Resolved: Windows 7 Wireless-N connectivity issue

Resolved: Windows 7 Wireless-N connectivity issue

My old Dell Inspiron E1505 laptop has been chugging along nicely for the last three years, being subject to a hand full of upgrades in the process. I’ve already burned through three batteries, two hard drives, and one memory stick, but overall it’s been the most reliable laptop I’ve owned in the last decade.

Despite its seemingly antiquated technology, my computing needs haven’t exceeded its capabilities. My most recent hardware upgrade to Wireless-N, coincidentally timed with a software upgrade to Windows 7, left me with intermittent wireless connectivity to the point of ridiculous frustration. Luckily, I was able to eliminate my upgrades as the culprits after being connected error-free to a neighboring router without issue.

My Linksys WRT600N dual band wireless-N gigabit router with storage link was the only thing left to test. The router wasn’t cheap; I was concerned I’d have to replace it until I found the following information:

If you’re using an 802.11N router, there might be issues with WPA-TKIP security. [Apparently] the final version of 802.11N dropped support for WPA-TKIP. [Switch to] WPA2-AES.

This worked flawlessly for me and I’ve had uninterrupted wireless connectivity since I made the change.

Implementing the change was hassle free, if you know your way around your own wireless network. If some cable company d-bag set it up, or, God forbid, Best Buy’s Geek Squad, you’re SOL.

ShareThis

7 Responses to “Resolved: Windows 7 Wireless-N connectivity issue”

  1. Sgt Pierce says:

    Why wouldn’t you use WPA2 from the begining? It’s easier to setup, and easier to get new computers online with the simple passwords you can create as opposed to the 16-24 character jumbled mess they give you otherwise.

    BTW…PLEASE tell me you didn’t have to call Geek Squad to setup your router. You must be better than THAT…

    • Jayme says:

      The default was WPA2, and it configured with no problems before Win7.

      And I’ve never used Geek Squad, so cut me some slack.

      • Sgt Pierce says:

        Good to hear! How is everything going down there? When you heading back to the operating forces? Is SSgt Lilly heading up here soon? I heard hes hitting up Staff Academy sometime this month.

  2. Bruce says:

    Why wouldn’t you use WPA2 from the begining? It’s easier to setup, and easier to get new computers online with the simple passwords you can create as opposed to the 16-24 character jumbled mess they give you otherwise.

    BTW…PLEASE tell me you didn’t have to call Geek Squad to setup your router. You must be better than THAT…

    • Jayme says:

      Truth be told, I didn’t know the difference. And no, I’ve NEVER taken anything to Geek Squad. I’d rather vomit blood out of my eyes.

      • eMazin says:

        Why not trying restrict access by MAC ADDRESS (sorry if this is too advanced) but at the end you wouldnt have to setup a WEP2 password. Only those clients (computers) that match the MAC Address on your list will be allowed to connect.

        my theory is… [if you have a password, people can try to brute force into it (or try to break the password)… if there is no password there is nothing to try…

        google: Wi-Fi Tip – Enable MAC Address Filtering

Leave a Reply

  1. August 29th

    1. its a good thing we left the bar when we did, because I was either going to grind on a random or kick someone's ass. [jaymekohler]

      05:49 via Twitter

  2. August 28th

    1. Going home to the great state of North Dakota for a few days. You betcha! [jaymekohler]

      14:29 via Twitter

  3. August 27th

    1. Damn you, Worm:Win32/Nuqel.H. You got me. [jaymekohler]

      19:50 via Twitter

  4. August 26th

    1. To celebrate women's equality day, I've decided to allow women to buy me nice things and pay for dates. This offer is indefinite. [jaymekohler]

      15:30 via Twitter

    2. Dear haironmyback: If you could help out haironmyhead, that would be great. [jaymekohler]

      10:31 via Twitter

  5. August 25th

    1. Just saw ND on Fox news. We have the lowest unemployment in the country and highest economic growth in the last decade. Screw you recession! [jaymekohler]

      16:27 via Twitter

    2. I just got Rick Rolled. It's my first time. [jaymekohler]

      08:07 via Twitter

  6. August 24th

    1. Progress photos of car PC on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/27echlt [jaymekohler]

      01:39 via Twitter

    2. Soldering necessary connections to harness. My work bench is a bit messy. - http://fon.gs/uunpup [jaymekohler]

      23:20 via Twitter

  7. August 23rd

    1. Holy nuts, my car PC case doesn\'t fit under the seat like I had planned. This is a bit embarrassing... - http://fon.gs/knc5cs [jaymekohler]

      23:17 via Twitter

    Upstream

  • Jayme on Resolved: Windows 7 Wireless-N connectivity issue: I’ve actually done that in the past. I guess I didn’t see the reason to…
  • eMazin on Resolved: Windows 7 Wireless-N connectivity issue: Why not trying restrict access by MAC ADDRESS (sorry if this is too advanced) but…
  • Laurie LCMNSMOM on My Dad: Well, I’m not surprised about your writings. You, again brought tears to my eyes! God…
  • Alicia on My Dad: Happy Birthday to your dad! And Happy Father’s Day to him… It seems that…
  • Jayme on Recruit survival guide (politically correct remix): I should write one! My “advice” was blown on recruit parents forums. I doubt anyone…
  • Jayme on AAC vs. mp3 vs. mp3Pro: And with today’s storage capacity, 192 will never be an issue. I’ve even been contemplation…
  • Jayme on Resolved: Windows 7 Wireless-N connectivity issue: Truth be told, I didn’t know the difference. And no, I’ve NEVER taken anything to…
  • Bruce on Resolved: Windows 7 Wireless-N connectivity issue: Why wouldn’t you use WPA2 from the begining? It’s easier to setup, and easier…
  • Gonzalo Sanz on Confused Marine debuts hybrid service uniform: This guys went to his new unite from MOS. he went to school at Camp…
  • Gordie on AAC vs. mp3 vs. mp3Pro: Hey, just wanted to thank you for writing this article. I owned a sony cd…
  • Karen Sanford on Recruit survival guide (politically correct remix): Wish I had read this before my son had graduated PI. Have you done one…
  • Jayme on Confused Marine debuts hybrid service uniform: Its a shame there are ass monkeys out there giving bum scoop to new Marines….
  • Joseph on Confused Marine debuts hybrid service uniform: Yes he is a Marine but its funny reading every thing about the picture and…
  • Jayme on 2009 Eastern Division [rifle and pistol] Matches results: Not in mine. There’s nothing to submit. No paperwork. Just an engraved medal….
  • jeremiah on 2009 Eastern Division [rifle and pistol] Matches results: Do your medals go in your BIR or under awards in 3270? I just got…
  • LCpl Felix on Confused Marine debuts hybrid service uniform: He was trying to start a new trend with the “Chalfas”, i mean it looks…
  • owdachwq on Confused Marine debuts hybrid service uniform: ha you all are funny and you all shoudnt be talking if you dont even…
  • Christy on Three essential (and free!) apps you need right now: Haha I know but we have applications that we use that’s not compatible with Chrome…
  • Jayme on Three essential (and free!) apps you need right now: Conformists! Time to educate them….
  • Christy on Three essential (and free!) apps you need right now: I work for Verizon Telecom IT down here in Florida, in their internal helpdesk. :)…
  • The author.Born in the year of the Dragon, the author grudgingly accepts the fact he has too many interests and not enough time. A cyclist as long as he can remember, an avid yet inconsistent writer since age eleven, and a U.S. Marine since age twenty-one, the author also adds web design, snowboarding, and motorcycles to his list of interests. Incidentally, he is aware of his inability to make a living from any but the Corps. The author accepts this as fact and remains optimistic. Feel free to drop him a line.