

ST

In your Router you should have the option to define the wireless channel it uses. Like TV and Radio, your router can transmit and receive on a number of channels.

If your neighbours are also using the same channel, it can cause interference.

You should see the channels being used by other networks when you scan.

Pick a channel as far a way from others as possible. There's 11 channels.

See this for an explanation:

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wifihomenetworking/qt/wifichannel.htm


I'm using Win2k. but I think WinXP has a wireless client built in. Although it may not be installed.

r3nu4l

Ah, I'll check the channels of the other available networks! Thanks ST, I'll let you know how I get on.

dub45

Netstumbler is a handy little free program that shows what other networks and channels are around - http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/

The 'validation process' is fairly standard for netgear.

There is a standard 'tip' on the netgear forums about disabling the zero wireless configuration:

http://forum1.netgear.com/showthread.php?t=1130

Some people there seem to be having problems with the card - might be worth posting there or try emailing the Netgear support on the main site I have found them helpful and speedy in the past.

r3nu4l

Thanks folks, problem sorted

I changed channels, no joy.
Messed around with security settings, no joy

Unistalled and reinstalled software - Hurrah! Works perfectly

So I've stopped broadcasting my SSID, added MAC filtering and am using WPA2-PSK encryption, what else should I do security-wise?

dub45

r3nu4l wrote:

Thanks folks, problem sorted

I changed channels, no joy.
Messed around with security settings, no joy

Unistalled and reinstalled software - Hurrah! Works perfectly

So I've stopped broadcasting my SSID, added MAC filtering and am using WPA2-PSK encryption, what else should I do security-wise?

Stop worrying about it now and start browsing etc and enjoying yourself:)

nuada

r3nu4l wrote:

Thanks folks, problem sorted

I changed channels, no joy.
Messed around with security settings, no joy

Unistalled and reinstalled software - Hurrah! Works perfectly

So I've stopped broadcasting my SSID, added MAC filtering and am using WPA2-PSK encryption, what else should I do security-wise?

There's not much else you can do apart from changing the wpa password frequently