Linksys befw 11s4 low signal when encrypted

Lancer34 · 02-10-2008, 03:37 PM

I have been using this router for a couple of years with 3 wired XP machines with not too much trouble. I just got a new laptop (Acer) with vista and have had nothing but trouble. I cannot get a good connection if I turn on encryption. I get 1 maybe 2 bars. If I turn it off and connect back I get a full signal. I tried upgrading the firmware from 1.50 to 1.52 and that fails. What are my options here? For those of you who say trash this router which
one should I get?

Thanks,

Brian

**johnwill** · 02-10-2008, 04:51 PM

You might try a hi-gain antenna. It's normal for encryption to have less range than an unencrypted signal for reasons I've never fully understood.

Hawking Tech has a number of products that will help you increase your wireless range. The root page is Hawking Hi-Gain™ WiFi Range Extending Products.

Some of the more interesting products are this Hawking [HSB2] Hi-Gain WiFi Signal Booster, which can be used on either end of a wireless connection to boost the signal power.

Another way to increase your signal strength is by the use of hi-gain antennas. You can choose from omni-directional or directional models, here are a some examples.

Hawking [HAI7SIP] Hi-Gain 7dBi Omni-Directional Antenna

Hawking [HAI15SC] Hi-Gain 15dBi Corner Antenna

[HAO14SD] Outdoor Hi-Gain 14dBi Directional Antenna Kit

Lancer34 · 02-11-2008, 09:38 AM

Here is an update. In the wireless connection box when I turn on encryption it shows ( good signal)it but at the same time I am still connected to the router via the unencypted connection. When I disconnect form it and try and connect to the encrytped one it keeps on defaulting back to the unsecured one. Talk about confusing! I am lost here.

Thanks,

Brian

**johnwill** · 02-11-2008, 05:16 PM

Remove all the stored wireless profiles and Windows won't get confused.

Lancer34 · 02-12-2008, 08:16 AM

Well I upgraded the firmware to 1.52 and now the darn thing keeps going offline and I have to keep reseting. I am having trouble finding the old firmware so it may force me to buy a new one. It sure wont be a linksys.
What brand is the next best option?

Thanks,

Brian

**johnwill** · 02-12-2008, 04:29 PM

I have a D-Link and a ZyXEL, both have worked well for me. I also have my "guest" router, an older SMC, it's still going strong as well.

02-10-2008, 03:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lancer34 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36 OS: XP	Linksys befw 11s4 low signal when encrypted I have been using this router for a couple of years with 3 wired XP machines with not too much trouble. I just got a new laptop (Acer) with vista and have had nothing but trouble. I cannot get a good connection if I turn on encryption. I get 1 maybe 2 bars. If I turn it off and connect back I get a full signal. I tried upgrading the firmware from 1.50 to 1.52 and that fails. What are my options here? For those of you who say trash this router which one should I get? Thanks, Brian

02-10-2008, 04:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,787 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Linksys befw 11s4 low signal when encrypted You might try a hi-gain antenna. It's normal for encryption to have less range than an unencrypted signal for reasons I've never fully understood. Hawking Tech has a number of products that will help you increase your wireless range. The root page is Hawking Hi-Gain™ WiFi Range Extending Products. Some of the more interesting products are this Hawking [HSB2] Hi-Gain WiFi Signal Booster, which can be used on either end of a wireless connection to boost the signal power. Another way to increase your signal strength is by the use of hi-gain antennas. You can choose from omni-directional or directional models, here are a some examples. Hawking [HAI7SIP] Hi-Gain 7dBi Omni-Directional Antenna Hawking [HAI15SC] Hi-Gain 15dBi Corner Antenna [HAO14SD] Outdoor Hi-Gain 14dBi Directional Antenna Kit __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-11-2008, 09:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
Lancer34 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36 OS: XP	Re: Linksys befw 11s4 low signal when encrypted Here is an update. In the wireless connection box when I turn on encryption it shows ( good signal)it but at the same time I am still connected to the router via the unencypted connection. When I disconnect form it and try and connect to the encrytped one it keeps on defaulting back to the unsecured one. Talk about confusing! I am lost here. Thanks, Brian

02-11-2008, 05:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,787 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Linksys befw 11s4 low signal when encrypted Remove all the stored wireless profiles and Windows won't get confused. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-12-2008, 08:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
Lancer34 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36 OS: XP	Now another issue with linksys! Well I upgraded the firmware to 1.52 and now the darn thing keeps going offline and I have to keep reseting. I am having trouble finding the old firmware so it may force me to buy a new one. It sure wont be a linksys. What brand is the next best option? Thanks, Brian

02-12-2008, 04:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,787 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Linksys befw 11s4 low signal when encrypted I have a D-Link and a ZyXEL, both have worked well for me. I also have my "guest" router, an older SMC, it's still going strong as well. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience