MSBBN: Signal Strength Displayed in the Microsoft Broadband Network Utility Is Lower Than You Expect (812469)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Broadband Networking 10 100 Ethernet Notebook Adapter MN120
- Microsoft Broadband Networking 10 100 Ethernet PCI Adapter MN130
- Microsoft Broadband Networking 10 100 Ethernet USB Adapter MN110
SYMPTOMSWhen you try to connect your Microsoft wireless adapter to a
wireless network, the signal strength that is displayed in the Broadband
Network Utility may be lower than you expect, and may fluctuate. CAUSEThis issue may occur for several reasons, including the
following:
- The computer that you are trying to connect to the wireless
network may be too far away from the wireless hardware, base station, other
wireless adapters, or third-party wireless hardware that you are trying to
connect to .
- The use of 2.4Ghz cordless phones may interfere with the
wireless network signal.
- Radio waves and microwaves outside the home can create
interference if your network spans from building to building.
RESOLUTIONTo resolve this issue, use the following methods until the
issue is resolved. Method 1: Relocate Wireless Networking EquipmentIf your wireless adapter is out of range, relocate your wireless
network equipment so that there is the least possible distance between them. If
your wireless base station is at one end of your location, with other network
equipment between the base station and the adapter that is the longest distance
away, try to put the base station as close to the center of your location as
possible. Method 2: Locate and Remove Sources of Signal InterferenceTo locate and remove sources of signal interference, follow these
steps:
- Unplug any cordless telephone equipment that is in the
vicinity of your wireless network. If your network spans between two or more
buildings, unplug cordless telephone equipment in all locations. If this
resolves the issue, replace your wireless telephone equipment with wired
equipment.
- If your network spans between buildings, and you believe
that there is a source of external interference, try to locate the source of
the interference. If the source of the interference cannot be removed, you may
be able to work around it by relocating your wireless equipment. Experiment
with different positioning until your wireless signal strength improves.
Method 3: Reinstall the Wireless Adapter that Is Experiencing the IssueTo do so, follow these steps:
- Remove the adapter in Device Manager.
- Make sure that the adapter is plugged in if it is a USB
adapter, or that the adapter is physically present in your computer if it is a
PCI card or PC card adapter.
- Click Start, right-click My
Computer, and then click Manage.
- In the left pane of the window, click Device
Manager.
- In the right pane of the window, double-click
Network Adapters, right-click your wireless network adapter,
and then click Uninstall.
- Click OK to confirm the removal of the
device.
- Physically remove your wireless adapter.
- If you have a USB adapter, unplug the USB
cable.
- If you have a PCI or laptop adapter, remove the adapter
from your computer.
- Remove the Broadband Network Utility.
- Click Start, click Control
Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove
Programs.
- In the left pane of the window, click Change or
Remove Programs.
- In the list of currently installed programs, click
Microsoft Broadband Networking, and then click
Remove.
- Click Yes to confirm the removal, and
then restart your computer.
- Reinstall the Broadband Network Utility and wireless
networking adapter.
Note You are prompted to install your wireless networking adapter
during the Broadband Network Utility setup process. Install your adapter when
you are prompted to do so.
- Put the Broadband Network Utility installation CD in
your CD-ROM drive.
- If the setup program starts automatically, follow the
on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. If the setup
program does not start automatically, continue to the next step.
- Click Start, click My
Computer, right-click your CD-ROM drive, and then click
Explore.
- Double-click Setup.exe, and then
follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
process.
Modification Type: | Minor | Last Reviewed: | 1/7/2006 |
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Keywords: | kbprb KB812469 |
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