I have a Linksys WMP54G 4.1 under Vista Home Premium and a Linksys WRT54G wireless router. For some reason, every 30 seconds or so, my ping inexplicably jumps (see attached picture). I've run the following Google search:

http://www.google.com/search?q=WMP54G+vista+lag&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

No go. It's mostly people saying, "Eh, it's broke." I'm on the verge of calling Linksys Tech Support (and, after that, trying the Haus of Tech Support), but I wanted to see if anyone here had any ideas.

I'm using the latest firmware in my router, I've tried both Vista and XP drivers for my wireless adapter, and I've turned off the "look for better access point if present" feature for the network settings on my PC for my network. I'm using Vista's wireless network utility.

Maybe look into custom firmwares for the router?

Sorry; neglected to mention that my roommate has an earlier version of the WMP54G wireless adapter and doesn't have this problem.

What happens if you switch adapters?

Haven't tried that. I'll see what he says when he gets home.

I don't think that it is broken, More likely you have Interference from an outside source. Try changing your channels and see if it makes any difference. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are the ones that don't overlap each other in frequency.

If it is truly interference, you will have this same problem with any router that you get (until you beat your neighbors Tesla coil into a pile of junk). good luck (hope this helps)

Changing to channel 11 did not resolve the problem. I think the problem lies in my adapter.

I would say that it's interference, but given that it's unsustained (look at the picture - sudden spike and sudden drop immediately after) leads me to believe that something's congesting my connection with packets.

i blame vista

edit: I totally read that wrong, I'm a big stupid doo-doo head.

Either that or Vista has an issue with wireless cards.

My roommate has the same problem. I spent an hour talking to Linksys tech support (three different people), and it ended with a recommendation try a different router or different adapter.

Good job! Instead of fixing the problem, let's recommend our competitors! :downs:

Well, it might not be a bug in their router. I would give up after an hour too if there was nothing that could be done for the customer.

It's their adapter and their router. The problem is their crappy Vista drivers.