Z540 (Intel Wifi Link 5100) + WRT300N

I have the Z540 and cannot (for the life of me) connect to my Linksys WRT300N using the N-band. I'm rockin and rolling at 54mbps on the G-only, but I can't get this thing to do N.

When looking at the adapter > Configure > Advanced > Wireless Mode> there's only 6 options - none of which include "n"! Yes, there's an 802.11n Mode option towards the top, and it's on, but no dice! Can this handle 40MHz? I've tried Auto and 20MHz (on the router) and no luck.



I'm running 12.4.0.21 version of driver for the wifi link 5100, but am wondering what the world I'm doing wrong!

 

First, never assume that just because it's connecting at 54mbps that it's connected using Wireless G. Sometimes if your signal is weak enough, N will connect at lower speeds and seem like G.

The following is a procedure I've used on the HP Forums, Wiki Answers, Playstation.com and other Forums I contribute to. It's had good response. I realize some thing may be redundant, and it's for a 600N; prior to my 600N I had a 300N, and the only difference is the separate band/network ability of the 600N's Dual-Band capability.

Prior to the procedures below, go to Linksys Support, look up your Router, then download the latest firmware update. If it's the same as what you have, then download that. Linksys Support Standard Procedure for any Linksys Router problem with speed or signal begins with flashing the firmware prior to adjusting any other settings. I've added settings for your Router to match your adapter since I have the same hardware.

The following assumes you have a Linksys Single Band N Router; though these settings are from my Linksys WRT600N Dual-Band, the Admin Panel is the same, except for the extra 5ghz Band setup on mine. Just in case, I've also added the 5ghz settings. With these settings and the AGN or my Linksys WUSB600N DBN Adapter, I average better than 200mbps+, usually around 240 or 260mbps. Typically though with the AGN I rarely see above 160 - it's not as fast as the USB adapter.

The settings for the AGN adapter after these settings are matched for the Router. Your own network limitations may allow you to get higher or lower speeds - it depends entirely on your ISP, incoming signal, number of devices on the network, etc. You should read this article to understand what affects your throughput: UNDERSTANDING THROUGHPUT

On your Router:

Access the Router Admin Panel & Wireless Settings from your Browser - http://192.168.1.1/BasicWirelessSettings.htm

1. Click on the Administration link in the Admin Panel - it's on the right hand side.

2. At the very bottom, click on Backup Configurations -save the file to a convenient location on your drive. If you don't save your configuration, you'll have to setup your Router all over again if you've already made any custom changes. The flashing process restores the Router to its default configuration.

3. After backing up the configuration, click on Firmware Upgrade (top right under Administration)

4. Where it says Select a File to upgrade, browse to the update you downloaded, then start the flashing process (flash means install).

5. After the process is completed, and still under the Administration tab, click on the Management link on the left side.

6. At the bottom, click on Restore Configurations. Browse to the config.bin file you backed up earlier.

7. Check the following are enabled (check box checked) - UPnP (Plug 'n Play).

8. If you wish to have the ability to change your Router settings from your notebook via wireless connection (it's nice to have so you can reset the Router without actually going down to it), enable the following under Management also:

Web Access - Enable both HTTP and Web Utility Access via Wireless.

Remote Access - Remote Management - Enabled, Web Utility Access - HTTP, Remote Upgrade - Disabled (enable if you want remote firmware upgrade

ability), Allow Remote IP Address - Any IP Address, Remote Management Port -8080.

UPnP - UPnP - Enabled, Allow Users to Configure - Enable, Allow Users to Disable Internet Access - Disabled.

Click on "Save Settings" at the bottom of the window, and wait for the Router to complete the save. If you don't and you go to another panel, the settings will have to be done again. If you set the Remote option, all you need to do for a reset is to access it via remote, and perform the Restore operation again using the Config.bin file. If you've made changes since, make sure you save it again before the Restore or you'll lose your changes. Once you Restore the file, the Router will reset itself to the Config file settings. It's essentially the same as a POR, and works just as well. I do it sometimes when I'm working or gaming a lot and I'm too lazy to go downstairs and do a POR.

After that, click on the Wireless tab, and Basic Wireless Settings.

2.4ghz Wireless Settings

1. Network Mode: Wireless N (use Wireless N ONLY if you have all Wireless N devices on your network. If you have even one device that's not N, switch your Mode to Mixed).

