Which is the weak link in my WiFi connection?

[wpcoe]

My desktop computer has a USB WiFi adapter that connects to my cable company's DOCSIS WiFi router.

I randomly lose the connection from my computer to the internet. When suddenly I can't browse or download, I immediately try a "ping yahoo.com" to see if I have access. (Crude, I know, but it works.)

I found that if I "ipconfig /renew" and reset all the network adapters the internet connection is immediately restored.

What is the likely weak link: The USB WiFi adapter, the DOCSIS modem/router, or Windows 8.1 networking? The USB WiFi adapter is about a year old, the modem/router was installed three months ago, and Windows 8.1 is currently ver. 6.3.9600.

 

[JackMDS]

Do you have a frame of deference done by wired connection?

How far is the computer from the Router?

What type of USB adapter and where physically it is located (like is it behind the computer case and the wall out of sight).

 

[wpcoe]

Don't have a LAN cable (yet) long enough to reach.

Router is five meters direct line of sight to the back of the computer where the USB adapter is plugged in. (Rear of computer faces into the room.)

USB adapter is TP-Link, but there is no model # on the device. Device Manager shows "Realtek RTL8188EU WirelessLAN 802.11n USB 2.0 Network Adapter"