Wifi signal drops randomly - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Krycheck · 04-25-2005, 11:05 AM

I have a pc with a Linksys PCI wifi card that keeps losing my wifi connection. I have two laptops that never have this problem. At first I thought maybe because the pci card was a 802.11g card and my network was a 802.11b (even tho it's backward compatable) and maybe it didnt like it. So I upgraded my router to a D-Link DGL-4100 gaming router (I was planning on upgrading anyways. Great router, I'll try to review later) and it seemed to get a much better signal. But it still loses signals. Keep in mind I never have this problem with my other wireless connections.
I'm thinking of reinstalling the drivers with something up to date. But if there's something I'm missing here let me know.

Note: I do have WEP on.

liquidlight · 04-25-2005, 11:10 AM

Sounds like you're already on the right track, I'd check for updated drivers, and I'd also reposition the PC to give the WiFi antenna a clearer field, make sure that the other cables for the computer (especially the power cords) are as far away as possible.

With a Linksys card most likely you're just picking up some interference from an unknown source (remember those little FCC disclaimers on EVERYTHING?) and repositioning the antenna is your best bet. Failing that you could just have a gimpy wireless card, but with an intermittent problem like this that would be almost impossible to verify.

Bamrak · 04-25-2005, 12:22 PM

Where is the PC in relation to the WAP?
or more importantly,
What is between the PC and the WAP; is there a cordless phone or microwave maybe?

RickB · 04-25-2005, 12:45 PM

I had a problem with intermittent signals and I changed the channel on the router and I haven't had a problem since.

Krycheck · 04-25-2005, 12:51 PM

There's only one wall between the pc and the router. I've also repositioned the pc once. I was in a corner and I moved it to a more open area and we still had that problem. I'm not liking the antenna on the back of the pc very much. Now that I think about it I've seen antenna extensions before. Maybe having the antenna on the desk may help.

I'll try changing the channel too.

Update: I went and picked up an external antenna extension during my lunch. Keep ya posted.

n0nsensical · 04-26-2005, 03:03 PM

I've had nothing but problems with every wireless network I've used, especially with this constant dropping of the connection you describe. One thing you can try is turning on SSID broadcast because these crappy configuration programs *cough*Windows seem to have issues when it's turned off. I just gave up and ran Ethernet over my phone wiring which conveniently had 2 extra pairs. Keep anything wireless away from me, thanks.

Krycheck · 04-26-2005, 05:04 PM

Well I installed the wireless antenna I bought and it works great now!! It's been 24hrs now and no dropped signal yet. I guess having the factory antenna behind the PC and near a wall isn't a great idea.

Thanks to everyone for the help. I hope this helps others.

04-25-2005, 11:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
Krycheck Sultana ruined my evil persona Location: Los Angeles	Wifi signal drops randomly I have a pc with a Linksys PCI wifi card that keeps losing my wifi connection. I have two laptops that never have this problem. At first I thought maybe because the pci card was a 802.11g card and my network was a 802.11b (even tho it's backward compatable) and maybe it didnt like it. So I upgraded my router to a D-Link DGL-4100 gaming router (I was planning on upgrading anyways. Great router, I'll try to review later) and it seemed to get a much better signal. But it still loses signals. Keep in mind I never have this problem with my other wireless connections. I'm thinking of reinstalling the drivers with something up to date. But if there's something I'm missing here let me know. Note: I do have WEP on. __________________ His pants are tight...but his morals are loose!!

04-25-2005, 11:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
liquidlight AHH! Custom Title!! Location: The twisted warpings of my brain.	Sounds like you're already on the right track, I'd check for updated drivers, and I'd also reposition the PC to give the WiFi antenna a clearer field, make sure that the other cables for the computer (especially the power cords) are as far away as possible. With a Linksys card most likely you're just picking up some interference from an unknown source (remember those little FCC disclaimers on EVERYTHING?) and repositioning the antenna is your best bet. Failing that you could just have a gimpy wireless card, but with an intermittent problem like this that would be almost impossible to verify. __________________ Halfway to hell and picking up speed.

04-25-2005, 12:51 PM	#5 (permalink)
Krycheck Sultana ruined my evil persona Location: Los Angeles	There's only one wall between the pc and the router. I've also repositioned the pc once. I was in a corner and I moved it to a more open area and we still had that problem. I'm not liking the antenna on the back of the pc very much. Now that I think about it I've seen antenna extensions before. Maybe having the antenna on the desk may help. I'll try changing the channel too. Update: I went and picked up an external antenna extension during my lunch. Keep ya posted. __________________ His pants are tight...but his morals are loose!! Last edited by Krycheck; 04-25-2005 at 03:31 PM..

04-26-2005, 03:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
n0nsensical Junkie Location: San Francisco	I've had nothing but problems with every wireless network I've used, especially with this constant dropping of the connection you describe. One thing you can try is turning on SSID broadcast because these crappy configuration programs coughWindows seem to have issues when it's turned off. I just gave up and ran Ethernet over my phone wiring which conveniently had 2 extra pairs. Keep anything wireless away from me, thanks. __________________ "Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." --Abraham Lincoln

04-26-2005, 05:04 PM	#7 (permalink)
Krycheck Sultana ruined my evil persona Location: Los Angeles	Well I installed the wireless antenna I bought and it works great now!! It's been 24hrs now and no dropped signal yet. I guess having the factory antenna behind the PC and near a wall isn't a great idea. Thanks to everyone for the help. I hope this helps others. __________________ His pants are tight...but his morals are loose!!

04-25-2005, 12:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bamrak Enter Title Here Location: Tennessee	Where is the PC in relation to the WAP? or more importantly, What is between the PC and the WAP; is there a cordless phone or microwave maybe?

04-25-2005, 12:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
RickB Tired Location: Beverly Hills	I had a problem with intermittent signals and I changed the channel on the router and I haven't had a problem since.