Hi,
I hope someone can help me or even give me a clue on where to start to resolve this problem.
I have a ze4400 running WinXP SP1 with all the latest security patches from Microsoft. I purchased a WPC54G Wireless G pcmcia card from Linksys. I followed the installation instructions carefully, making sure to install the software before inserting the card. After inserting the card and powering up the notebook I am able to see my wireless basestation (a Linksys WRT54G) and even connect to it and the Internet.
What's my problem then? There are two (and I think related).
#1 The notebook sits 15 feet from the basestation. Periodically, the signal is lost and even after repeatedly "refreshing" I am unable to see the Wireless basestation SSID. I do not have a cordless phone. No microwave oven running. No other visible networks near by. Then, with as much reason, the SSID appears again and I am able to connect. Rebooting seems to make no difference.
#2 I am _only_ able to connect to the WRT54G wireless basestation when it is broadcasting on channel 1. If I change the base station to broadcast on channel 6 or 11 or anything other then 1, then I can see the SSID, but am not allowed to connect to it. No security is enabled (no WEP, WPA, etc.). The minute I change the broadcast channel back to 1 on the base station, I can connect to it from the notebook.
I have tried a different WRT54G basestation, a different WPC54G wireless card and installed the latest drivers for the WPC54G from Linksys's website. Both problems remain. Also, another laptop -- a compaq presario -- with built in wireless has no problems connecting on all channels and is able to hold a constant signal with no drop outs.
I think I have eliminated the WRT54G as the problem by the things I have done (although maybe someone can see where I have not) as well as eliminating the WPC54G (since I tried two versions of the card with the same effect).
Does anyone have any idea what could be going on here? Or a suggestion of what I might try next?
Help!
Matt
p.s. The ze4400 is able to work consistently with the WRT54G when connected with a cat5 cable.