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    Losing wireless when connected to electricity

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by brody, Apr 12, 2009.

  1. brody

    brody Newbie

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    My buddy owns an Acer laptop and asked me about a problem he is having that started yesterday. When his laptop is on battery power, he has no problem connecting to the wireless connection. However, when he plugs in the laptop, he loses the connection and it is not found when he searches for available wireless connections. Any idea what is going on and how it can be fixed?
     
    brody, Apr 12, 2009
    #1
  2. CyberVisions

    CyberVisions Martian Notebook Overlord

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    If it's only when he's plugging in, then the most obvious problem would be too much EMI from his AC Adapter. Transformers are one of the major causes of RF interference. Although they're supposed to meet standards for EM Interference and RF Interference, sometimes they fail and start leaking more interference than they're supposed to. Or the manufacturer designs them on the very edge of the specs.

    It could be just a simple matter that he's just got it too close to his system. The AC adapter should be as far away from the wireless adapter as possible to rule out interference issues. Same goes with cordless phone bases, UPS's, power strips, and anything else with a transformer.

    If you know anyone who has an EMI meter, it would be easy to check the output. It shouldn't be registering much, if anything.
     
    CyberVisions, Apr 12, 2009
    #2
  3. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    When he searches for available wireless connections, does he find any other connections available, or do they all disappear?
     
    Shyster1, Apr 14, 2009
    #3