computer experts- wireless router ?

rfuerst911sc · 12-22-2006, 03:12 AM

I have a Dell Lattitude that I purchased about a year ago used. It does not have a built in wireless card so I purchased a Belkin card and router and have been useing it for about a year now. But occasionally the "red light" comes on indicating that the wireless connection is not available, what causes this condition? I am running a cable modem. Does this mean I have lost the cable signal or what? This condition only happens occasionally and lasts generally for 30 seconds to maybe 5 minutes, then the "green light" comes on and all is fine. Thoughts? Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all!!

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

Not knowing your setup, my first question would be, "Do you have a 2.4 GHz cordless phone?"

I would bet that you lose connectivity when the phone rings or your wife is yacking.

rfuerst911sc · 12-22-2006, 03:40 AM

Yes I do have cordless 2.4 phones but I don't believe I have the problem when they are in use but I will check on that. Thanks for the advice.

Joeaksa · 12-22-2006, 03:40 AM

Have you reset the cable modem and router recently? Try pulling the power out of both, then powering up the cable modem first, wait a minute then power up the WiFi unit.

When you lose the signal do you also lose it from the modem as well?

stomachmonkey · 12-22-2006, 05:42 AM

Also depends on where everything is located.

Wireless does not pass thru angular structures very well. It likes to go straight thru walls and floors. Things like stairs or other non vertical/horizontal structures cause problems. If the router has antennae you can try moving them for better broadcast.

Also glass, especially mirrors are a killer.

Try assigning different channels on the router to see if it clears up any interference from things like 2.4 phones.

stevepaa · 12-22-2006, 08:53 AM

The wireless 2.4 GHz phones killed my router signal every time. I replaced them with 900 Mhz phones.

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

I have a similar issue - the 2.4Ghz phone kills the signal, and it does it at times when I'm not on the phone, which makes me wonder if the neighbor's phone isn't doing it to me.

My connectivity seems to degrade in bad weather, too.

nota · 12-22-2006, 09:34 AM

my dsl modem loses the connection sometimes
but is no where as bad as the old usb modem was

btw my wireless router seems to kill the tv's sound on odd occasions

Gene Wilkes · 12-22-2006, 10:34 AM

rfuerst911sc

Make sure that all software updates are done on both the wireless card and the router. That should cure most common problems!

Brian 162 · 12-22-2006, 07:12 PM

Once in a while I lose my signal when I'm on the phone. Also the location of the router affects the signal in my case. In the summer I use my laptop on my porch and I get a strong signal.

COLDBASS · 12-22-2006, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul_Heery
Not knowing your setup, my first question would be, "Do you have a 2.4 GHz cordless phone?"

I would bet that you lose connectivity when the phone rings or your wife is yacking.

...or your neighbor is walking around with his 2.4 near your property/router

epbrown · 12-22-2006, 10:30 PM

And I lose my signal if I'm using my laptop near the microwave while it's in use.

rfuerst911sc · 12-23-2006, 02:39 AM

Last night I lost the signal for about 2 minutes, when it happened I took note we were not useing the cordless phone, we were not useing the microwave and I looked at my router LED's and all seemed fine. I think you guys may be right that a neighbors cordless phone may be causing this. The weather conditions were fine. I also noticed when I looked at the available networks in my area there are normally 3 including mine, when I lost my signal I noticed one of the other networks was not available either.Thanks everyone for the feedback.