Wireless connection through BT Fusion, but not Business Hub

[PCSimpleton]

I've used my BT 2Wire Gateway hub for 18 months, with flawless wireless connection via the BusinessHub to my Dell laptop.  Then, last week, I bought a Samsung NF210 netbook.

It can connect to the internet by the wired LAN via BTBusinessHub-xxx and through BT Fusion (out of the box WPA and encryption key) and BT Openzone wireless options, but not through BTBusinessHub-xxx. Windows diagnostics tells me to check my wireless security settings, which I've done (WPA2-PSK plus a custom encryption key). The relevant Samsung wireless setup security option is WPA2-Personal plus AES encryption, but I presume that's the same thing.

The BT Help Desk was, well, very helpful. I've checked connectivity using all security options from Open, through WEP and WPA to WPA2, each using both standard and custom encryption keys. I've switched off, unplugged and restarted the router. I've uninstalled and reinstalled the netbook network adaptor - and its latest software (downloaded from Samsung's website, but issued on 30 Aug 10 and so probably the same standard) - to name but a few.

Perhaps understandably, the BT Helpdesk is running out of ideas, eventually suggesting that, as I can connect using my laptop, the router seems OK but the netbook adaptor (Broadcom) or its software has a defect. Samsung, on the other hand, allege that, as the netbook can connect using BT Fusion and Openzone, the network adaptor is OK, but the router must have a defect. Stalemate!

I'd be grateful for any ideas - or would returning the netbook to Amazon be the best bet!

[markp]

Hi PCSimpleton,

something you can try is, changing the channel in which the wireless is working on, it might be the frequency the router is emitting is not fully recognised by the netbook.

[PCSimpleton]

Hello MarkP

Thanks for your quick reply. The 2Wire Gateway Wireless Channel option was set to Auto. I tried Channels 1, 6 and 11 (good spread?), all with the same unsuccessful connection result.

However, it occurred to me that the netbook's Broadcom 802.11n wireless adaptor might have to be set up to the same channel. In the adaptor's Properties box, is WZC IBSS Channel Number what I'm looking for - or something else entirely? It allows channels 1 to 11 only. Tried anyway, but with no success unfortunately. 

[markp]

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Hi PCSimpleton, 

Has the router been factory reset back to defaults?

If not can you try this.

Alternately if you contact the helpdesk again on 0845 600 7020 or via our chat desk here we can look into this further for you.

[PCSimpleton]

Hello MarkP

Thanks for the advice. Being rather intimidated by the full reset warning, I started by individually resetting the system and the wireless connection. This worked perfectly and I now can connect to the BT Business Hub. Wonderful. Thank you.

The only small issue now is that if I go to a website, I sometimes, but not always, get a caption from the automated Desktop Helpdesk saying there is a problem and showing boxes to Fix or Ignore. Fix results in a caption saying it can't fix, but Ignore always results in the website appearing without fault. Odd.

I notice Desktop Help uses the Internet Explorer, but my browswer is Firefox. Any relevance?

[JohnE]

In all likelihood, the reason that Desktop Help Assistant uses Internet Explorer to display alerts is because Internet Explorer is set as the default browser by Windows.  This can be changed, here is a Help and Support article from Microsoft: Change your default web browser

[PCSimpleton]

No, Firefox is set as the default browser.

If I click on Fix, the Help Assistant goes into e-mail troubleshooting and a caption tells me that it cannot detect any BT e-mail accounts. Odd as BT set up my e-mail account as part of BT Business Broadband. However, as far as Broadband is concerned, I still click on Ignore and retry the Internet site - always successfully.  It's not a showstopper, just irritating!

[markp · Accepted solution]

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Hi PCSimpleton,

It sounds like there is a problem with the desktop help program, have you tried un-installing it then installing the program again?

mark P

[PCSimpleton]

Hi markp

Apologies for delay in replying - been on holiday. Reinstalled program yesterday and no pop ups so far - usually have dozens by now.

V Grateful for your help.

Rgds

PCSimpleton