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    4965AGN WLAN: LAN Dropouts

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by traveller, Oct 10, 2007.

  1. traveller

    traveller Notebook Deity

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    Although a search brought up several "can't connect to AP" threads, I think my case hasn't been posted yet, so here goes...

    I've got a straight-forward LAN setup via a Linksys Router (WRT54GS 802.11g AP + 4-port switch) and two PCs (running XP) connected via ethernet. Finally, I can opt to connect my XPS M1330 ( VISTA) via either ethernet or WLAN.

    Surfing (incl. downloads of any size) presents no problem to the M1330 when connected via WLAN but I'm experiencing dropouts when attempting to copy files from either of my PCs. Sometimes I manage to copy a 100MB file, sometimes it drops out on a 1MB file.

    After a dropout occurs, Explorer (on the M1330) pretty much freezes. I can still "surf" during this period, indicating that my connection to the AP is still ok.

    These dropouts do not occur when I connect the M1330 via ethernet so I'm thinking it's a wireless problem. I'm using the 4965AGN drivers supplied by Dell (ver. 11.1.0.86 dated 25 Feb 07) and the connection is in "g" (54Mbit) mode. Last but not least, connection quality is 100%, "Transmit Power" parm is set (be default) to "Highest".

    Anyone else experience similar problems?

    [edit] P.S. Running the 4965AGN in max power mode with both batt. & AC (mains).
    [edit2] P.P.S. No difference with latest 11.1.1.3 drivers.
     
    traveller, Oct 10, 2007
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  2. Eleison

    Eleison Thanatos Eleison

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    Eleison, Oct 10, 2007
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  3. traveller

    traveller Notebook Deity

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    Agreed... :p

    I installed Dell's packaged Intel drivers, ver. 11.1.1.3 dated 8 Aug 07:

    Title : Network:Intel (R) Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN, Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection Driver
    Version : A05
    OEM Name : Intel
    OEM Ver : 11.1.1.3 (TIC146561)

    but as noted above, no change, unfortunately... :(
     
    traveller, Oct 10, 2007
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  4. traveller

    traveller Notebook Deity

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    Well I managed to diversify my testing by bringing the Lenovo home and it had almost as much trouble [as the M1330] with inter-LAN file transfers.

    The only difference was that the Lenovo's Windows 2000 OS recovered much more gracefully than the M1330's VISTA (2000 didn't freeze, simply took a while and then notified me that the connection to said computer was lost).

    At least that says the M1330 & it's Intel 4965AGN is not the culprit...!
     
    traveller, Oct 14, 2007
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  5. vostro1400user

    vostro1400user Notebook Deity

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    my driver for 4965 is 11.1.1.22 (8/8/2007)(R164259.EXE)
     
    vostro1400user, Oct 14, 2007
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  6. traveller

    traveller Notebook Deity

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    Yeah, that's a driver-specific ver# from the 11.1.1.3 package.
     
    traveller, Oct 14, 2007
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  7. redemtious

    redemtious Notebook Enthusiast

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    Try replacing the router if you had difficulty on a different machine. I've always had problems with linksys. I recommend D-Link.
    Or
    Change the firmware on the router to DD-WRT
     
    redemtious, Oct 14, 2007
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  8. traveller

    traveller Notebook Deity

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    Well I might just go that route since I wouldn't mind getting a draft-n capable router anyways... ;)

    However... I won't be surprised if that doesn't solve the problem since I never have dropouts with internet downloads, just PC-PC.

    No matter, I can't think of any other options, anyways... :(
     
    traveller, Oct 14, 2007
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  9. traveller

    traveller Notebook Deity

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    just for the sake of closing this thread,

    it turned out to be the Router, or to be more precise, the firmware. After a firmware upgrade* I no longer experience dropouts :)

    * I had to use the only available "U.S." version and in doing so, I lost 2 channels - but better that then those damned drop-outs any day :p
     
    traveller, Oct 30, 2007
    #9