Mario Kart online queries

I, like many others, had online connection issues with Mario Strikers when it came out. The game wasn't that great anyway, so I wasn't too bothered about the lack of online play. Also, seeing as everyone else was having the same problem, I assumed it was an NTL issue.

Fast-forward to yesterday, and I open up my brand new copy of Mario Kart (swapped Far Cry, Sims 2, Mario Strikers + Mario Galaxy for PES 2008 + MK + extra wheel for a tenner = bargain) and load it up and IMMEDIATELY, then try an online battle-mode game. Everything goes great, except i suck donkey (kong) balls and i quit and get stuck into the single player to hone my skills.

I was very happy at this stage, considering i was gonna get rid of NTL if i couldn't play MK online. The thing is, after i got a bit better, i went back to play online and get disconnected about 3 out of every 5 games. Sometimes before it starts, sometimes while the 3,2,1,go is happening, sometimes in the middle of games and sometimes after a game while waiting for everyone else to pick a new level. It just says: "you were disconnected from the other players", and at first i thought it was the host quitting the game or whatever but it keeps docking points from my rank.

This is destroying my rank, so i wanna stop it. I've played COD4 on the 360 virtually lag-free for the last 2 months, and if it really was NTL's fault, surely it would have reared it's head by now on COD4 (which is wired btw).

I'm tempted to get a wired Lan adaptor, but don't wanna shell (geddit?) out 30 notes for something that might not solve my connection issues.

Everything else is fine: connection test, Wii shop channel etc. and i can still play about 40% of games but it's just not good enough.

So, my questions are:

1) Is anyone else having similar problems?.......especially peeps who had trouble with mario strikers.

2) Has anyone solved ANY connection issues with a wired lan adaptor?

3) Is the Lan adaptor available in any bricks + mortar shops, as i'd prefer to get one there rather than online, even if it cost an extra fiver?

4) Where is it available cheapest?

Edit: 5) Just saw the NTL + online thread there. Mods feel free to merge.

Thanks in advance for answers/taking the time to read.

ondafly

I've had 2 disconnects in total. I've played online for hours. Sounds like you're having a Wifi issue ?

I'm running 802.11b to a dlink router, on BT 3MB connection. No lag either.

Are you using a fixed IP address for the WII ? if so make sure all network settings are correct, i.e. DNS, gateway , subnet etc.