Wireless Windows 2003 Server, is it possible??

[sujump]

Hello,
I am trying to gather some info on a wireless USB adapter issue that I am having. My issue is that I build a Windows 2003 Server and wanted to use a wireless USB adapter. The reason for this is that I had a cat5 cable running across the hallway and floor leading to the back of the server. I was trying to make the server wireless but I guess for security reasons Windows 2003 Server doesn’t let you do it. The wireless adaptor stays live for a while but then shuts off and the server is gone. I tried a couple keep alive programs that pinged the server at time intervals…but did not work. Any ideas on how I can “make” this work? Thanks in advance.

 

[G0AOZ]

Why not stick with a conventional wired network... A couple of Ethernet-over-mains adaptors will seemlessly bridge the gap across the hallway, and you have no worries about wireless security either!

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[sujump]

Thanks for the suggestion Roger, but I thought of that and I'm not really comfortable using those. I would like to go with wireless for now.

 

[max8699]

Yes you can do it I have my 2003 server connected wirelessly to the internet at home using a netgear usb adaptor. Had the same problem as you are having went to the Netgear site and downloaded drivers. although this took a bit to find.

 

[sujump]

I tried using both a linksys and an old hawking wireless usb adapter and.....yes....I thought of the driver thing too. I downloaded the drivers for both of them, installed them fine (the drivers) but that's all they really where drivers (so to speak) there was no software that actually kept the link alive. Needless to say it did not work. Still looking for solutions, any help or suggestions will be much appricated.

Thanks

 

[Lemon13]

have u tried to unmark "allow computer to disable device to save power" in the properties of the usb adapter?

 

[max8699]

Have you set the wireless Zero Configeration to run the wireless connection?


Regards
Max

 

[sujump]

Yes-on disabling the usb device power saving option. Did not work, usb still would power off and drop the connection.

No-on setting the wireless Zero Configeration.....please explain this, have never tried this. But willing to give it a shot.

Thanks again...everyone.

 

[max8699]

OK go start- admin tool- services. scroll down until you see Wireless configuration. Start the service (if not already started).
once it's started just close the services page and you should be ok to go. Providing you have installed the drivers for the adapter windows should now find wireless networks within range for you to setup and connect to.:-D
Hope that helps

Also found this on MS tech net site. Might be useful??

Q. Why is it that I get connected to a wireless network, but keep getting disconnected after three minutes?

A. When connecting to a wireless network that does not require any encryption or that requires you to manually type a network key for encryption, make sure you clear the Enable 802.1X on this connection check box on the Authentication tab of either:

• The wireless network connection in Windows XP with no service packs installed and Windows 2000 (obtain the properties of the wireless network connection in the Network Connections folder).

• The wireless network in Windows XP Service Pack 1, Windows XP Service Pack 2, and Windows Server 2003 (obtain the properties of a new or preferred wireless network on the Wireless Networks tab from the properties of the wireless network connection in the Network Connections folder).

Regards
Max

 

[sujump]

Max8699,
The setting for the wirless configuration is started automaticly and is functioning correctly. I can see any wireless network in range. I don't think thats the problem I'm having because I can connect wirelessly just fine, the problem is that the wireless link drops off after a few minutes and can't access the computer anymore. I'm trying to find a solution to keeping the wireless link alive 24/7 and havn't had any luck.

Thanks in advance.

 

[gbaughma]

If I were going to do that, I would use a couple of wireless AP's in "Bridge" mode; so they only talk to each other.

You would go from your 2k3 box with an ethernet cable to the AP (requiring no wireless configuration on the server); the same on the other end, and then bridge the two AP's.

Then, they wouldn't work as access points, just a wireless link between the two AP's, with no chance of another computer hopping on and getting on your network wirelessly.



Just my 2¢
"Life gets mighty precious when there's less of it to waste." -Bonnie Raitt "Nick of Time"
--Greg

http://parallel.tzo.com

 

[max8699]

If you are droping the connection after a few minutes. How strong is the signal you are picking up? could that be the issue?
gbaughma is correct that's another way to set it up.

This is how mine is set up, I have my Access point pluged into my router which is connected to the cable modem on the second story of my house. The server, Which is downstairs, has the netgear usb wireless adaptor pluged into that and all my other pc, 2 desktops and 2 Laptops connect via the router and AP.

Regards
Max