hi,
im using a d-link wireless 802.11b USB adaptor as part of my home network. i also have a pcmcia version in my laptop. the problem is, the pc with the USB adaptor disconnects VERY often, around every 10 minutes briefly, then it reconnects. i never have this problem on my laptop however. the pc is downstairs, while the router and laptop are upstairs. is the distance causing the disconnections? i was thinking of buying a PCI adaptor to replace the USB one. will that help at all?

thanks for any help
brian

Hi Brian,
Is there a difference in the signal strength on the PC downstairs vs. the laptop? Bring the laptop downstairs and see if it drops too. If your signal strength from the WAP is not very good then any disruption to the signal will cause it to drop. Typically in the house you are fighting the venting ducts for signal interference. I've seen my signal change from medium to poor and back while sitting at one spot. Go to another location in my house and I get "excellent" reception. Could be the USB adapter doesn't drive as hot as your pcmcia. Could be moving the USB around will generate a better signal. You could move the WAP to another location to see if that improves the signal reception downstairs. If all else fails, run a cable from the PC downstairs up to your network equipment. What's a couple extra holes int eh wall anyway. But I guess that's why we're going wireless in the first place.

~DB

well thats one thing that confuses me...both the laptop and the pc with USB adaptor have good signal strengths, often excellent signal strengths (the green bars are full). the USB adaptor just tends to disconnect completely, at random it seems. all the green bars turn white, and network connection is lost. now im wondering if the USB adaptor is just poor quality, and if replacing it with a PCI version will help?

i had the same problem a while back with a USB internet connection an opted to use a network card instead as these are dedicated for networking as opposed to hot swapable USB ports.if i were u i do as u suggest an buy a wireless card for one of your expansion ports.(PCI) it will work much better n more than likely will not disconnect

ok thanks, i will look out for a well-priced pci card if it will really fix it.

u can pick em up for nxt to nothing.to be honest anyone will do.try dabs.com or ebuyer.com for a goold deal.