WRT54G ver 6 router drops all existing connections when new computer joins

Question

Hello,
I have a WRT54G version 6 Wireless router that operates fine with one exception. I generally connect to the router from one of three laptops in the house. If one laptop is connected, this existing connection drops as soon as another laptop connects to the router. The connections will automatically reconnect in a 10 seconds or so, but it dumps my VPN connection when it disconnects. I am tired of re-establishing the VPN connection everytime this happens.
Any idea why it is doing this? Better yet, how can I get it to stop?
two of the laptops use Windows XP, the third is Vista.
Thanks,
DM

Answer 1

I don't know exactly what is causing your problem, but clearly you are having some poor wireless connections.
The first thing to do would be to download and install the latest drivers for all of your computer's wireless adapters.
If you still have the problem, then try the following, more or less in order:
First of all, give your network a unique SSID. Do not use "linksys". If you are using "linksys" you may be trying to connect to your neighbor's router. Also set "SSID Broadcast" to "enabled". This will help your computer find and lock on to your router's signal.
Poor wireless connections are often caused by radio interference from other 2.4 GHz devices. This includes wireless phones, wireless baby monitors, microwave ovens, wireless mice and keyboards, wireless speakers, and your neighbor's wireless network. In rare cases, Bluetooth devices can interfere. Even some 5+ GHz phones also use the 2.4 Ghz band. Unplug these devices, and see if that corrects your problem.
In your router, try a different channel. There are 11 channels in the 2.4 GHz band. Usually channel 1, 6, or 11 works best. Check out your neighbors, and see what channel they are using. Because the channels overlap one another, try to stay at least +5 or -5 channels from your strongest neighbors. For example, if you have a strong neighbor on channel 9, try any channel 1 through 4.
Also, try to locate the router about 4 to 6 feet above the floor, in an open area. Do not locate it behind your monitor or near other computer equipment or speakers. The antenna should be vertical.
Also, in the computer, go to your wireless software, and go to "Preferred Networks" (sometimes called "Profiles" ). There are probably a few networks listed. Delete any network named "linksys". Also delete any network that you do not recognize, or that you no longer use. If your current network is not listed, enter its info (SSID, encryption (if any), and key (if any) ). Then select your current network and make it your default network, and set it to automatic login. You may need to go to "settings" to do this, or you may need to right click on your network and select "Properties" or "settings".
Some users have reported improved wireless connections by switching to WPA encryption.
If you continue to have problems, try the following:
For wireless g routers, try setting the "Transmission Rate" to 54 Mbps.
If you still have trouble, download and install the latest firmware for your router. After a firmware upgrade, you must reset the router to factory defaults, then setup the router again from scratch. If you saved a router configuration file, DO NOT use it.
Hope this helps.