Fri May 5, 2006 1:20PM EDT
See Comments (3)
Al writes: I have a wireless network and I can't stay connected to my main computer, but I can connect with other wireless networks around me, and I don't lose connection with them. What do you think the problem is?
Al is not alone here: Wi-Fi networks are wonderfully convenient, but notoriously problematic, especially when all your neighbors all have their own wireless networks, too. In my house, I can see seven other Wi-Fi networks from my living room, at least two of which are stronger than my own, which is based one story down.
As far as disconnects, the problems are many: Wi-Fi is still an evolving technology, and many different flavors exist. Theoretically they are all compatible, but realistically there are interference issues and other concerns which I won't bore you with right now.
Instead, here's a list of things you can try in order to solve the problem of your computer dropping off your Wi-Fi network.
Other tools exist that can help you troubleshoot dropouts, but these are probably overkill for a novice user.
Give these tips a spin. If they don't solve the problem entirely they at least ought to be of some help.
Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.
i'm a truck driver and notice that at truck stops,(WiFI) you need to park near the signal antenna at the site itself. otherwise you will get a low signal response.....
We have an "n" router and cards, but use a mixed broadcast in our home network, so our psp, xbox360 and laptop can get online. We changed our channel to "9" to get away from the neighbors and use MAC address filtering for our network. But then, we found we'd be strongly connected to the router, but not to our DSL internet! The cure for us is to disable the connection and then enable it again. Also from time to time, retype your password in your profile and reactivate it. Yes, wireless is "touchy" but well worth the effort. Thanks for an interesting article!
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1 Posted by dawheat7 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:38PM EDT Report Abuse
A follow-up article on some basic security tips would be helpful as well. Thanks