How to cure Wifi Issues

[Fonefixer]

This post is general info that may help if you are having wifi connection issues/drop-outs, on your scroll or anything else.

As you will all know, the Scrolls wifi is b/g. This can cause compatibility issues with the very latest "n" routers and you may experience loss of connection / lack of connection so here's some tips to help you out...

WiFi Channel
The scroll will only connect to a router that is broadcasting on a channel between 1 and 11, some routers ( like mine - a Netgear DGN2200) have two extra channels, 12 and 13. The scroll cant see them! It will also not see any 5Ghz channels on dual-band routers. If yours is a dual-channel (300 MBs) router knock it down to 150, or the scroll might not decide which channel to stick to.

Encryption.
The scroll, as far as I am aware, will recognise all levels up to WPA2(AES). If you are having a no connection issue, make sure that you have the correct passphrase stored on the scroll and remember they are CaSe SeNsItIvE. If you really think the router is acting up, temporarily disable encryption and try reconnecting.

Router Firmware
All routers have their own "operating system" called firmware. Most manufacturers off upgrades to firmware in order to enable new features/ cure known problems. Some routers will automatically update their own firmware (ie bt home hub), and some manufacturers post firmware updates in their support pages. Follow the instructions given by them to the letter, and always use an ethernet connection to the router in order to complete the upgrade or it will fail (the router will reboot during the upgrade and youll lose wifi temporarily).

Channel Interference
You may be experiencing drop-outs due to a neighbours wifi signal conflicting with yours. I can recommend a freeware program called inSSIDer (downloadable from http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/) which will allow you to see who is on what wifi channel in your area. You can then choose a vacant / less populated channel and also check (rare but possible) if someone is using the same network identifier (SSID) as you, if so, change yours!

One final point, if you experience drop-out or no connection on a laptop or wifi pc, try disabling your wired (ethernet) adapter even if its not connected to the router, it can cause driver conflicts (realtek cards are known for this).

Need more help? Feel free to ask!

[Diego]

I'm not sure if the Scroll supports 'n'

[Fonefixer]

No, its doesnt support n, thats what is causing some of the issues, but on an n 300 router it uses two chans to get full speed and the scroll might go insane (mine did ) deciding which chan to stay on.

Im surprised that the scroll wifi isnt that good considering its an atheros chip , they are pretty good IMHO

[Diego]

Aye, that's what I was alluding to. An 'n' router could confuse the Scroll. If one doesn't have any 'n' wireless devices then one should disable the 'n' and stick with the 'b' and 'g' protocols.

[Fonefixer]

I leave mine on 150N and the scroll behaves, but you are correct. In my case my netbook and printer are both n rated