Troubleshooting the Intel 3945 WiFi driver

Introduction

Recently, Windows-based laptop users may have experienced connectivity issues when using their Intel 3945 wireless card to connect to UIUCnet Wireless. Common problems include:

Lack of connectivity

Wireless radio shuts off

Poor performance

After a short period of time, laptops with the Intel 3945 WiFi driver eventually lose network connectivity, despite the network settings still showing that it is connected to the network with excellent signal strength. Attempts to disconnect in the network settings causes further problems, ultimately requiring a restart in order to reconnect successfully.

How to know if you have the Intel 3945 driver

Right-click on My Computer and select the Properties option.

In the System Properties window that appears, click on the Hardware tab. Next, click the Device Manager... button.

In the Device Manager window, scroll until you see the Network Adapters area. (This is illustrated in steps 1 and 2 of the configuration instructions PDF file.)

Susceptible network adapter(s) may be named something like "Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Wireless Connection". If any of the network adapters listed on your computer are produced by Intel and involve the number 3945, these instructions can assist you.

How to correct the problem

Meru (the University's wireless access point vendor) and Intel have discovered that if you use the newest version of the driver with all power-saving modes turned off, the network drop-offs should cease.

First, download the latest driver for your operating system from Intel.

After you've downloaded and installed the driver, configuration instructions (PDF, 109K) that will solve the problem are provided for Windows XP and Windows 2000 users.

The Wireless Service Manager for CITES is working with Meru to provide a Meru-based workaround that will be invisible to the user. Until then, please follow the configuration directions in the PDF file above.