Macbook sometimes has problems connecting

Question

The brief summary is that my Macbook (white, core duo) has problems connecting to my G network when it has been on sleep mode. A restart usually fixes the issue until the computer goes to sleep again.
The G network is comprised of a Linksys WRT54GS that connects using WDS to the AirPort Express (G model). This network is used for any devices that use B/G and to share a printer. I use MAC address filtering (the lists are updated on both the AirPort Express and the Linksys routers), and security is WEP 128 (Because I could never get WPA or WPA2 to work with WDS...)
Here is what I've done to try to remedy the situation:
* Tried to remove the wireless security, and just let the MAC filtering work. This had no effect.
* Tried to remove the MAC filtering, and just let the wireless security work. This also had no effect.
* Tried to unplug the AirPort Express. _This worked, and allows the Macbook to connect everytime._
This leaves me somewhat puzzled; why would restarting the macbook allow it to connect? (this would imply the problem is with the airport express, not the macbook?), Is it more likely that it's the AirPort Express device itself or a problem with the WDS linking? (Airport Utility shows everything is fine). I use manually-assigned IPs, but could it be a problem with IP lease times?
While most computers use the Airport extreme N network (which is wired to the linksys router), all iPod touchs (5 of them), iPhones, and two PCs use the same G network and have never exhibited the same problem. I have reformatted the white macbook, deleted any airport preference files, etc., to no avail.
Any help or insight is greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Dave.
Message was edited by: Dave Luebbert

Answer 1

Dave,
Check some settings on your Macbook as follows:
Open System Preferences and click on Network so that your connections are displayed on the left of the pane.
Click the small gear shaped icon at the bottom of the connection list area
Select Set Service Order and make sure your Airport connection is at the top of the list so that it will be first in line for a connection. (If ethernet is set first now, your computer is spending time trying to find an ethernet connection before it looks for an Airport connection).
Now click on your Airport connection on the left to highlight it and click Advanced at the lower right of the pane.
Make sure that your network is at the top of the list of wireless networks so your computer won't spend time looking for other wireless networks first.
Delete any networks that you no longer need.
Make sure there is a check mark next to "Remember any networks this computer has joined"
Leave the next two boxes unchecked.
Any help?