wireless acting up

[raffster2]

I have a fiber optic connection in my house from verizon, and on my laptop the internet will be connected strongly and then all of a sudden it will stop working. the internet will stop working, even though it will still say i am connected to the network, i just won't be able to surf any websites or anything. i then would have to 'repair' and it will work again for however long it feels like it. has anyone had the same problem? it was the same with my brothers computer so i think it is the router

[PrntRhd]

Welcome to the PC Guide forums!
:)

Try changing the router channel first.

What type of building construction where the router is located, are there any metal structural elements between the router and the laptop?

[raffster2]

changing the channel didn't make a difference, and my computer acts the same way when it is in the same room as the router. it's an actiontec

[bassman]

On your laptop, go to the “Properties” box for your wireless adaptor. Under “Wireless Networks” tab, select your network and click “Properties” button. Under “Authentication” tab, is the check box by “Enable IEEE” selected? If so, deselect and give that a try.
Having set up my network quite a few times and a number of different comps on it, I sometimes find that this setting ends up checked and creates a very peculiar problem. The connection will be on with great reception, 3 minutes later-dropped connection, 3 minutes later, back up, and so on.
Let us know if this works and we can go from there ;)

[raffster2]

nope, it was unselected. any other suggestions?

[Whyzman]

Is the router broadcasting in the 2.4Ghz range? Any other phones, microwave, wireless keyboard/mouse, anywhere close? Try unplugging if close and see if you maintain a connection...

My linksys has a number of different channels to try. You might want to shop around the channels...

[Variable]

There are only three real channels 1,6,11 in the US. The other channels overlap. If you have someone using an overlapping channel it messes up everyone near it - only a big deal in a congested wireless space.

You already tested the laptop next to the router, if interference was causing the issue it would have to be very strong to cause a signal drop if you were physically near the router/radio with your laptop. If you have a way to scan near by wireless networks from the router and the PC and see channel, signal strength and an interference ratio of other radios this would be helpful. Scan the area when things are running smoothly, when the issue happens, scan again from the router. Many wireless devices will adjust power output on the fly; so to speak, if it detects interference it will boost power and drop power when it is not needed. If a radio near you causes issues periodically this could be the problem. However, changing the channel would stop this.

If the laptop shows connected with no internet traffic, I would look at problems with a firewall or encryption. In turn, disable encryption and see if the problem abates, disable all firewalls and see if the problem abates.

[raffster2]

thanks, the channel is actually on 'automatic'

[Whyzman]

What brand of router? I would suggest calling their tech-support. I've had excellent success with Linksys tech-support getting me back up and running...

[raffster2]

actually guys, i think i fixed the problem. it seems to be a software error, i switched from using the windows client to using the updated version of intel proset wireless, and i haven't had any problems yet.

Thanks for the help, and i'll keep you guys posted if anymore problems occur!