Wireless connection intermittent - How do I determine where the problem is?

Is there a way to determine where the problem comes from? Whether it is SP1, the router or the laptop (I think it's the latter)

About a week ago I started noticing that my internet would randomly drop for no reason, usually for a few seconds at a time, sometimes a few minutes at a time. At first I thought it was the router because my network speed went down from a constant 144 Mbps to slower speeds sometimes 30+ Mbps or less. I had installed SP1 a couple of days before, but the connection was working fine right after the installation, and I didn't find anything relating SP1 to wireless problems on the internet. I also called the router's customer service and we tried different things but nothing has improved. I also used CC cleaner to delete the temporary files, I used Firefox and IE.

There are other computers on my network and a VOIP phone, all of them have steady connections. But mine keeps dropping with no actual pattern, it's very frustrating, I mean, sometimes a page is loading up and then it stops and 10 seconds later it continues to load up again, while other tabs with other pages load up fine. With the overall time I feel like I'm back to dial-up.

I read that some new HP pavillions (I have a dv6700t) have this problem, so I'd rather discard every other cause before sending my new laptop for repair cos that might take a while.

So is there a way to determine what the problem is.

 

Which notebook do you have?

 

It's on my post. HP dv6700t + 4965AGN. Router is n-draft too.

Edit: Router is Trendnet 631BRP. All drivers are up to date.

Edit2: I just realized that my Bluetooth connection is crap too. I thought it was the headset battery coz there's a lot of interference and the quality of the mic is almost useless. I was going to get a new headset but isn't the Wi-Fi connected to the Bluetooth of the laptop? Could those problems be related?

 

Make sure no programs (like a firewall) are interfering with your connection. Next reboot the router by turning it off, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on. Maybe you have a bad connection to your router? Try moving your laptop right next to your router. Finally double check your wireless settings and driver updates. Perhaps a driver update recently came out for SP1.

 

If the other devices connected to your router isnt dropping out then its most likely the wireless card in your notebook. Call up HP, i think they will try get you to reseat it first before sending it in. Make sure its not a software/OS problem first

 

Thanks but I've done all that and nothing worked.

 

Do you mean reset, I don't know what 'reseat' means?

 

You should also go to a public wi-fi hotspot with your laptop to see if the connection stays strong there. If it cuts out on a different wireless hotspot, you can be fairly certain the issue is with your laptop. If it doesn't, you can be fairly certain the issue is with your router.

EDIT TO ADD:

No, he meant "reseat." Reseating a card is when you remove it, disconnect any wires attached, and then reconnect (or "seat") it and reattach any wires. This can sometimes help with intermittent problems from a variety of computer components.

 

Thank you, I hadn't tried that yet. Also thanks for the explanation, is that an easy thing to do? I'm very clumsy and I don't want to **** something else up.

 

Whether it's easy or not depends a lot on your particular computer, but MOST notebooks tend to put the wireless card in an easy-to-reach spot underneath an access panel on the bottom of the notebook, and reseating is generally very easy. You'll want to have an HP tech walk you through the process to be on the safe side, but it's almost always simplicity itself.

 

I forgot to update this thread. It turned out that the problem was FF. I'm still trying to figure out how to fix it. Thanks.

 

I'm sure your aware of the problems with HP and dropping wireless networks. I won't get into my dilemma too much, but there are known problems and I think HP's got a serious problem on their hands with the WIFI problem. Long story short, they had to send me a new Intel based computer.

I would uninstall SP1 or go back in to your restore point to when it worked. If that does not work then "re-seat" your card, reinstall drivers from the MANUFACTURERS website....if nothing,then make a call to the manager's hotline and tell them you did everything and you know there is a known problem with WIFI and network connections.

Sorry, but it's going back. Back up everything and demand (nicely) for a new computer....chances of it getting fixed are slim. Most of the time the problem comes back after being "repaired".

Good luck...

 

check out this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=238918