Inconsistent wireless connectivity

[FrauW]

Hi,
We're implementing wireless at the office and have set up the user access list etc... Two problems: 1) People who have been configured can pick up the signal but don't receive an IP address from our remote DHCP server 2) People who have been configured do pick up signal AND the IP address however upon reboot they lose the connection. This only happens with some users not all. What could be the problem? Most users are running WINXP Pro; the route I'm taking now is looking out for driver updates for the different notebook models. Is this the right direction?
-FrauW

 

[FrauW]

Anyone???

 

[JOAMON]

Check to see if the wireless access point/router has the latest firmware on it. Also which clients are not getting connection back after reboot? XP very stable on wireless but Win98 can be tempermental.....or just plain mental.

 

[FrauW]

Hmn... interesting. Could you explain what you mean by firmware? Also, we recently noticed that the Wireless monitor snap-in does not show as an option to add in the MMC. Why wouldn't it be there? Finally, beyond the IP address problem, we have our users associating to another access point in our building (which apparently is less secure) instead of going to our designated configured access point which is listed first in their preferred network list. Lots of questions I know but this thing seems 'bugged' out. All suggestions welcome!

-FrauW

 

[JOAMON]

First...what make and model wireless gear is it. Second firmware is the OS for the wireless equipment and some versions, especially with linksys, are very buggy and need to be updated. Firmware and instructions can be downloaded from the manufacturer website.

 

[FrauW]

Cisco 802.1x standard wireless cards. Wireless is infrastructure mode i.e. integrated with existing LAN using various access points (all Cisco) throughout the building. Clients are majority WINXP Pro with service pack 2. The main problem is clients picking up the other access points instead of ours (even though our signal strength is strong to excellen). We have to issue repairs very often for it to pick up our access point however once users reboot, the problem recurs.

Remember other question is what do I need to do to get to see the wireless monitor snap-in.

Thanks!

-FrauW

 

[GlenJohnson]

Do your users have any cell phones or other wireless equipment around? Do they get knocked off when the phone rings? 2.4 Ghz wireless phones can cause up to a 99% signal degridation. Phone rings, lose connection, hang up phone signal will be back.

The main problem is clients picking up the other access points instead of ours (even though our signal strength is strong to excellen).

Be very careful with having other wireless equipment around, and there has to be a reason for this. Just a thought. (Bluetooth seems not to cause connection problems because of the way it uses multiple ranges for the signals.)

Glen A. Johnson
Johnson Computer Consulting
If you're from Northern Il, Southern Wi, feel free to join Tek-Tips in Chicago IL

 

[JOAMON]

Do you have the check box de-selected in the advanced wireless connections settings to allow automatic connection to unsecure networks?