It is not uncommon for users to report their wireless clients dropping connection at random times. The cause of this is the Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC) service. This service, enabled by default in Windows XP Service Pack 2, is designed to optimize the use of wireless network technology by constantly scanning for other wireless networks. This process has been known to cause clients to randomly drop their wireless connection. The best method for alleviating this problem is to use third party software to manage your wireless connection. This software will almost always be provided with the driver for the wireless card you are using. Once you have this software installed you will want to disable the WZC service to prevent it from loading at startup.
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Chris Sanders is the network administrator for one of the largest public school systems in the state of Kentucky. Chris’s specialties include general network administration, windows server 2003, wireless networking, and security. You can view Chris’ personal website at www.chrissanders.org.
