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Cable modem and wireless router issue

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by selvarin

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A couple switched from AT&T DSL to Comcast Cable. As part of the phone/internet/TV deal they recieved a Linksys WCG200 Gateway/wireless-G router. They have the following wireless laptops:

A) HP DV9000T (A/B/G/N network cap.)
B) HP Dv2000 (A/B/G network cap.)

They could access the Internet via wireless for a few weeks, then something went haywire: dropped connections, the wireless network disappearing, very poor connectivity/range (10' max). I checked this out, there were no 2.4 ghz phones in the path between router and laptops (which at most were 20' away). At first I thought the antenna in the back was too loose and that night the range was strong/excellent--4 bars. Then it went out the next day. I researched the router and read a lot of complaints so I thought maybe the wireless chip was going bad.
So, I replaced it and had Comcast activate the other cable modem they had, using a WRT54G router that I KNEW had functioning wireless. It was trusty, tested, etc...

Well, this couple can connect to the Internet via ethernet cable straight to the cable modem. They can also connect via cable to the wireless router. But they still can't use the wireless portion. They can't even see the network to choose it except occasionally for a moment. On occasion I could see a wireless network called DigitalPath but it, too, was only momentary.

I've switched the hardware, upgraded the drivers, switched frequency range/channels on thw wireless part, etc...if the wireless signal is somehow being 'drowned out' in the 2.4 ghz range would switching to a pure N wireless help? (I guess I'm hoping that someone's seen this situation before and has dealt with it.)

And, from what I can tell, I don't see anything obvious in the area that would interfere with the signal--no nearby towers, etc. They are near a school, don't know if that matters. Also, Comcast tried fixing this issue for them as well but came up with nothing.

3 replies

by selvarin

I appreciate it, Old_Myc. I'll confirm the one laptop is a DV2000 just in case I'm wrong. One of them said the non-9000 laptop recognizes wireless networks at coffee shops, airports, etc., but I'll ask her when the last time she's tried it in such venues.

I should mention this, however. I took the (non-9000) laptop home the first time and tested it with the same wireless router they're using now. (I wanted to test it with both the one I normally use plus the spare.) It worked fine even at 50'. Perhaps it's a fluke. However, once I verify the model # I'll confirm the hardware firmware, etc...I don't think they'll want to send either in for repairs so it soudns like the next step after that would be a wireless card and test that. Thanks for your help. ;)

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