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rj2

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Wireless access point question

I have had some problems with 3Com wireless access point lately. Some users can connect to the access point without problems, some can't connect at all, some can connect sometimes but sometimes loose connection after a while etc. This is small office, only 12 people. The laptops are all Dell.

I don't think someone is trying to hack the access point, or at least when I enter the user list on the admin page on the 3Com admin web page there are only familiar MAC addresses.
The network is not open (does not broandcat ssid, and have a WEP key)

What can I do to troubleshoot this issue?

I have some experience with IOS from administrating a Cisco router.
Cisco 802.11g access point (like Cisco AP1100) are more expensive than other brands.
It it worth it buying Cisco for wireless access points and why/why not?
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ilwckb252

Are all of your wireless clients using the same brand/model of interface card?
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Chris Staunton
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What model number is the 3com access point.  There was a problem with the G radio on some of the 3com 8250 ap's.  How old is the AP.  I have experience with the 7250, 8000, 8250, 2750 (Managed AP), and the 3com wireless controller wx4400.  But I have to disagree with Chris Avaya takes the cake in stability when it comes to wireless.

Andy
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I do agree with the others in that you might want to consider other ways to secure your network instead of using wep.  If more security then mac filtering is needed consider using a gateway that users would have to authenticate thru in order to get access out and allow the gateway to control dhcp.   But as far as using Cisco wireless equipment in my opinion the cost of the equipment does not equal the benefits.  Don’t get me wrong, I would buy a Cisco Pix before any other firewall, but Cisco’s cost outweigh there benefits in other markets.  HP makes a great line of switches, Alcatel makes a great router, and Avaya makes an incredible wireless AP. So rj2 there are other options to choose from that in my opinion are a better the pricey route of Cisco.      

Andy
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Thanks, I will first try to upgrade firmware and enable MAC filtering and see if that helps.

The 3Com access point is approx a year old and is called 3Com 3CRWE454G72
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/detail.jsp?tab=features&pathtype=purchase&sku=3CRWE454G72

There are different access cards in the laptops. One of the the wireless card that can't connect at all to it is Intel Pro/Wireless 2915ABG. One that works is Dell Wireless 1450 Dual Band WLAN Mini-PCI Card.
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It was the same value (11) for both AP and client card.
I tried to change from 11 to 9 on both AP and client card also, but it did not help.
Did you try firmware upgrades? Contact Dell about the issue? Any progress on those items?