My wireless network at home cuts out occasionally. Am I using an outdated wireless card, or is it breaking?

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Bojangle12

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Feb 10, 2014
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Occasionally when I'm playing a game or browsing websites the wireless signal drops dramatically, or just cuts out completely. It can last for minutes, and most of the time I restart my computer and it works.

The wireless adapter is a Linksys WMP600N Dual-Band Wireless-N PCI Adapter. It's pretty old, like 6+ years old. I was thinking there might be newer technology out there for a faster wireless connection, or maybe the card is just breaking and that's why it doesn't work well.

Product page:
http://www.linksys.com/us/support-product?pid=01t80000003K7apAAC

Can anyone tell me if there is newer technology, or if this card is just broken?
 
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Pooneil

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The first step in addressing intermittent wifi problems is to update the hardware driver. Download the latest one from the hardware manufacturer's web site. Don't rely on Windows update to get the right one, as that may be the cause of the problem in the first place.

Also PCI wifi cards are sensitive to the placement of the grounded RF shielding of the computer case. Make sure the case is not between the antennas and the access point.


Wifi adapters are relatively cheap, making replacement an option to potentially lengthy device troubleshooting. If you prefer, buy a new adapter and see if it solves the problem. Buy from a local store with a customer friendly return policy when you have time to install and test during the return period. If it doesn’t improve the situation, then return the hardware. That is just what the policy is there for.
 
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Bojangle12

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The guy at the store said a USB adapter is best. They're faster and more popular, and they didn't even sell wireless PCI cards. Maybe I'll get one if the problem persists.

But I have a wireless network extender in the house, and I connected to that instead of to the wireless router. Seems to be doing well.
 
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Pooneil

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Glad its working for you, Wireless extenders have a reputation for causing long ping times that can interfere with gaming. If lags in gaming become a problem, you might look for another solution.
 
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jsmithepa

jsmithepa

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He recommends USB adapters because they don't sell the other kind? Who told you they are faster? How do you stick an antenna to those USB dongles if you want to? They are popular because it's the lazy choice.
 
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Bojangle12

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I was thinking they don't sell the other kind because they're outdated and slower. Can you send me to a site that has more info, or maybe to the place you got your info from?

Edit: read an article. PCI cards are better because they have antennas. USB adapters dont have as strong of a connection and/or as strong of a range. I guess they're there for convenience and such. Like laptops moving around a house. They're not for stationary gaming desktops.

Command line:
Requesting more information on .11a/b/g/n protocols. What do the different letters mean? Which is best?
 
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Pooneil

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PCI cards can be significantly better, particularity in marginal circumstances. The main caveat is to make sure the computer case is not between the card antennas and the access point. USB cards have the benefit of flexible placement, for instance they can be in a hub some distance from the computer that is better positioned. Only you can determine which is better for your situation. My favorite for marginal situations is to use a client bridge, which combines the best of both. But that is more expensive.

.11a/b/g/n protocols. What do the different letters mean? Which is best?
Click to expand...
As the letters get "larger" the speed get faster. b<g<n
 
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