Is zero config a good way to manage a wireless network?

[SingSing]

I have many PC and laptops at home.

I used to set all of them to zero config.

Is using Windows zero config a good ways to manage the wireless network on PC ?

Very often the PC under zero config take a while to re-connect to wifi , Any better approach ?

[redwudz]

Not sure what you mean by 'zero config'? If you mean using DHCP and letting the router assign addresses, I haven't seen much difference either way most times as it usually keeps the same addresses all the time. But I prefer fixed addresses as that does occasionally help speed up connection with some PCs and routers.

If you mean no security settings, not a good idea. Especially if you live in a area with lots of hackers.

And SingSing, in the future, please use a more descriptive title for your threads. I will change yours this time.

Moderator redwudz

EDIT: You are probably referring to this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_Zero_Configuration If so, I would probably not use it, though it may work fine. I always just install the proper drivers for my WiFi adapters and then use DHCP from the router or set up fixed addresses. Then you always should get the latest driver versions for your adapter. The OS drivers may be too generic and may be out of date.

[Poppa_Meth]

You should install the drivers and software from the manufacturer of the wireless card and see if it works better than Zero Config. It may or may not. Zero Config got a lot better with XP SP3, but is still a very basic and generic application. If the manufacturer software doesn't work any better you can always switch back easily enough.

[guns1inger]

I find that using the manufacturers drivers and zero config works best for corporate environments. Most manufacturers config software is buggy, and often doesn't fully support all the functions required for decent security.

What sort of network are you talking about ? What other security is involved ? Is this a windows server based network with radius or certificates, or just a simple home network ?

By far the best wireless networking I have used for home or corporate is in Windows 7. It is very simple to set up, connects very quickly, and holds it's connection at a good strength. Vista, on the other hand, is close to the worst. Depending on which version of which version of OS X, Macs it can range from pretty good to bloody awful, especially on a secure corporate network.

[SingSing]

I am using comcast.

If I use zero config that I don't have to remeber each wi-fi apps, on XP.

But on some laptop wifi node don't get re-connected after power back up frpm hibernation.

[lordsmurf]

Not on XP non-SP or SP1
XP SP2 or higher + newer Windows, all works fine.

[SingSing]

I am on XP pro SP2.

is SP3 relevant ?

[guns1inger]

No. SP2 is enough for this.

[Nelson37]

Each maker's configuration software is different, so there is no direct comparison. However, I have often found that the Windows config software, or Zero Config, frequently works better. it is rare that the software shipped with the device offers any real advantage over the OS software.

Windows Zero Config has the distinct advantage of being the same software, every time.

Re-connect times seem more variable to the individual unit than the particular software used. Try changing power settings so that the network card is NOT turned off during hibernation.

[SingSing]

Try changing power settings so that the network card is NOT turned off during hibernation.

That will be a real boom to me. Can you show me HOW ?

[Nelson37]

Control Panel, Networking, Right click on card, Properties, Configure, Advanced. Look for any Power settings, also Economode or other such, then disable.

Yea, Verily, I grant you this BooM.

[isogonic]

Actually i prefer the adapters software myself, lots more information about the connection. If you do use the adapters software then you should disable windows zero configuration service. Its one or the other.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/870702

[SingSing]

I went ahead and changing all my desktop wifi from usb to pci, and start with factory softwares.
All of my desk top are set to hibernate, when not in used.

After a week of trying, I have to say MS zero config work better than all factory softwares in my case.
In particular on re-connecting to the network.

I can also confirm Comcast internet customer service really suck. It is not just advertising bull.

[SingSing]

In order for my home wireless network to work, I also removed the netgear wireless router from the system. I suppose to think I am lucky, a lot of netgear wifi-g router has hardware problem, and need to be reset very often, like one or twice per day.

My netgear wireless g router only start doing that in the last two months.

I pull out the old verizon dsl wireless router, and plug in the comcast motorola cable modem. The wireless G network is now up and happy.


!! using DSL router with comcast ? !! Yes, it worked. !!

Verizon gives away Westell DSL wireless router, and these DSL router's E1 port can also configured as WAN port.

These Westell router has about 25% more wireless range, and I am very happy with it.

GO WESTELL.