Wireless disappearing/disconnecting

KathrynPenguin

For the last few days my wireless has been impossible to work with. I connect OK then it just disconnects and is gone from my "view wireless networks" list. It will come back again after a few mins but doesn't hang around for long. Its making my laptop useless.

I have a router (not wireless) and a WAP point connected to the router, the router is hard wired to my PC and there is no problem with the connection (PC also has a wireless card so when I;m using it I constantly see the "connected/disconnected" messages).

I figured it might be the WAP point so I borrowed one from work tonight, this doesn't disappear from the list and is staying connected longer but is still dropping out. I also plugged this into a different port on the router and used a different network cable for this wire. I'm definately getting an improvment but after it has dropped out, waving the laptop around seems to get me a connection.

Since making the change tonight the interferance with my wireless TV has reduced (I've had both systems running in harmony for over a year and recently lots of interference).

Any clues?

pizzaboy

go to f.a.qs loads of info there ,i had same problem

saver_sam

We had something similar once and found the filter at the phone point was not in fully and kept it cutting out.

KathrynPenguin

Cheers Sam, not the phone filter though as the connection through the router is fine, PC is hard wired to this and never loses a connection. I've looked at the FAQ's too and cant seem to find an answer there that fits. I think my setup is slightly different to most as I dont have a wireless router, this is quite old kit that I got from a friend a couple of years ago.

albertross_2

What is the wireless TV? Do you mean a video sender?

Have any of the neighbours got wireless?

Toxteth_OGrady

KathrynPenguin wrote:

I'm definately getting an improvment but after it has dropped out, waving the laptop around seems to get me a connection.

This suggests it's a signal strength issue (either aerial position or x-net interference). Have you tried using different channels?

Google for and download Netstumbler to instal on your laptop. That will give you a better indication of signal strengths and other networks in the vicinity on the same channel.

:cool:

TOG

chaos5678

I had the same problem with a set up thats worked fine for ages, and someone told me to put a fan next to the computer as it was too hot for them!!

It has worked, it's fine now

I don't know if this was coincidence

oldrimes

I've had this problem several times, after long periods of the wireless network working flawlessly. In my case its been due to someone else nearby setting up a wireless network on the same channel as me. Moving channel to an unused one solved the problem each time.

One issue though is that moving to another channel may upset (or improve) your wireless tv. I don't know enough about what frequencies these things operate on to comment on this though.

KathrynPenguin

Thanks all - I've kept the wap from work (they were selling some off anyway but gave it to me) as its more powerful than my original one. I have changed the channel tonight and touch wood it seems ok (I got through a poker game without cutting out!)

Thanks all for your help. My mum cant believe how grumpy I am when this kit fails, bearing in mind I got it all free when a friend left the country!