Networking & wireless forum: Unsolved Mystery: Spotty Wifi Defies Explanation

It's secured - my mistake. Any ideas on what could be going on?

And can result in what you noted. Not much of a mystery yet. There are other reasons such as you read at this link but I have only the details you provided so not much can be offered.

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-13973_102-560420/wifi-disconnects-from-time-to-time-galaxy-tab-7-plus/?tag=contentBody;threadListing

They noted it as well about disconnects and drops. But again, the details are what helps. Your discussion so you decide what to tell.
Bob

Thanks for your reply, Bob. I'm not well-versed in this area, so please tell me what sort of details would be helpful for you to know and I'll provide them. Any links to step-by-steps would be helpful for me as well. Thanks again!

I shared the link about channels but you didn't share what channels are in use. It appears that you should have this looked at by a local networking company. They may make a change or they may add a WAP.

If you give yourself time to research about networking, maybe take a class or seminar it does get easier.
Bob

Last night, the internet (and landline phone) went down entirely (not local outage), so Verizon is coming out. I will ask them to look into the issues more specifically, so we'll see what the outcome is. Thanks again for your help!

Last Verizon actually called HP, the manufacturer of my computer that's experiencing the most trouble, and conferenced them in for another troubleshooting session. What we did:

- changed security to WPA2-Personal;
- un/reinstalled the wireless LAN driver;
- went into the router's settings and set it up so that each device connects to its own channel ("automatic" setting)
- verified (via device manager and a diagnostic disk, i.e., 2 ways) that the wireless LAN card is working properly

They believe it's some sort of interference issue, but we're obviously not sure.

Other info:

When the problem occurs:

- router's Internet light & LAN Coax light remain flashing green (as do all the other relevant lights)
- connecting via wired ethernet connection does NOT help
- all other wireless devices continue working (laptop, 4g smartphone (which is not home during the day while the problem keeps continuing)
- wireless network map (network & security center) indicates there is a connection (IPv4 connectivity, no IPv6 connectivity); no red x's in-between the computer/router/internet
- clicking "troubleshooting" doesn't help
- rebooting works every time... temporarily

Other:
- no cordless phone bases near the computer

Perhaps these other details will help -- (copied just now when computer is working)

"connecting via wired ethernet connection does NOT help"

This means it is not a WiFi interference issue. It's that simple.

It could be a machine issue or the internet system you are using has issues.

To sniff this out I often bring my own internet access with something like the MiFi or Jetpack (Verizon.)

Yes it could be your machine but that is again where I walk in with my MiFi, my laptop and show that my internet is fine and then the fun begins as we see what works and what does not.

--> This service is not cheap at about 140 per hour. Makes you wonder at times how people deal with such issues. I think many of them cancel DSL or Fios and go with cable or vice versa. Some will find out how much PC repairs are and replace the laptop.
Bob