Available Wireless Networks bumping me offline

[eviakhan]

I just set up a wireless home network with 2 PCs running WinXP Pro connected via USB adaptors to a wireless Router (all Netgear). Everything works fine with the exception of one small annoyance, I get bumped whenever WinXP finds another Wireless Network available. It disconnects me and gives me the
option to connect to my network and this other network.

This other network is not my own, perhaps a neighbor's. My network is the only "Preferred" in the options and it has highest priority. I have changed the Channel on my router which has delayed the disconnect times a bit, but it is still quite annoying to get bumped offline every 5 - 30 minutes (reminds me of my AOL days!).

Is there any way to remove this other network or possibly to setup windows not to look for any other networks?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Greenstead]

Thats interesting. Most standard wireless APs will not reach to a neighbours property - it offers you connection to the other wireless network because it is a stronger signal than yours - he maybe has a high power transmitter or maybe its a wireless ISP, or worse a kid with a directional aeriel.

If you can see him, he can see you. Switch on MAC authentication on your router to stop any connections but your own wireless cards. Also ensure you have changed the admin password on your router.

Implementing WEP on your system will stop him connecting to you and prevent you connecting to him. There is a wireless setting on your connections which allows you to connect to non-preferred networks which sounds like what is happening.