Networking Gurus please advise >>

I was using a linksys WMP600N wirelessN pci adpater on my PC running winXP and I could get a solid 270Mbps connection always. Recently I build a PC running Win 7 and reinstalled the WMP600N. Then all hell broke loose. Windows will only connect at a Max 54Mbps and then randomly the connection speed will go down 54->48->24->1Mbps. sometimes to almost 0. I have updated all available software versions possible. Linksys tech support couldn't help after wasting quite a few many days. What is going on? I have attached a screen shot of my Device Manager window. Please advise.

tapsemi said:

I was using a linksys WMP600N wirelessN pci adpater on my PC running winXP and I could get a solid 270Mbps connection always. Recently I build a PC running Win 7 and reinstalled the WMP600N. Then all hell broke loose. Windows will only connect at a Max 54Mbps and then randomly the connection speed will go down 54->48->24->1Mbps. sometimes to almost 0. I have updated all available software versions possible. Linksys tech support couldn't help after wasting quite a few many days. What is going on? I have attached a screen shot of my Device Manager window. Please advise.

Frist, I wonder if xp can recognize "N" routers. they may only have drivers for 54Mbs. whats the date of the driver??

Second have you tried changing the router channel to avoid interference from local devices?


Ken J

Yes I have changed channels, changed SSID, etc. I am using a Linksys WRT160Nv3 router. I think there is something happening in Windows 7 that is creating trouble.

Well initially I did't do any changes in router. After I had this problem consistently, I upgraded the dd-wrt software on my router, reset it to factory defaults and then again configured its wireless settings. I still have the issue. My router is always set as mixed gn mode, since my laptop is wirelessG. No trouble with the laptop connection. Hence I don't think there is any issue with the router, it may be some in Win 7. Also if you see in the original picture of my device manager, there is this weird Microsoft Virtual WIFI Miniport Adapter. What is that? I tried disabling/uninstalling it, but it keeps coming back every time I reboot my PC.

If you're using either WEP or TKIP security, that may be causing the problem. The current WIFI Alliance Draft N standards do no permit either WEP or TKIP security protocols in the High Throughput mode (HT Mode). Change to WPA or WPA2.

Microsoft does have a WIN7x32 driver which doesn't implement the above (as the standards keep changing). I believe it's a generic driver "802.11n Wireless LAN Card" driver. I believe the driver version is 3.0.0.41. (Since it's NOT 100% compliant with some of the standards, you'll probably get your 240 or 270 Mbps, but be aware that both WEP and TKIP HAVE BEEN CRACKED and as of now are not considered secure.