Anybody know anything about wireless networking?

[silvachris1]

Ok, heres the situation.
We've got 3 computers that we want on this network. A Gateway desktop running Windows ME, a HP laptop running XP Pro, and my Sony latop running XP Home.
We have a cable modem.
When I connect a computer directly to the cable modem I don't have any problems at all.
If I connect my new AirLink wireless router (AR315W) to the cable modem and then connect the computers to that router, things start getting weird.
I'm connecting wirelessly to the router with the Sony using an AirLink Cardbus adapter (AWLC3025).
The HP is connecting using a Motorola Cardbus.
The Gateway is connected directly to the router through one of the 4 LAN ports.
None of these connections are stable.
The duration of the connection to the router lasts a long time, but connection to the internet doesn't last for 15-30 minutes. I'll be using Internet Explorer, and then when I click a link it asks me to connect or work offline. Then I'll get booted from messenger programs, and can't check my email until I reconnect.
The Signal Strength is Excellent.
The only time connection is stable is if we set one of the computers to DMZ host. And it's only stable for that computer. However, we like being behind the firewall.
Being set to DMZ sets you outside of the router right? So it's the same as being connected directly to the cable modem, right? So, does it have something to do with sharing the connection?
It could be Windows settings, or it could be settings in the router configuration.
Does anybody have any ideas on how to fix this problem? I know somebody on here is a wireless genius, so somebody please help. It's pretty aggrivating.

[Nachius]

Does your computer hooked directly to the router have connection problems?

On the 2 wireless systems in XP are you using the normal windows configuration or the software that came with the adapters?

[silvachris1]

None of the computers will keep a steady connection, even when connected directly to the router with a cable, or with the wireless cards. The only time a connection is stable is when it's set to DMZ, and the connection is only stable for the computer that is set to DMZ host.
I'm not sure what the XP Pro system is running, but I believe it's the software that came with the Motorola card.
I know my Sony is using the software that came with the card. I've tried to configure mine to use the Windows configuration, but I couldn't get a stable connection that way either. I guess I just messed up somewhere down the line.
I called the AirLink tech support number, what a waste of time, I couldn't understand much of what he said, but he told me everything from electronic interference, to air planes flying over, to somebody else logging into my network, and even my cookies. I thought he was crazy, but oh well. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Tyler]

i'd have to say update the firmware on the router. i'd say about 90% of the time thats the case..

[bu-bye]

Ok, What is the LAN IP of you Airlink?
What are the IP's, gateway of your computers?
Are you using DHCP?

[Nachius]

Its either a problem with your router or your router config.

Also go into control panel on the XP machines, Administrative Tools, and services. Scroll down the list and stop wireless zero config, then change it to disabled. I've ran into this problem multiple times with a connection dropping off.

That still does not explain why you can't stay on with the computer connected directly unless there is a config/physical problem with the router/that computer.

[silvachris1]

Originally posted by Tyler:
i'd have to say update the firmware on the router. i'd say about 90% of the time thats the case..

I already looked into this, but they don't have any updates yet. Thanks though, I do appreciate you tryin to help.

Originally posted by bu-bye:
Ok, What is the LAN IP of you Airlink?
What are the IP's, gateway of your computers?
Are you using DHCP?

I don't know what the LAN IP address of the Router is. Not sure which number I'm looking for tell you the answer. Is that the IP address given by the cable company? The IPs on the computers are assigned by the router. The two laptops were set with a reserved IP in the router settings, the desktop was set to use DHCP I believe. Even the desktop directly connected to the router has connection problems.
I've changed the broadcast channel from 11 to 6, and I unplugged our 2.4Ghz phone, and moved the router away from other electronics. Still no cure. The longest I've stayed online now is 2 hours and 10 minutes. But it's still not all that stable. Thanks though, I appreciate it.

Originally posted by Nachius:
Its either a problem with your router or your router config.

Also go into control panel on the XP machines, Administrative Tools, and services. Scroll down the list and stop wireless zero config, then change it to disabled. I've ran into this problem multiple times with a connection dropping off.

That still does not explain why you can't stay on with the computer connected directly unless there is a config/physical problem with the router/that computer.

I tried doing this after reading the responses, but still, only stayed online about 50 minutes after that. Thanks though.

Does anybody else have any ideas, or is 1 hour all I should expect? Kinda sucks.

[silvachris1]

Uhhhh little help here?