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Troubleshooting

signal is too weak; as a rule, slower transmission rates are more stable. Experiment with different connection rates until you find the best one for your environment; note that all available transmission rates should be acceptable for browsing the Internet. For more assistance, see your wireless card's literature.

Why are there two wireless utilities in my system tray? Which one should I use?

There are several features and advantages to using the WNU over the Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration utility. We offer a site survey, detailed link information, and adapter diagnosis, to name a few.

It’s essential to know which utility is managing your adapter. We recommend using the WNU.

To use the WNU:

1Right-click on the network status icon in the system tray and select View Available Wireless Networks.

2Click Advanced in the lower left-hand corner of the Available Wireless Networks window.

3From the Advanced tab, uncheck Use Windows to configure my wireless network. After the box is unchecked, click OK to close the window.

You are now using the WNU to configure the network adapter.

What's the difference between 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, and 802.11n?

Currently there are four levels of wireless networking standards, which transmit data at very different maximum speeds. Each is based on the designation for certifying network standards. The most common wireless networking standard, 802.11b, transmits information at 11 Mbps; 802.11a and 802.11g work at 54 Mbps; and Pre-N works at 108 Mbps. The 802.11n release promises speeds that exceed 802.11g, and up to twice the wireless coverage area. See the following chart for more detailed information.

Wireless

802.11b

802.11g

802.11a

802.11n

Technology

 

 

 

 

Speed

11Mbps

54Mbps

54Mbps

600% faster than

 

 

 

standard 802.11g*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common household

Common household

5GHz- uncrowded

Common household

 

devices such as

devices such as

band

devices such as

Frequency

cordless phones and

cordless phones and

 

cordless phones and

microwave ovens

microwave ovens

 

microwave ovens

 

may interfere with

may interfere with

 

may interfere with

 

the unlicensed band

the unlicensed band

 

the unlicensed band

 

2.4GHz

2.4GHz

 

2.4GHz

 

 

 

 

 

Compatibility

Compatible with

Compatible with

Incompatible with

Compatible with

 

802.11g

802.11b

802.11b or 802.11g

802.11g or 802.11b