2. Network Name (SSID) - Set to a unique name that you can recognize. Enable in checkbox at the bottom to broadcast. Do not use the default SSID (Linksys).

3. Radio Band - 20mhz Standard Channel

4. Wide Channel - Auto (DFS)

5. Standard Channel - Should be grayed out.

6. SSID Broadcast - Enabled
Having a unique SSID broadcasted ensures that you or your family won't accidentally connect to a neighbor's network that may have a Linksys Router, but didn't change the default SSID from "Linksys". With today's N routers and their ranges, it's easy to pick up another neighbor's network.

SETTING UP THE INTEL WI-FI AGN ADAPTER FOR A LINKSYS WIRELESS N ROUTER

If you weren't aware, the AGN adapter has its own diagnostic toolset. You can access them in the Network and Sharing window - look on the lower left column. It's titled Intel PROSet Wireless Tools. Run them to verify your adapter is working properly.

AGN Adapter Settings

There's a couple of ways to access the adapter properties:

1. Open your Control Panel, click on Network and Sharing, then Manage Wireless Networks. Click on Adapter Properties.

OR

2. Open your Device Manager, right click on the adapter, then click on Properties.

3. In the adapter Properties window, select the Advanced tab.

These settings are what I have set for my AGN adapter to run with my Linksys WRT600N DB-N Router. The adapter settings are matched with the Router settings.

Check and adjust the following settings: (

802.11n Channel Width for band 2.4ghz - Set to 20mhz.

802.11n Channel Width for band 5.2ghz - Set to Auto or disabled (if disabled is a setting) The 5.2 setting is for Dual-Band capable Routers, which of course the 300N isn't.

802.11n Mode - Set to "Enabled"

Ad Hoc Channel 802.11 b/g - 11

Ad Hoc Default Wireless Mode - I've not seen these settings, but it should be set to N or Mixed, N preferably.

AH Power Management - User choice (Mine is Disabled)

AH Quality of Service (QoS) - WMM Enabled if using QoS on the Router, Disabled if not (you should be using QoS)

Fat Channel - User choice (mine is Disabled - if you have problems still try setting it to Enabled)

Roaming Aggressiveness - Highest

Throughput Enhancement - Enabled

Transmit Power - Highest

Wireless Mode - Either 3, 4, 5, or 6 if N mode isn't enabled. When N mode is enabled, it doesn't matter as these settings are for Mixed mode or Wireless G Only settings on the Router.

Click Apply, then Okay. Restart your system and do a POR on your Router. Remember to keep it unplugged for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in. DO NOT push the Reset button or you'll reset it to factory default settings and have to reinstall the config.bin file from earlier.

Go to Network and Sharing, then remove any existing Network and Wireless profiles. Setup new ones, and connect to the Router. On the Network and Sharing window, click on Status to the right of the Connection label, then verify your network speed.

If you're still having speed issues, check for interference near your notebook or Router. Cordless phone bases, AC adapters/transformers that are within a foot or two, anything that can cause RFI or EMI is a potential interference problem.

Note too that the more cable boxes and devices you have on your broadband network, the lower your overall signal will be. Incoming signal can be quantified as an input voltage - the more devices you have, the more voltage drop you have across the circuit - standard electronics voltage/resistance theory. If you have more than two cable boxes, it's possible your incoming signal is weak to begin with. Your ISP can confirm it if you call. In cases like that, what you'd need to do is install a Line Amplifier that goes on the coax line at the input where it comes into the home. You want to get one that's AC powered, not one that's powered by the coax signal line voltage. If it's weak to begin with, it won't get boosted much. AC amps actually increase the signal like any amplifier does. You can find them at an electronics shop for around 35 bucks.

Additionally, you should know about 2 programs that Cisco/Linksys makes that are great for both Network Management and Speed monitoring. One is Network Magic Pro, the other is Speed Meter Pro. Both have full trial downloads, and if you buy them the each have 8 licenses apiece so that they may be installed on as many systems as needed. You can check both out at Linksys under the Products link. Network Magic is similar to the Router's LELA program, but has a lot more features.

I use both for different network management monitoring. SMP helps with both speed and will notify you if there's a problem with any device on the network. NMP allows you to setup sharing between systems and peripherals very easily. NMP is essentially a super version of the Linksys LELA Router management program. One feature I really like is the Network Map - it shows you at a glance your entire network, which devices/systems are currently connected or not, if there's any breaks and where they are, etc.