Question Internet periodically cuts out

[Will]

Hello,
I have been having a problem for a while and have decided I am finally going to try and fix it. My computer is connected wirelessly to the Home network - with several other computers (some wireless, some wired) and a games console - and occasionally the connection will cut out but only on my computer. Interestingly the little connectivity indicator in the bottom right of the screen still says I am connected but trying to open a new internet page yields a "The connection has timed out" error. Taking my USB wireless connector out and in again resolves the issue for a short time.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Will Wilson

 

[Quick_Nick]

Hm... check for driver updates for the wireless adapter, and you could try pingtest.net and look for anything weird. It might be possible that your adapter doesn't like the router's security. I don't know if that happens, but my Android phone (and my dad's and some brands) have a problem working with some networks. I had to change the security to TKIP. Have you googled your adapter?

 

[Will]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I installed the latest drivers-no improvement.

 

[dbeachy1]

My computer is connected wirelessly to the Home network - with several other computers (some wireless, some wired) and a games console - and occasionally the connection will cut out but only on my computer.

Unfortunately that is a somewhat common occurrence for wireless connections since they are vulnerable to interference. How many signal bars are showing on the task bar (i.e., how strong is the signal)?

 

[Will]

It says it is 100% (all bars full) but even when the connection is clearly non existent (internet won't load etc) they still show completely full.

 

[Ghostrider]

Is there another wireless AP nearby, broadcasting on the same channel?
Also, check out the advanced settings on the wireless adapter. There could be some conflict.

 

[Will]

I did a complete driver uninstall then downloaded the drivers to another computer and transferred them to my one and so far it seems to be working OK, no problems for a half hour or so...

 

[garyw]

Is it your INTERNET connection thats cutting out or YOUR connection to the router?

 

[Will]

I would imagine that since it is only on my computer that it is my connection to the router

 

[garyw]

That's important, if it was the internet I'd be advising you to look at connection logs on your router, DSL splitters and other things.

However, as it is your laptops connection to the router - Have you looked at the event logs?
Have you checked to see if the OS is allowed to power down the wi fi card to save battery?
Have you checked to find out if there are water pipes between you and the router?
Have you changed the default keys and channel number?

 

[Fabri91]

Or, if the problem persists, you could try to connect your laptop with a wire, in order to establish if the problem lies with the wifi adapter.

 

[Keatah]

How old is the router and what model is it?
Some old routers don't work with will all the smartphone activity blowing through the airwaves.

I've fixed enough problems like this to almost automatically suspect the router from the get-go!

 

[Will]

The router is a BT Home Hub 2.0 which I don't think is too old. This is actually a desktop computer in what was supposed to be a temporary location that has dragged out for about a year, though it will be moving to a new location soon (he says confidently) and I should be able to put a wired connection in then. I haven't fiddled with the channel number or anything like that and there aren't any water pipes between the computer and the router.

 

[RacerX]

try updating your routers firmware to the latest. you could also take a look at this http://www.josephn.net/bt_home_hub/unlocking_bt_home_hub_v2a (this may violate any warranty though) also maybe this will help http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/...2LzEvdGltZS8xMzQzNDg1MzI3L3NpZC9CWFRBU2cybA==

 

[jangofett287]

try updating your routers firmware to the latest. you could also take a look at this http://www.josephn.net/bt_home_hub/unlocking_bt_home_hub_v2a (this may violate any warranty though)

There is no need to do that, BTHomeHubs have the latest firmware pushed to them automagicaly by BT. Also flashing the hub should probably be considered a last resort, as it WILL terminate your warranty, remove the hub's firewall and may create further issues with your actual DSL connection. Added to that I see no reason why changing the firmware would help with wireless connection issues.

From experience I have found however that the BTHomeHub2's wireless range is rather woeful under some conditions, so moving as close as possible is one suggestion. Other solutions include installing a wireless repeater (something I personally couldn't get to work) or switching to wired connection using these, they're what I use to connect my tower to my hub, which is about as far away from my machine as its possible to get in this house! :lol:

 

[RacerX]

there is also the bridging of a second wireless router on the same network that will essentialy act as a wireless repeater also extending the range. This is how I have mine setup at home both routers using custom firmware from DD-wrt. I looked on the website I don't think bt is supported. If you have a second router laying around and It supports repeating no extra cabling or hardware is required