Wireless N Losing Connectivity

[trbyrne]

I *really* hope someone can help me. I have two computers in one of my stores that are running wireless N and they are notorious for losing connectivity with the network each and every day. The computers each have a Netgear RangeMax wireless N card and my wireless router is a Netgear RangeMax WNR834M.

The SSID on the network is hidden, it's broadcasting on channel 10, and I have WPA-PSK security. The computers sit approximately 15 feet away from the router with nothing (no walls, columns, anything) between them. The computers are not set to time-out, hibernate, or otherwise lose power at all.

Does anyone have any idea why these computers suddenly (and so frequently) lose connectivity? Any ideas on how to fix this (I cannot run CAT5 cable to these computers)?

 

[G0AOZ]

Have a browse through these:-

1. I'll assume neither computer has its wireless adaptor set to power save, and that the signal strength indicators on the PCs show virtually maximum signal.

2. Are either of the machines finding neighbouring WiFi networks?

3. Are both machines losing connectivity at the same time?

4. Is it connectivity to the ROUTER or to the INTERNET that is dropping?

5. Anything in the vicinity of the PCs and/or the router which could be causing interference? Cordless phones? Microwave oven? Etc., etc...


Perhaps you need to start with basics...

A. Try a change of channel, particularly if you're seeing other WiFi networks, albeit they may not appear to offer strong signals to the PCs.

B. Try to temporarily connect, say, one machine to the router with Ethernet cable. This will help you eliminate if it's a plain wireless problem, or something more deeply concerned with the router itself.

C. If (A) above works fine, now go back to wireless. Temporarily knock off hidden SSID, and disable security.


ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[trbyrne]

Please see my replies (IN ALL CAPS FOR READABILITY) below:

Have a browse through these:-

1. I'll assume neither computer has its wireless adaptor set to power save, and that the signal strength indicators on the PCs show virtually maximum signal.
YES, THE POWER-SAVE FEATURES ARE DISABLED AND THE WIRELESS STRENGTH IS AT 85%

2. Are either of the machines finding neighbouring WiFi networks?
YES - LOTS OF THEM

3. Are both machines losing connectivity at the same time?
ALL MACHINES LOSE CONNECTIVITY AT PRETTY MUCH THE SAME TIME

4. Is it connectivity to the ROUTER or to the INTERNET that is dropping?
CONNECTIVITY TO THE ROUTER IS DROPPING.

5. Anything in the vicinity of the PCs and/or the router which could be causing interference? Cordless phones? Microwave oven? Etc., etc...
CELLS PHONES ONLY, WHEN THEY ARE PRESENT. THAT'S IT.


Perhaps you need to start with basics...

A. Try a change of channel, particularly if you're seeing other WiFi networks, albeit they may not appear to offer strong signals to the PCs.
I'VE RESET AND RECONFIGURED THE ROUTER AND CHANGED TO CHANNEL 1

B. Try to temporarily connect, say, one machine to the router with Ethernet cable. This will help you eliminate if it's a plain wireless problem, or something more deeply concerned with the router itself.
THERE ARE TWO MACHINES ALWAYS CONNECTED VIA CAT5 CABLE AND THEY NEVER LOSE CONNECTIVITY

C. If (A) above works fine, now go back to wireless. Temporarily knock off hidden SSID, and disable security.
DURING THE RECONFIG I HAVE ENABLED THE SSID BROADCAST.

 

[N0ktar]

Try enabling SSID, it may help.

 

[G0AOZ]

As regards other local WiFi networks you said "YES - LOTS OF THEM".

How strong are these other signals?

Are you able to set your channel so that you have at least one clear channel number between you and the next one? I.e. if you have neighbours using 4 and 8, set yours to 6 if it's clear.

If the "unwanted" signals are very strong and there are no clear channels, then it's possible that wireless connections are never going to work successfully in that location using 802.11b/g.

Possible options:

1. Change over to 802.11a - unfortunately means buying new gear.

2. Use Ethernet-over-Power devices. (You've stated permanent cabling to the router is not acceptable).


ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[trbyrne]

The other signals are quite strong. Our store is located in kind of a roundabout circle so we're picking up wireless from other buildings. Today I did a scan to see what channels were being utilized and I didn't see anything on channel 9 so that's what I chose. I had originally reset it to channel 1 but there were two other networks broadcasting on this channel. I re-enabled the SSID broadcast also.

I'm going to watch it over the next few days to see what happens. If it keeps dropping the connection then I am going to have to get new wireless equipment. Does anyone have strong recommendations as to reliable business-class wireless that doesn't cost $$$$$?

BTW, ethernet-over-power was the first thing I tried and this proved to be very unreliable for my situation. I know it works in certain environments, just not this one.