Wireless stays connected but internet drops

NickM · 5 Jul 2011 at 12:40

Sometimes my internet disconnects but the wireless network remains connected, by this I mean computers on the LAN are still visible but I cant access anything on the web (+ the system tray icon changes to the warning symbol). All the other computers on the network (all wireless, including my phone right next to me) are all still connected to the web, its just my computer (wireless-N USB adaptor) that drops.

Its usually fixed by ipconfig /release + /renew or unplugging the adaptor and plugging it back in again but its a bit annoying and I'm curious to know what would cause only my computer to disconnect from just the internet?

Thanks.

3dcandy · 5 Jul 2011 at 12:44

driver problems? Some drivers have problems like this...update them or have a google

NickM · 5 Jul 2011 at 12:57

Just checked, got the most recent drivers installed. I'll keep googling.

edscdk · 5 Jul 2011 at 13:43

I have seen this a few times, you probably find that despite your IP and DG looking ok you cannot ping the DG...

if you are using the windows wireless utility try the one that came with the card, and vice versa,

get the latest drivers from the MFG of the wireless card (not the laptop if its a laptop)

if its a desktop get a different wireless usb thingie (they are only £15) if its a laptop as a last resort you could replace the wireless thing they are usually removable.

I dont know what causes this issue, you would try and flash the latest firmware on the router (i suspect in at least some cases its something to do with the interaction of the router and the wireless chip / driver at the other end)

if you replace the wireless card make sure it has a DIFFERENT wireless chip (had a w7 sony laptop, and xp sony desktop that were both having this issue on the same site, they both had the same arthros wireless chip in, several other devices worked fine, i opted to replace the router)

Skidilliplop · 5 Jul 2011 at 23:49

Definitely got power settings configured not to turn it off to save power? This can cause havoc if left configured on network adaptors.

NickM · 6 Jul 2011 at 08:57

Its a desktop and they are the latest drivers from the Linksys website, router also has the latest firmware. I'll try the Linksys wireless utility and see how it does, it doesn't really happen often enough for me to replace the adaptor.

I've disabled the power saving for it in device manager, is there anywhere else I need to do it?

MissChief · 7 Jul 2011 at 01:42

I've had similar problems with various USB adaptors. I tried two and eventually gave up and went for an internal card and haven't looked back.

NickM · 7 Jul 2011 at 03:35

Really? Hmm I'll probably buy an internal if it keeps happening then, thanks!