If you use the Microsoft XP operating system and are using a wireless client that that connects to a wireless router or wireless access point then the following information may be useful to you.

This section applies only to Service Packs 1 and 1a  of Windows XP.

These 2 Windows XP patches are needed for proper support of WPA security. They are not on the XP installation disc or found on XP Service Packs 1 and 1a,  and they are not part of Windows Update.

1) Windows XP Support Patch for Wi-Fi Protected Access: Q815485

2) Update for Microsoft Windows XP: KB826942

(the above 2 links list the system requirements needed)

This section applies to Service Packs 1 and 2  of Windows XP.

Here is a WPA security-related discussion from notebookforums.com. For WPA passwords using English, it is recommended to use a key of at least 29 characters containing both uppercase and lowercase.

Also, if you are using the Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) client and experiencing frequent disconnections, this link will explain why the dropped connections are by design:

Your Computer Connects to an Access Point That Broadcasts Its SSID Instead of an Access Point That Does Not Broadcast its SSID

Translation: If your wireless network is not broadcasting a SSID and there is a nearby wireless network that is broadcasting a SSID - then the WZC will drop your "no broadcast" connection and connect to the SSID that is being broadcast.

Microsoft makes its 'by design' claim because it does not want to modify the WZC at this time. Contrary to what Microsoft states in the above link, not broadcasting the SSID is a valid method of making a wireless network more secure.

The quick answer is: Don't use the WZC - use instead the utilities that came with your wireless network card.

the fine print: Someone who knows what to do and is determined to get your AP or router's SSID can send a request to it and make it transmit the SSID in its reply, even if you have the SSID disabled - in spite of your best efforts to make your wireless network secure. Turning off the SSID may frustrate the inexperienced hackers and encourage them to seek a different wireless network to access. Turning it off is one of the tools to make your network as secure as possible.

 

This section applies to Service Pack 2 of Windows XP.

Support for WPA2 is now available as a patch to Windows XP SP2.

Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) Overview

Below is the link.

The Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2)/Wireless Provisioning Services Information Element (WPS IE) update for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 is available.

Check The Wi-Fi Alliance for Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ products.

This section applies to Wireless Network Adapters, Wireless Routers and Access Points.

Other dropped connection issues:

Microwave ovens and other EMI/RFI emitting devices can affect your wireless network. Avoid locating the wireless router or access point near them - as well as your wireless PC/laptop.            (EMI = electromagnetic interference , RFI = radio frequency interference)

Do you have the current drivers installed for your wireless network adapter? Do you have the current firmware version installed in your wireless router or access point?

If your wireless network adapter goes into low-power mode when it is idle then it may drop the connection - depending upon the signal strength to your wireless router or access point. Go to the Device Manager and review the properties of your wireless network adapter. Click on the Advanced tab and scroll down to "Power Save Mode" (or the equivalent for your card) and disable it. Do the same for "Minimum Power Consumption".
Also if you have a bluetooth adapter present then also check the driver properties of your wireless network adapter for an entry for Bluetooth Collaboration (or the equivalent for your card). If the driver property is present, enable it.

Review the configuration of your wireless router or access point. Some units can change the signal strength of the transmitter. Setting the transmitter from the default to full power may be necessary to avoid dropped connections.

In some cases it may be necessary for the wireless router or access point to broadcast the SSID - in order to maintain a stable connection.

Cordless Phones (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz):

2.4 GHz phones can interfere with 802.11b/g wireless networks and 5 GHz phones can interfere with 802.11a wireless networks.

2.4 GHz phones are the more popular as they transmit a signal that approaches 1000 feet (304.5 meters).

Do you use a 2.4 GHz cordless phone? Do you live in an apartment or in a house where your neighbors are very close to you? Their 2.4 GHz cordless phones could be knocking out your connection. Try changing the channel used by your wireless router or access point.

If you use an 802.11a wireless network, the above also applies with respect to 5 GHz cordless phones.

Number of visitors to this page:

Disclaimer: The information contained on this web page may be used at your own risk. The author of this web page makes no claims or warranties to the accuracy of the information provided or the results from its use on any computer.

(Click here to report broken links on this page)
links updated on: 30 May 2006