Internet connection stops working at random moments, for about 30 seconds.

Right, so a few years ago I used this forum for another issue and I was really glad that people could offer such helpful support; hence I returned with (unfortunately) another issue.
I've already searched online and on these forums but there isn't something that makes sense to me , to be honest..

So here's the problem: a few months ago I moved into this new apartment, in a house with 8 other people. There's a main router downstairs which is aslo connected to a separate wireless transmitter somewhere on the 2nd floor.
My desktop PC (Windows 7)is connected via cable to the router and my Playstation 3 + HTC smartphone are connected to the wireless network.

At seemingly random intervals, the internet connection drops out. The tab in the lower right corner shows the connection icon with a yellow exclamation mark (you know what I mean). 'Troubleshoot problems' doesn't fix anything, it just says that your broadband router is experiencing issues. The intervals range from 15 minutes, to 30 minutes, to only once every few days. This of course depends on whether I am sitting behind the PC to experience the actual downtime.

So as I mentioned, the Troubleshoot problems interface doesn't seem to help and neither does resetting the router by unplugging it for a while.

Furthermore, the connection on my PS3 / phone suffers the same problem. Although I can't check the same 'exclamation mark' symbol on my phone or ps3, the characteristics of the problem (random intervals, temporary problem, solves itself) seem the same as my PC problem.

As far as router/connectivity issues go, I'm rather unexperienced so that's why I turned to you guys.
I'm 100% sure there is still some software / hardware information you require from me so please ask!

 

If I am reading this correctly, you are living in a place where 9 people including yourself all connect to this one wireless router?

There are many possibilities as to why the dropped signal/connection could be happening.

1. Wi-Fi Radio Interference
   Radio signals from various consumer electronic products can interfere with Wi-Fi wireless network signals. For example, cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, garage door openers and microwave ovens can each take down a Wi-Fi network connection when powered on. You can move your network equipment or (on home networks) change some Wi-Fi radio settings to avoid this problem.
   
   
2. Insufficient Wi-Fi Network Range and Power
   Even without interference from other equipment, Wi-Fi connections can drop occasionally on devices located near the edge of the network's wireless signal range. Wi-Fi links generally become more unstable with distance. Relocating your computer or other gear is a simple but not always practical solution. Otherwise, consider antenna upgrades and other techniques to improve wireless signal transmission and reception.
   
   
3. Overloading / Overheating the Wireless Access Point
   Owners of some wireless routers (and other types of wireless access points) have reported dropped connections during times of heavy network utilization. This can occur during, for example, online gaming or while copying large files. Routers can in theory become overloaded with too much data and fail temporarily. If a router's temperature increases too much, it may also fail until cooled. Install routers (access points) in places with good airflow. Exchange the router for a different unit if the current one doesn't support your usage patterns.

The list can go on and on as to why the connection could be dropping so often. Hope you can get this issue solved in some manner.

 

Oops, my mistake - the main router I was talking about is a regular wired router.

My desktop is connected directly via an ethernet cable that runs through the house to this router.

Here on the 2nd floor, where I live, there is a wireless transmitter mounted on a wall, connected to an ethernet cable which I presume comes from the main router downstairs.

(As I mentioned, I just moved in here and it's a rental apartment so don't really know a lot about the internet situation here except for the Wi-Fi password...rolleyes)

 

I've posted a note downstairs for the other inhabitants, which they can sign if they experience the same issues (the other person on my own person doesn't own a computer so she doesn't have a clue)

As of now I do not have the admin password yet, the landlord is a bit wary to hand it over ("You never know what can happen these days with the internet" - The landlord rolleyes)

 

Problem confirmed by the others!

 

Ok, well, too many people trying to connect, say, a PS3, Xbox, etc, and trying to stream things like Netflix, Hulu, etc, at the same time, can overload a router and therefore cause all of the disconnects.