[Al_Vampyre]

Wasn't sure whether to post this one in Laptops or here if it needs moved I'm sure one of our lovely mods will take care of it...

OK, here's the issue, I have a Netgear wireless router in my flat (apartment for all you across the pond) and a Toshiba Tecra A4 lappy which I can't muck around with too much because its my work one not my personal one. If I wire it to the network its all fine and dandy no problems whatsoever. Unfortunately, if I try it wireless is doesn't even see the network!

The weird thing is I know both of my neighbours have Wireless LAN's and both of theirs show up on the list of available networks but my own doesn't. It may be a security thing but both their networks are secured and they show up. I have a Roku Soundbridge (wireless music streamer) in the house which sees the network and connects no problem but if I ask the laptop to show available wireless networks it shows everyone elses except my own!

Netgear DG834 (or similar)
WEP security (Soundbridge doesn't play with WPA at all)
Toshiba Tecra A4 Lappy (built in wireless)

Any ideas gratefully recieved because I would like to be able to work in the living room in front of the telly, without her indoors complaining about a 30m ethernet cable running from the router to the living room!!

[Tipstaff]

First question would be: have you tested, or used that wireless card before?

Now, the most common problems to look for are:

- Channels: Almost every router defaults to channels 5 or 6. Problem is that almost every manufacturer out there uses 5 or 6, and almost every person that buys a wireless router leaves it on those channels. Even though the Roku is connecting just fine it might be worth trying different channels (3 or 11) to rule out, or lower the chance that an outside signal is causing an issue.

- Manufacturers own speed enhancers: Things like SpeedBooster, Nitro, or XtremeG that some manufuacturers use can interfere with network cards from other manufacturers. If the router has this feature, yet you are not using wireless cards made by the same company, turn these features off.

- Mixed wireless networks (b/g/a): Another common problem I've been noticing, especially with Netgear routers, is that they tend to run better, or more stable if you use the same speed throughout your network. Some routers can force speeds that wireless cards connect at. As a test try forcing your network to use either b (11mbps) or g (54mbps) only (if the Roku only connects at b speed than you might want to leave your router set to that speed).

- Incompatibility: This is something that is starting to crop up a lot with wireless routers that are supplied by Internet service providers, but I've seen this in name brand routers too. The problem is pretty much specific to one brand of wireless NICs, which is Intels 2100 (b), and 2200 b/g (just a note: the 2915 a/b/g and up don't have this issue). If memory serves that Toshiba Tecra A4 comes with an Intel 2200 b/g Wireless card. It's quite possible that your router is simply incompatible with that card.

- Security: I'm not sure what type of security you have running, but it might be worth turning off any security you have such as WEP just as a test to see if there is a conflict.

Edit:

Forgot to mention, but don't forget to update the routers firmware. Usually manufacturers tend to fix compatibility issues with other companies, and so fourth, so it's always a good idea to keep the router as up to date as possible. Given that Netgear routers have an autoupdate feature it's quite possible you already have it updated to the latest firmware, however, I just thought I'd mention it anyways just incase it's not.

[temeteus82]

I fixed similar problems with my friend laptop few months ago... I solved it by removing all connections from the list. Not the list that you get when you search network the list that shows configured networks. Then I just searched new networks and it saw the right network. Hope this helps...

[Al_Vampyre]

Thanks guys, the wireless card works fine because I use it in the office all the time, I already use a non-default channel at home because of interference problems in the past but I'll check that one out...I'll give you a holler if I can't get it to work.

[H3X4D3C1M4L]

Move the router away from the wall socket and any cordless phones, that helped a friend of mine get his signal strength up 25%

[Al_Vampyre]

Sorry for not getting back to you guys, changed the channel to something below 11 and it works just fine now....Thanks for all your help