My wireless internet keeps disconnecting?

Question

I am connected to the internet through a wireless linksys router. When it is connected it works great, except that it will randomly disconnect me from the internet but then reconnect me within 30 seconds. It does this probably 2-3 times an hour, which can get very annoying. How can I fix the problem?

Answer 1

Reset your modem or Router.

Answer 2

Are you using a 802.11n router and adapter? This protocol isn't quiet up to snuff yet, and I had similar issues since I got my N router and adapters shortly after they first came out. I have to use the Repair feature (XP) or the Diagnose and Repair feature (Vista) to correct it. Sometimes in Internet Explorer I would need to click on Tools then on Diagnose Connections Problem or whatever wording it has. If none of those work I would unplug my router for 30 seconds, plug it back in to reboot. That usually worked, but sometimes I would need to reboot both my modem and my router. I first unplug my modem, wait 30 seconds, allow it to reboot, see if I have connectivity, if not I then unplug my router wait another 30 seconds, wait for it to reboot, and I would then have connectivity.

You can do this for other routers too, not just the N routers.

If this doesn't work, it is possible your adapter is getting ready to go out on you. If it is an older router, the drivers could have become corrupt. Try new drivers by going to the manufacturers website, then to support, then to Drivers and Downloads for your adapter, and download and install a new driver. Print out the instructions for doing so, if there isn't any, simply download to your desktop, or Downloads folder, then open Device Manager, double click on your adapter in the list, click on the Driver tab, click on Update Driver, follow each page, and when you get to the page about where to search click the option to Browse to a location on your hard disk, and then browse to where you stored it, and click on it, then click on Install.

However, before you do this please set a manual restore point. If you need to know how to do this open up Help and Support on your system and type Set a manual restore point, and follow the instructions. It isn't very difficult. If you had told me what OS you are using I would have given you instructions here, as Vista and XP do this a bit differently.

If the driver update doesn't correct this then it is possible the actual adapter is going dead on you. Consider buying and installing a new one if that is the case.

Good luck and have a nice evening.