Wireless

phil999_2

in my experience belkin are the worst. I would recommed netgear or dlink. Another option is a usb wireless key (its a usb key but connects you to wireless networks). Have you tried the latest driver? What os are you on?

gizmoleeds

I've only had wireless a couple of months, but have never had any problems... :j

I have a linksys router and a built in card.

welshman10

I'm really struggling with mine.

I have a Linksys HG200 Router on my desktop, which I use to connect to the Internet. I have a Belkin Wireless-G Network Card in my Toshiba Satellite A20 laptop. The laptop sees the router in the list of Wireless Devices within range but I cannot get the 2 to connect, so am unable to browse the Internet on the laptop or share files and printer.

I got through to the Linksys live help and the Agent said "I am not skilled with this particular router. I will have to pass your case onto a level 2 technician". He came back saying none were available and to try again later. That was 2 weeks ago mind, I haven't been arsed to try again since.

Posted here on the off chance

tomstickland

So, are Belkin well known for being problematic?

Have you tried the latest driver? What os are you on

Driver came with the card, bought new 2 weeks ago.
OS is windows XP, how can I check which edition?

Problem file is RT2500.sys (or similar).

Tharweb

I have a Netgear DG834G. When running the firmware it came with, the WLAN would drop every few hours. I solved this by downloading a beta firmware. There is a non-beta later version now available but "if it's not broke..."

The main problem I had was with my Centrino laptop's wireless card, an Intel PRO Wireless 2200BG. The laptop would find my network but would drop then reconnect then drop, basically it was unusable. I delved around a bit and found a notebook forum where loads of others were reporting similar problems with the same card. Several driver upgrades later it now works perfectly (well almost!)

tigermatt

tomstickland wrote:

So, are Belkin well known for being problematic?


Driver came with the card, bought new 2 weeks ago.
OS is windows XP, how can I check which edition?

Problem file is RT2500.sys (or similar).

I have seen Belkin kit before and it does seem a little unreliable.

I would recommend Netgear because I have never had a major problem with their equipment - of course, there is the odd glitch as with anything :rolleyes:, but they aren't as bad as Belkin kit.

eBuyer are offering a Netgear PCI card to go inside your PC (speed: 802.11g) for £28.52 inc. VAT. http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=50127

They are also offering a USB Adaptor (also Netgear) at a speed of 802.11g for £28.19 inc. VAT. http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=14275715554&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=60014

Personally, I would go for the PCI card because it doesn't get in the way like a USB Adaptor does by sticking out the back by miles. However, the USB Adaptor is useful when you don't want to open your PC or you need to take it out and perhaps change it or something a lot.

I wouldn't recommend the cheap eBuyer stuff either because it doesn't usually come with an instruction manual (and if it does it isn't very well written, and it doesn't say as much as the Netgear manuals) and the drivers and software can be poor and hard to install/use.

tigermatt

tomstickland

I've got about 5 spare PCI slots, so no problem there. I'll probably sell my current card on Ebay.

tigermatt

tomstickland wrote:

I'll probably sell my current card on Ebay.

Yes - that is a very good idea! The Belkin kit I have seen is such a pain to use. tigermatt

wolfman

tomstickland wrote:

So, are Belkin well known for being problematic?

I wouldn't pigeon hole all of Belkin's products. There Pre-N is very impressive although doesn't have an inbuilt modem (I think). One of my old housemates has one and it's very impressive. Was recommended in a July PC Pro Labs test too.

Same as I wouldn't say all of Netgear are totally reliable. They have in the past been very good, but their most recent range isn't their best.

You should look at a specific model rather than a single manufacturer.

Fifer

Personally, I would go for the PCI card because it doesn't get in the way like a USB Adaptor does by sticking out the back by miles. However, the USB Adaptor is useful when you don't want to open your PC or you need to take it out and perhaps change it or something a lot.

I agree, although a USB adapter has one other major advantage which is that you can raise it (and it's built in antenna) above the PC case using a USB cable. The PC case can screen out a considerable amount of RF energy when the antenna is stuck down the back. Some PCI cards (but not all) come with an antenna extension lead, or you can buy one or a leaded high-gain antenna if you have signal problems. I improved the signal strength on my network signifintly by replacing the supplied antenna with a £10 higher gain one which had a built in extension lead.