Chapter 5: Troubleshooting 29
This section will help you solve common issues that might occur while you are using
your local area network (LAN) or Internet connection.
I can’t stay connected to my wireless network.
If you are running the Windows XP operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1), you
might lose connection to your wireless network every 3 to 5 minutes. This can be
caused by incorrect wireless network security settings. To solve this problem, you need
to disable 802.1x authentication on your wireless network, as described below.
To disable 802.1x authentication in Windows XP
1. Click Start, point to Connect To, click Show all connections, and then double-click
your wireless network.
2. On the General tab, click Properties.
3. Click the Wireless Networks tab.
4. Under Preferred Networks, click your home network, and then click Properties.
5. Click the Authentication tab, and then click to clear the Enable IEEE 802.1x
authentication for this network check box, if it is selected.
6. If you cannot click this check box, then you are not using 802.1x authentication or
wireless security.
Note The security setting (such as a WEP key) that is used by your network adapter must
match the security setting that is used by your base station, router, or gateway.
I can’t access the Internet from a computer on my wireless network.
The following troubleshooting steps will help you track down and solve the problem.
OMake sure that the rest of your network is functioning correctly. Verify that you
can access the Internet from other wireless and Ethernet computers on your
network. If other computers also cannot access the Internet, the problem might be
with your base station, modem, or Internet service provider (ISP).
One other common cause of Internet connection problems is disconnected cabling.
If the rest of your network is having problems, first check the cables between your
computers and the base station or modem for loose connections or disconnected
wires. Check the cables between the base station and the broadband modem. Verify
that you are using the correct cables, that all cables are firmly attached, and that all status
lights on the network devices indicate that your connections are functioning properly.
OCheck for range or interference issues. You might be out of range of the wireless
base station or access point. If your computer is located near the outer limit of your
wireless network, place the computer with the wireless adapter in the same room
as your base station and try connecting again. If you can connect to the wireless
network, you might previously have been out of range. If your computer is under
your desk or in a tight space, try moving the computer away from the wall and
readjusting the antenna on the PCI adapter.