Wireless Technical Query

[Wildfire]

I know the are a few techi's on here and I wondered if anyone could help with the following.

I work at a motel and guests can easily connect to the wireless. However guests that have a Vista operating system always have a problem. They can connect, surf the net for a while. But the internet will stop working. They are still connected but the internet does not load up. I know its not the wireless as people with XP etc are still using the net. Our test laptop on the front desk works fine.

The only way I can resolve this is to unplug the wireless for a minute and then afterwards Vista users can connect. However I don't like doing this as it freezes hotel check in software.

Is there any other way to help the customers connect who have vista operating system..?

[luunta]

Re: Wireless Technical Query

Throw their Vista machine out the window.

Vista drives me insane, and is a NIGHTMARE for networking.

Windows 7 isn't much better.

[aliencurv]

Re: Wireless Technical Query

lock the wireless to B if possible. i know lots of new laptops support N and of course G. But most routers can't do both, so it'll switch back and forth. You can lock it into G, but some old machines won't work that still rely on B. It's funny, but there are B wirelesses still out there.

additionally, use a wireless scan tool to see what other channels are used in your area. On the router, choose a channel that isn't in use. It might be set for AUTO right now, and that will cause problems too.

microwave ovens will affect some wireless in the G and N range. So B will gaurentee a stable connection for your customers. It wont' be super fast, but that's a good thing. Because you can think of it as QOS Bandwidth throttleing

Additionally, you will want to disable UPnP on the router, if there is an option.

Also, SPI Stateful Firewall or any Firewall options should be disabled. With lots of clients, the cpu can't keep up with stateful packet inspection.

In short, disable all of the stupid firewall/qos/upnp features that bestbuy employees use to sell routers. With a lot of clients, the router's processor can't keep up; expecially with QOS

[Kor]

Re: Wireless Technical Query

Agree the problem is probably the router not Vista, get a better one, if you are using cheap ones get some business class wireless access points.

[Wildfire]

Re: Wireless Technical Query

Wow..Thanks for the input. Much appreciated....
I'l have a look if I can make any changes...

I think I prefer luunta suggestion....its easier to implement...