Internet dropping out - Possible loss of IP address

Discussion in 'Software' started by GCWesq, Dec 18, 2008.

  1. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    G'day.

    Internet drops out several times a day on XP SP2 computer and less frequently on Vista computer (hence, not always at the same time). We have 2WIRE modem connected to telephone line (ADSL), then wireless to two computers.

    XP has Online Armor and Antivir - same problem whether these are on or off (turned them off, as well as Windows Firewall, which comes on automatically when OA is turned off), and couldn't reconnect to Internet.
    Tried Repair option - it disables connection, enables connection, then looks for an IP address. Says it can't connect.
    I have found two solutions.

    1. Reboot modem - not helpful when the other computer is being used for a game.

    2. I noted down the IP address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway and preferred DNS Server when the connection was good. I then entered these values into Properties under Wireless Network Connections/View Wireless Networks/Change Advanced Settings/General tab/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Instant connection!

    I noticed I could also get a connection by just entering the IP address and clicking in the Subnet Mask space - this automatically entered a Subnet Mask value (255.0.0.0, rather than 255.255.255.0). The other fields remained blank. Does this matter?

    Is there any point in tracking down this problem, or should I just leave the manually entered values and leave it at that? It seems to work on the Vista computer as well. I haven't yet tried this approach over a long period. I don't know if it will drop out again.

    While we're at it, one advice I read was to do an ipconfig /renew under Start/Run. If I leave no spaces, I get a "can't find" error. If I put a space before the /, a black screen comes up, then disappears. Same if I put a space before and after the /, but I can't see if it says the same thing.
    I then read that an ipconfig /all might tell me something, but when I do that, same thing happens. it disappears before I can read anything.

    Any advice on this or other matters? Much appreciated. Merci d'avance.
     
  2. plodr

    plodr Major Geek Super Extraordinaire

    Open a command prompt (this way that black screen will not disappear). You can type in ipconfig /release followed by ipconfig /renew These two commands will release the current addresse(IP of both computers) and force your 2Wire to hand out a new address to both.

    Have you gone into the settings for the 2Wire and checked how long the leases are? They should be good for 24 hours.
    Things like microwave ovens, cordless phones in a certain range, baby monitors and automatic garage door openers can affect a wireless signal. Look around and see if anything like that exists between the 2Wire and the computers.
     
  3. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    Thanks Plodr. I'll try that next time it happens. I'm at work at the moment. Do I need to type release and renew on both computers, or just one?

    I recall seeing a lease for 24 hours somewhere I think. Didn't know what it meant so I didn't take much notice. Does that mean it will drop out after 24 hours? That may be the problem on the Vista, at least.

    Nothing between the 2wire and the computers - Vista is right next to modem, and XP is 5 metres (16 feet) away in another room. Microwave is in the opposite direction, about 4 metres (13') away, and cordless phone is to the side, about 3 metres (10') away. Maybe the phone?
     
  4. Squeaner

    Squeaner Specialist

    What GHz is the phone?

    If it's 2.4GHz, get rid of it and your issue will be resolved.
     
  5. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    Thanks Squeaner. I'll have a look when I get home.
    Any idea how far away it would have to be to be safe?
     
  6. Squeaner

    Squeaner Specialist

    To be safe it would have to be in an entirely different home...

    I don't know why 2.4GHz phones were even made. All they do is cause problems.

    I highly recommend DECT 6.0 phones. They have very good range, and their battery life is awesome.
     
  7. GCWesq

    GCWesq MajorGeek

    Thanks again. I'll take a look.
     
  8. plodr

    plodr Major Geek Super Extraordinaire

    You only need to type release and renew on one computer.

    I actually have my remote management disabled so I need to type release and renew on any computer that is wired to my router. I can not do it on a wireless computer. The reason i did this is that if someone happens to stumble into my network, they can not access my router and change settings.
     

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