Troubleshooting wireless networking issues - ThinkPad

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=TS0...

My account

Cart

Where to buy

Contact Lenovo

PRODUCTS
Drivers & Software

SHOP

SOLUTIONS FOR
Diagnose & Fix

SUPPORT

SERVICES & WARRANTY

Parts & Accessories Contact Support

Search

Guides & Manuals

Warranty & Services

Home > Support > Drivers & Software > Download Drivers & Software Detail

My Download List(0)

Login

Troubleshooting wireless networking issues - ThinkPad

Purpose of this guide, the term Access Point is used for whatever wireless connectivity device is being used. This can be a wireless home gateway or an actual Access Point. Some of these steps may not apply to your computer. Test for network connectivity after performing each step. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Verify that the network adapter is being seen by the operating system. Verify that the radio is enabled. Check the SSID (the Network name of the wireless network you are trying to connect to) and security settings. Verify that the most recent driver for the adapter is installed. Check for interference/low strength to the wireless signal. Verify the wireless router/Access Point firmware is up to date. Verify that TCP/IP (or other appropriate protocol) is properly installed. Verify the TCP/IP address. Ping the loopback address. Verify that the hardware is functioning using diagnostics. Install latest Service Packs for Operating System or Network Client.

SELECT TASK
Drivers & Software Guides & Manuals Diagnose & Fix Warranty & Services

ThinkVantage Access Connections can help you get and stay connected by automatically managing your basic network connections using
"Profiles" for any location (home, office, travel), for any network adapter (WLAN, WWAN, WAN, Ethernet, and Bluetooth wireless), and in any combination. Once your profiles are created, getting connected is simply a matter of selecting a profile and letting Access Connections do the rest. Even when you move between a WLAN and a wired LAN, Access Connections is smart enough to make the appropriate connection. Access Connections takes the hassle out of getting connected. Click here to download Access Connections.

Parts & Accessories

DRIVER RESOURCES
How do I download drivers? Driver Matrix Newly Released Drivers (RSS) Update your THINK product ThinkVantage Tools Drivers FAQ

SOLUTIONS CENTER
Assisted Search Solutions by Symptoms Microsoft Solutions Self-Diagnose Tool

COMMUNITY
Community KnowledgeBase Community Forums

1 of 3

11/30/2012 8:50 PM

Troubleshooting wireless networking issues - ThinkPad

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=TS0...

1. Verify that the network adapter is being seen by the operating system.
Check Microsoft Windows Device Manager and look for an icon that appears as Network Adapters and see if the network card listed in Mini-PCI information table is installed: Right-click the Computer on the desktop or from the Start button, and select Manage.

Click the on Device Manager in the left pane. Click on the plus sign beside Network adapters to expand the list. Your network card should appear under Network Adapters. Note: If the card has a exclamation mark over a yellow background or is not listed, then this is an indication that the card is experiencing a problem and may need to be re-installed. Go to Driver download in step 4.

TOP

2. Verify that the radio is enabled.

It is possible to disable the transmitter of the wireless card without Device Manager showing any problems. Note: Follow the instructions provided to enable wireless card. Most systems come with a Wireless Radio switch to disable the wireless radios. The wireless radio switch is usually located on the front or side of the machine. If you are having difficulties with wireless connections, make sure the Wireless Radio switch is set in the On position.

Other systems do not have a physical hardware switch, but instead have a software switch. Press Fn+F5 together and a menu should appear, make sure that the Master Control is set to On and expand the individual controls and ensure that the 802.11/WiFi is turned

Some wireless cards will put an icon in the system tray (the line of icons in the lower right corner of your screen). Right click this icon and it may have a menu option to enable/turn on the wireless radio.

TOP

3. Check the SSID (the Network name of the wireless network you are trying to connect to) and security settings.
Note: The SSID and WEP key are case sensitive. The connection will fail if the SSID is incorrect. The most common security setting is the use of a WEP or WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK key. This involves using a alphanumeric key to create a secure connection. This key must match exactly from what is entered into the wireless router/Access Point as the wireless profile in the computer. If your SSID/Network name has special characters, try removing those to see if you can then connect. Note: It may also be necessary to temporarily remove the security settings in order to check for basic connectivity. (i.e. set your wireless router/Access Point to no encryption)

TOP

4. Verify that the most recent driver for the adapter is installed.
Note: Follow the installation instructions provided with the driver to ensure proper function. Also, it maybe necessary to uninstall the current driver (Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features), reboot, and then install the latest driver package. Check the web site, http://www.lenovo.com/support for the latest driver and/or firmware update for the card. If you are using a card from a different manufacturer, please check the card's documentation for the proper web site to visit.

TOP

5. Check for interference/low strength to the wireless signal.

Most wireless management programs have a form of graph that shows relative signal strength. If this graph is low (usually colored yellow or red and only 1-2 bars out of 4-5 bars) this could be a sign of low signal strength. It may be necessary to either relocate the wireless router/Access Point or the wireless system itself in order to achieve an acceptable connection. Also, other radio sources can interfere with the wireless connection, causing connection drops or poor performance. For example, interference can be caused by 2.4GHz cordless phones, other wireless routers/Access Points in the area, and physical structures such as load bearing walls or metal partitions. If possible, try changing the channel used by the wireless router/Access Point to a different one and see if that helps. Additionally, if possible, try connecting at a WiFi hotspot, such as a coffee house or book store and see if the same problem exists.

TOP

6. Verify the wireless router/Access Point firmware is up to date.

2 of 3

11/30/2012 8:50 PM

Troubleshooting wireless networking issues - ThinkPad

http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/downloads/detail.page?DocID=TS0...

Country Availability Available Worldwide

Document ID : TS000495 Legacy Document ID : MIGR-50402 Last Updated : Copyright Lenovo 2012, all rights reserved

ABOUT LENOVO
Our Company News Investor Relations Social Responsibility Legal Information Jobs at Lenovo Articles

SHOP
Laptops & Netbooks Tablets Desktops & All-in-ones Workstations Servers Services & Warranty Accessories & Upgrades Special Offers Outlet

SUPPORT
Drivers & Software Guides & Manuals Diagnose & Fix Warranty & Services Parts & Accessories Contact Support

RESOURCES
Where to Buy Shopping Help Order Status Support Phone List Blogs & Forums Product Videos Training Email Signup Product Registration

2012 Lenovo. All rights reserved.

Terms of use

Privacy

Site map

3 of 3

11/30/2012 8:50 PM