Wireless LAN Icon Synchronization problem

Leonid · Jun 28, 2004

I found synchronization problem between Icon in notification area (WLAN) and
WLAN real state. In some cases the icon shows that WLAN is disabled (media
unplugged), but actually the WLAN is working correctly at this time. As
workaround I open WLAN properties (do nothing), press OK - this will update
the icon to correct state.
Doe's anybody know how to fix this problem?

KM · Jun 29, 2004

Leonid,

It is hard to say where the problem is (you haven't mentioned WLAN card you use, AP brand, etc.).
But a few points for you to check:
- When you expect the icon is not properly refreshed, check an IP address you got (ipconfig). If ipconfig shows the media state
as disconnected, check the IP route. The "route print" command will show the interface IP address (you may also be able to ping the
IP address assigned to the NIC). If route is there, you may just happen to have the Media Sense mode disabled
(http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q239924) - check the registry value mentioned in the article at run time.
- Do you use a WLAN utility that comes with the driver install? If so, make sure it shows a proper wireless status.
- Do you see the same behavior on XP Pro machine with the same WLAN adapter and AP?
- If it works fine on XP Pro, you may spend some time and test it on XPProEmulation XPe project (www.xpefiles.com).
- Make sure to use the latest driver for your WLAN card, and, if available, update the firmware (even on AP).

Btw, I recall (but I am not positive) seeing *similar* WLAN synchronization problem on my laptop with D-link cards under XP Pro.
Could fix it with new driver version.

Leonid · Jun 29, 2004

Konstantin
Thanks for your reminder about DisableDHCPMediaSense. It may be a possible
reason for WLAN state refresh.
BTW, I'm using CISCO Aironet 350 PCMCIA card with CISCO AP. I'll also check
for new firmware and driver update.
On other side, we have 3-rd party software installed on our box that
REQUIRES DisableDHCPMediaSense.
\Leonid

KM said:
Leonid,

It is hard to say where the problem is (you haven't mentioned WLAN card you use, AP brand, etc.).
But a few points for you to check:
- When you expect the icon is not properly refreshed, check an IP

address you got (ipconfig). If ipconfig shows the media state

as disconnected, check the IP route. The "route print" command will show

the interface IP address (you may also be able to ping the

IP address assigned to the NIC). If route is there, you may just happen to

have the Media Sense mode disabled

(http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q239924) - check

the registry value mentioned in the article at run time.

- Do you use a WLAN utility that comes with the driver install? If so,

make sure it shows a proper wireless status.

- Do you see the same behavior on XP Pro machine with the same WLAN adapter and AP?
- If it works fine on XP Pro, you may spend some time and test it on

XPProEmulation XPe project (www.xpefiles.com).

- Make sure to use the latest driver for your WLAN card, and, if

available, update the firmware (even on AP).

Btw, I recall (but I am not positive) seeing *similar* WLAN

synchronization problem on my laptop with D-link cards under XP Pro.