Category: Geeks r Us
Hi.
We always have issues with the home wireless network. Always have to reset it because it gives us the limited or no connectivity message. Lately, if my computer connects to it, the rest of my family's computers wont connect. When my wireless switch is off, then my family can use the network. It seems that my computer does something weird so that they can't connect. There are anywhere from 1 computer to 4 trying to be connected. My parents don't have too much trouble when my brother and I are at school.
The second thing is, I think Skype only crashes on this same network. It had no problems when I was at hotels, and other houses. I can't imagine a wireless network causing Skype to crash
How old is the router? Some device on the network may be trying to connect with a newer protocol than the router can handle. I recently upgraded to an N-capable Netgear router cost about $65, bought it a year ago or so ... and it supports them all. The trouble is some old B/G Only routers will downgrade to B only if one of the devices on the network uses B.
Here's what I found about my wireless card.
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection, version: 12.4.1.4, and it's B/G.
The linksys router is at least 4 years old. One of the laptops is about 9 years old, and mine is 3. We also have a really old desktop that rarely gets used, and a laptop that I don't know how old. I think maybe 2 years. I'll have to find out what types of wireless they have.
Then what I said applies> Do your parents a favor and upgrade their router for sixty bucks ... lol
I just helped mine get their systems up to date this past fall, and sometimes you just gotta ... They don't have a network yet - only dial-up but I had a network card put in as well as getting them power protection ...
Those Poor parents. Don't know nothin about technology.
they think it works fine. Anyways, they are going to cansel the internet to save money, and use an IPhone 3G, and an AT And T broadband card. I'm going to be in trouble if I take an online class rather than stay on campus with no eating places open. Meanwhile, I like to have a working internet for the rest of the family, and skype for the rest of my vacation.
If you get broadband 3G I know at least Clear Wireless ships a USB 2.0 adapter which is wi fi. Basically you turn off your internal wi fi first then install the software for the USB one. Note I didn't say uninstall your internal wi fi *DON'T DO THAT!* just turn it off either hardware switch or right-click on system tray icon ... or Airport if you're using the Mac ...
Anyway these USB devices are the way to go now because 1) they're USB 2.0 and 2) 3G broadband by its definition covers a lot more area than does an individual router. No matter what you've seen on TV though, you're not going to get service from the beach lol ...
3G broadband and the like has the 5gb limit though so it may work for checking email and the like but you will brun through your limit if you want to use skype and download torents and the like.
I have the same wireless card as you (the intel 3945) in one of my laptops. I have never had your problem, but seeing that your router is four years old, I think what was mentioned here is for sure your problem :) You may be able to get a G router for a cheaper price than $60 if you want, N is still being spread in the market and I only saw a few netbooks with 802.11N wireless.