Losing Wireless Network Connection

Need help desperately!!!!!

I’m usually pretty good with computer problems, and the one helping others. But this problem has me beat. I just don’t know what to do any more.

The problem is my wireless network keeps disconnecting once in a while (approx. every day or two). When it goes out, eventually I am unable to connect any of my desktops or laptops wirelessly until I power cycle the modem and the router. But the ones connected by wire work fine.

Here is what I’ve gone through to trouble shoot:

I called my ISP provider, and they said if I’m not having problems connected directly to the modem they can’t help me. It works for weeks connected directly with no problems.

I called the manufacturer of the router, and they said since it works by wire, and I’m able to get a connection wirelessly, it’s not their issue.

I upgraded the firmware on the router.

I went through 2 different brand new routers (Linksys and DLink), and also tried new adapters.

I tried changing the location of the router, even bringing it 5 feet away from the desktop.

I tried playing around with the settings of the router (channel)

I even upgraded my Internet connection to 35 mbps which comes with a new modem/gateway which acts as a wireless router too. The new gateway also loses wireless connection.

I don’t know what to do as I ruled out everything. It’s not the ISP problem, it’s not a router issue, and it’s not a specific computer problem. I just don’t know what to do. I really don’t want to run cables to all of my computers. It’s very inconvenient for laptops.

Please help!!

 

There's a few things I can think of that may contribute to your problem:

Assuming you're running 802.11b or g, could you have any other wireless devices running at 2.4GHz? I know many cordless phones run at this frequency, for example. If you're running 802.11a, this would be in the 5GHz range.
You might also make sure other sources of Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI), such as electric motors (fans, vacuums, etc) are moved away from the wireless devices.

Another thought might be the power in your house. If the outlet your router/modem is connected to is spiking, or lagging in voltage, it could trip things up. If possible, trying connecting it to a UPS. If not, maybe other outlets might help, or even testing the router at another site.

The last, and probably least likely thing (albeit the easiest to rule out) is the network card drivers. It couldn't hurt to make sure they are all up to date.

 

Run Inssider from metageek.net to get an idea of your's and other wireless signal's. Your ISP can not do anything for you. All they can do, is make sure that the leased equipment you are using, and the service going to the residence is within spec's, and working. They are unable to do anything about wifi equipment, or your computer, not staying stable.

Majority of the time, it comes down to the equipment. That means either junk wifi device, or bad wifi nic. DLink, Netgear are a couple that I would not touch with a 10 foot pole. Linksys, there is only one of their models that I would use.

 

I get this issue in my area as i live on an estate with alot of wireless signals lurking about.

As stated above you'll need to use some software to detect other wireless networks and try pick a channel thats the clearest. Signals tend to overlap other channels too so a signal on channel 5 would effect 4 and 6 so bear this in mind when choosing.

You may want to get yourself familiar with wireless interference, there is a HUGE amount of info available online and you'll need a pretty good understanding if you want this resolved relatively soon.

When i say resolved you may fix it OR you may end up having to find another wireless soloution. Possibly even talk to your neighbours and ask them if you can change thier channels, don't hold your breath though!

 

VoId, InSSIDer from metageek.net & Xirrus from xirrus.com are two good wifi tools.

 

Cheers for the info, I've used InSSIDer and this area is just rammed with wireless networks.... no free channels so i just have to make do with the least congested tbh!

I have a pretty steady wifi connection but for my gaming PC I use ethernet over power cables and it works a treat. :cool

 

That would be a situation to jump to the 5ghz band on a dual band router. You get to the point that you can only have so many devices talking in the same band, before someone gets dropped, due to interference. Same thing happens in the world of Cell phones. Too many people trying to talk, so guess what, fast busies, or dropped calls.

 

Yeah i have thought about it but the price of the new equipment for one main pc to connect on 5ghz and occionally laptops and phones to connect on 2.4ghz is not really viablel last time i looked.

I have often thought about sticking a hefty antenna on my AP and nuking all the rest for a while and see if i can clear some bandwidth... but my conscience got the better of me lol

 

For my area, there is a aprox total of 12 APs and aprx 4 including mine that are around 81db or lower. Right now, mine is sitting at Channel 1, with no overlap at the tail on channel 4 with my neighbor next door. My other neighbor, since she does not use wifi on her U-Verse RG, we turned it off, so that way it would bring down the number of AP's in the immediate area.