13 Dec 2008

my theory on my wifi disconnection problems

13 Dec 2008

My 3Com 11g AP is on auto CTS Protection Mode. CTS Protection Mode is used to keep 11b connections alive when there are tons of 11g clients connected as well. This also works across different wireless networks, with the mode kicking off if any other AP within the same channel has the mode turned on.

My Linksys WMP54G (Ralink) adaptor connects to the AP as an 11b station. It’s Wifi mode shows only two choices: 11B ONLY and 11B/G Mixed. Since my AP has protection mode on, my connection should be OK.

However, what if there’s another AP in my apartment block that has CTS Protection Mode off? Maybe this AP has tons of 11g clients too. So maybe somehow this makes my own Protection Mode useless, making my 11b connection unstable.

So now I’ve turned off CTS Protection Mode on both the AP and the client (two can play that game!), and connection has been steady so far. If it solves my connection, then yay. Otherwise, sorry neighbors. 😛

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  1. myuu December 13th, 2008 6:44PM

    It’s still crappy. Grr.

    Maybe it’s an 11n network without protection mode.

  2. myuu December 14th, 2008 3:18AM

    No wait, that doesn’t make sense cuz then all my client connections would be screwy. O.o

    It’s probably just the Ralink card being a *toot*.

  3. Ayin December 18th, 2008 4:50PM

    Will my Billion router help? 😀
    I’ve packed it up

  4. Gwin December 23rd, 2008 9:25AM

    I’m having a similar problem. My clients would just “die” after X amount of time. I have to revive the network by either changing the channels or unplugging the adapter and replugging. This usually “solves” it. It’s annoying, I run my servers off wifi due to space limitations. Imagine losing your push mail half way through the day!!

    Nothing beats lan

    If you find out why let mek now. Apparently it’s not a brand specific problem, I’ve read places with similar problems with D-Shit-Link adapters as well.

    I havent tried changnig adapters or routers, too lazy

  5. Gwin December 23rd, 2008 9:26AM

    Oh I’m using linkshits by the way
    WUSB54G and WRT54G for air stuff

  6. myuu February 16th, 2009 10:34AM

    well, replacing my WMP54G with Merv’s WUSB54G seems to have fixed things. Connection is now much more stable.

    Word is out that Belkin might be good. *shrug* Now that I’m staying at a new place I’ll probably stay wired for our primary gaming desktops. Currently using my old WRT54G, which requires me to restart it once in a while after FrostWire or torrents, but it’s not too much of a big deal.

    PS3 is on wireless, slow updates and downloads but GTA4 plays like a star. 🙂

  7. Gwin March 2nd, 2009 9:54AM

    Yay!

    I replaced my entire network with draft-n (WRVS4400). No more drop outs and the speed is much improved for most of the wifis.
    I still have a few little devices running of the WUSB54G and those devices are having problems. So there you go, old wifi technology = fail.

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