Wireless connection drops when 1st computer is wired

Question

I use windows Vista on a desktop and a laptop. The laptop connects to the internet through a wireless router, the desktop through a wired one. It usually works fine with good signal strength, but every few minutes I lose the wireless connection. I've tried repairing the connection and different network settings but nothing works. If I unplug the router and plug it back in I can easily reconnect, but until I do this it is impossible. This doesn't make sense to me because the router is on and working but I can't connect until I unplug it and plug it back in. As long as it's on shouldn't I be able to connect to it? Or does something reset when you plug it back in?

Another thing I have discovered is that when I disconnect the wired computer from the router, the wireless connection stays on without any problems.

Does anyone know what might be causing this problem or at least know a way I can fix the connection on my computer without having to go and unplug the router every time? That would at least make it a little less annoying.

tia!

Answer 1

More information is needed for an accurate answer, but try to set the wireless router to clone the mac address of the wired PC. That is the likely culprit. Also tell it to only renew the DHCP every 24 hours.

Answer 2

Let's see, you have 1 router, right?  One connection wired, one wireless?  It sounds like your router is defective,but it might be the settings.  Check the DHCP lease.  It should be as long a you can make it, typically a day or two.  If it was a few minutes, that might explain the behavior you describe.