Disconnecting from Vista's network by itself?,

[MadDogMcKill]

I have checked these forums and even googled the problem as well and frankly, I have found nothing like it. Two of my computers are experiencing this strange problem of Vista's network automatically disconnecting. One of my computers uses a wireless connection, the other a lan cable. The problem seems totally random. I have tried everything to solve it but nothing changes.

The thing is that in XP I had absolutely no problems with the network connection. I suspect the completely new network code in Vista is to blame but I cannot find the exact problem. I have noticed that my wireless connection, if I am lucky would stay connected for about 5 minutes. Most of the time though it stays on only for a couple of minutes

Security-wise, I use 128bit WEP encryption. The router and the wireless card that I use are both made by belkin. The router is Belkin F5D7231-4 and the desktop wireless card is F5D7000.

Anyone has any ideas regarding this?

Thanks in advance

 

[Madwand1]

Vista has had some compatibility issues with some routers. In other words, some routers have had problems supporting some of Vista's new features, which they already should have as part of general networking standards. For this sometimes the best solution is to install an updated firmware for the router. Some Belkins even take 3rd-party firmware such as DD-WRT, which is also known to resolve such problems in some cases. But you have to install such 3rd-party firmware with care, and unless you really want to go down that path, you'll probably be better off looking for support/firmware from Belkin.

I've even seen IE 7 under XP giving an old router difficulty.

Of course it's possible that the problem is not in the router in your case, but elsewhere -- e.g. some new network drivers for Vista might not be stable.

 

[MadDogMcKill]

I see... Unfortunately, the router's firmware is up to date.. or should I say it has not seen any updates for some time. So while officially it is up to date, the firmware itself is at least several months old. I would avoid trying to use a 3rd-party firmware, but if that would ultimatelly fix the problem, I do not see any other choice.

 

[Madwand1]

I think the router's worth checking out, but if you can do that non-semi-destructively, i.e. with native firmware / etc., that'd be better.

A couple of options for testing -- take out the router temporarily, and see if the problem goes away with a direct modem/net connection. If it doesn't, then obviously switching the router is not likely to be successful. If it does, then you could try another brand/model router if you like, or try the firmware substitution.

Also, if it is the router, I'd suggest getting Belkin support involved -- even if they don't have an immediate solution for you, perhaps your info will help them fix the problems down the road, and they might also have a beta firmware lurking somewhere someday for that.

 

[MadDogMcKill]

I have decided to go for a wired connection and so far, I am very happy to see that, my connection has remained very stable. No problems whatsoever. I think I will remain in a wired state since, the wires do not cause much problems neither asthetically nor practically.. just results in a cable running from one room to another.

Thanks for your help though.