Connection issues?

Question

Hey, just needed a quick piece of advice. My access point's connection in my room keeps dropping every 5 minutes. A technician came and told me that I needed to change my main router downstairs to something else. What worries me is that it might not solve the problem because upstairs my dad has another access point and he never has problems with the internet. So do I need to change my router or nah? Our access points are Linksys WAP610N and the main router is an E1000. We're getting a Dlink 686 to replace our main router, but again I have doubts that this will fix my connectivity issues.

Richard · Answer

How do the access points connect to the main router? Ethernet or Ethernet via Powerline adapters should give the best results.

Are the main router, and the access points all using different channels such as 1, 6 and 11 if they are on the 2.4 GHz band. They should not be on channels within 5 channels of each other.

Are the router, and the access points all using different network names (SSIDs). If they use the same name this can cause the sorts of problems you are experiencing. It can be a nuisance if you regular move around the house while actually using the network when the networks use different names, but if you are normally in one place, or you do not mind selecting which network to use, then separate names normally works better. Devices will remember the settings for each network so you do not need to keep entering the network pass phrases each time you connect.

I doubt whether your router is the problem. I suspect the technician wasn't clear as to what was causing your connection failures and suggested the router as a starting point. If it is the WiFi that is dropping, then the router will not be to blame as the WiFi is between your device and your access point. If the access point and the router (or you Dad's access point) are using the same network name, then your device might pick up the wrong signal and try and switch to the other WiFi source. This will disrupt the routing from the router to the device until it learns that the device is using a different WiFi source, by which time it might be switching back again. Different names can eliminate this issue.

I hope this helps.

Anonymous · Answer

If you are getting a good connection when connected then changing the router is unlikely to change anything.  Try turning everything off - router, extensions, computers and devices.  Turn the router on then the access extensions then your computers and devices.  This will give everything a fresh connection and should rule out problems such as IP address conflicts.  If still dropping the connection move the access point and/or the router - just a short distance can make a big difference - to rule out interruptions from pipes, water tanks, wall density etc.   Many other items use the same frequencies as the Wi Fi signal so things like microwave ovens, cordless phones, baby monitoring/intercoms etc. can all be potential problems.
 
Log in to the router and change the Channels being used - it is probably set to Auto so switch to a specific Channel number....

See...

http://downloads.linksys.com/downloads/userguide/E1000_V10_UG_USA_NC-WEB,0.pdf

http://www.linksys.com/us/support-article?articleNum=136503

BigE · Answer

Get on a wired connection on the main router side.  Set up a continuous ping to you wifi PC.  If it doesn't drop when it goes down, then I'd suspect the ISP side, not the AP. When it drops, you should see the modem lights cycle.

If it does drop and your ISP side is still alive (you can ping like 8.8.8.8) then you know it is either the AP or the wiring or your WIFI card.  Again, your AP should have lights that indicate the drop (resetting)

You have too many variables to check to be guessing on the cause.

Ron75 · Answer

Can you try switching your connection on the main router with your Dad's and see if the problem follows the switch or if you still have it. That way you will know for sure which way the problem is.

Ron

Trending News

Connection issues?

4 Answers