burlmart wrote:
Time tells all...I can state the problem more simply now:
Desktop has XP and a linksys adapter, laptop has XP and Realtek adapter, and they both very often cannot connect to the router 30 ft away, even though signal strenght is 54Mbps very good.
Howeverm the laptop can be placed next to the router and still not connect. Unplug/plug router power, instant connec on both machinest.
Is wrt54g2 going bad?
There is no way of know short of borrowing a KNOW GOOD router or access point or just buying a new one. :S
I would have thought you would have put up the white flag by now and buried the wireless scheme :h
There are so many variables here, your wireless OPERATES in the 2.4ghz band, this band is used by MANY other devices like BLUE TOOTH (cell phones and smart devices like tablets included), CORDLESS PHONES, RF REMOTE CONTROLS, MICROWAVE OVENS. Not to mention can be interfered with by a lot of other devices like COMPUTERS themselves (processor bus speeds).
You stated that there is THREE WALLS in between, the walls WILL drastically affect the signal strength. But wireless signal strength is only one aspect of having it work, other RF noise combined with the WALLS in between can affect how well it works.
If you think your router/AP is bad, then go and buy a new one, worst you will be out is $80 or so, same with the USB wireless card...
