Wireless Management Software

Software, Inc. provides industry leading security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses worldwide … See all stories on this topic Google Blogs Alert for: software Wireless Management Software By chris@pirillo.com (Chris Pirillo) Chris has always taken the position that if Windows does it, it’s probably better leaving it to the operating system, rather than third party software. Chris has had some experience where some third party

Software, Inc. provides industry leading security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses worldwide … See all stories on this topic Google Blogs Alert for: software Wireless Management Software By chris@pirillo.com (Chris Pirillo) Chris has always taken the position that if Windows does it, it’s probably better leaving it to the operating system, rather than third party software. Chris has had some experience where some third party

I recently got a pair of Belkin USB adaptors for the kid’s Vista PC’s and the Belkin software (downloaded Vista drivers from their website) simply doesn’t work. Windows is the only option.

I have two different versions of nominally the same NetGear PCMCIA adapters on two notebooks.
The earlier hardware version works brilliantly with WinXP software but is a pig to connect with NetGear software.
The later version works well with NetGear software, won’t even function if WinXP software is used to configure the wireless network.

Then there are the two NetGear WAP’s, again different versions of the same basic unit.
One won’t configure properly if a web browser is used to connect direct to it but works fine using NetGear config utilities (which use the same browser!!)
The second works fine either way.

So. my opinion is try EACH of the options you have avilable, document everything as you go and THEN select the most beneficial or functional method.
No one approach will be right every time.

I have two different versions of nominally the same NetGear PCMCIA adapters on two notebooks.
The earlier hardware version works brilliantly with WinXP software but is a pig to connect with NetGear software.
The later version works well with NetGear software, won’t even function if WinXP software is used to configure the wireless network.

Then there are the two NetGear WAP’s, again different versions of the same basic unit.
One won’t configure properly if a web browser is used to connect direct to it but works fine using NetGear config utilities (which use the same browser!!)
The second works fine either way.

So. my opinion is try EACH of the options you have avilable, document everything as you go and THEN select the most beneficial or functional method.
No one approach will be right every time.

I’ve always wondered about this – I set up a number of IBM/Lenovo laptops and they come with Thinkpad Connections to manage the wired and wireless connections. It’s graphical and appears to work fine but I’ve wondered if I should just stick with the XP software.

Anyone have experience with this?

In my opinion, you have to try both and see what works best for you. In my experience, the manufacturer software is what I try first to see what’s offered and how well it performs (does it allow me to create a profile, when I flip to that profile how long does it take to get online, does it automatically detect a profile and get me on the best network, etc.). If the manufacturer software has issues or is clunky then I try the Windows solution to see how well it performs. Of course, I choose the best of the 2 and make that my default in going forward.

Note: Always go to the manufacturer web site and check on those drivers as they are constantly being updated (and so are the wireless managers). When you are performing the testing above, you want to be sure you have the latest and greatest on your gear. Of course, make backups (system restore points) before doing any of this stuff.

If you are using a wireless extender in repeater mode then windows wireless doesnt cut it.
Unfortunately due a limitation in Microsofts Wireless Zero Configuration utility. The XP utility is not capable of viewing two devices with the same SSID. Since both the Access Point/Wireless Router and Repeater are broadcasting the same SSID (must be this way for repeater mode to work), the utility does not work properly with either as it becomes confused.

You will need a 3rd party wireless utility which has the ability to connect to a repeater.

If you are using a wireless extender in repeater mode then windows wireless doesnt cut it.
Unfortunately due a limitation in Microsofts Wireless Zero Configuration utility. The XP utility is not capable of viewing two devices with the same SSID. Since both the Access Point/Wireless Router and Repeater are broadcasting the same SSID (must be this way for repeater mode to work), the utility does not work properly with either as it becomes confused.

You will need a 3rd party wireless utility which has the ability to connect to a repeater.

I agree better not to add things that are not required.

XP is solid . But Vista a nightmare