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.
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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 computers, 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.
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…
The default was WPA2, and it configured with no problems before Win7.
And I’ve never used Geek Squad, so cut me some slack.
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.
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…
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.
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
I’ve actually done that in the past. I guess I didn’t see the reason to this time. Thanks though.