All of a sudden - dropping connections

I have a very odd problem...

I'm working with an iBook, OSX 10.3.x, Ralink driver 1.1.2.0 and a D-Link DWL-G122 Rev. B USB wireless adapter. Powersaving on the iBook is off.

On the other end I have a Belkin wireless router model F5D7230-4 with encryption turned off and MAC filtering turned on.

Everything was working well for about 6 weeks. Now the iBook is dropping the connection unexpectedly after a few minutes. To reconnect, I have to stop the radio, unplug the adapter, plug it into the other USB port, and restart the radio. Then it will drop the connection again after a minute or two.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

Thanks,
Beth

My first instinct would be a driver issue, have you tried reinstalling it? Another routine procedure would be a firmware upgrade on the router, although it doesn't explain why it suddenly stopped working.

If you have another computer you can try the adapter in that would also be a good indication of whether the device itself is faulty or there is a software issue. I haven't had much experience with third-party wireless products on a Mac so thats about the best I can help.

BTW as a side note MAC filtering is extremely ineffective without encryption (unless you just have it off for testing).

__________________
Jeremy

Marlborough WiFi Project

Thanks for your answer.

- I do have the latest driver and tried re-installing it. Harumph - no luck.
- Crazy Belkin has an automatic search for the latest router firmware, but when I attempt to install it, it tells me it's incompatible. Bizzare.
- I have encryption turned off until I get this problem solved (but no worries - all banking and such is done on my wired desktop).

However... I have not in fact tried the adapter on another machine. I'll have to borrow a machine this weekend and give it a go.

Thanks again, and wish me luck!
Beth