WIRELESS INTERNET ISSUES

[RJHNY1]

Hey guys, I'm having issues with my wireless Internet. I use Verizon Internet. My house has 3 computers.

Computer 1: In the basement and hooks to the Internet with the router
Computer 2: A laptop that connects fine with the wireless Internet anywhere in the house
Computer 3: A desktop on the 2nd floor of the house that utilizes wireless Internet

Generally, I have not had issues with Computer 3 and the Internet. For the most part, it connects fine, although I do have short periods where the Internet is a little slow or when the signal strength isn't strong.

This past Sunday night through Monday night, the Internet for all 3 computers was very slow. But now, it seems the Internet is absolutely fine on Computer 1 and 2. However, Computer 3 can barely connect to the Internet and when it does, it's very very slow.

Computer 3 has a Linksys Wireless-G PCI Network Adapter v4.1. The Device Manager says it's working properly.

So how can I get the wireless Internet back up? It was fine the past several weeks and now all of a sudden, it hasn't been good.

While I have all of the wireless Internet experts' attention, what can I do to improve signal strength or ensure that my wireless Internet on the desktop is getting the full power of the Internet speed? I can't run cables through 2 stories, so that's out of the question.

Thanks for your help.

 

[pradeep1]

Sometimes network adapters and PCI cards go bad even if device manager says it's working properly. Best bet would be to replace the wireless adapter in computer 3 and see if that fixes it. Alternatively, you can carry it down to the router and directly plug it in to the router to verify if it is some other connection issue. I take it that you have already shut down computer 3 at least once and allowed the wireless PCI card to reset?

 

[corkyg]

Also, if you are anywhere near the fringe of the wireless signal, you may find it fading in and out randomly. I have that situation here in my house. My solution was to install a signal booster. Now have steady 4-5 bars anywhere in the house.

 

[RJHNY1]

pradeep1: The thing is, if I buy a new wireless internet card and the problem still persists, I probably wouldn't be able to return it, you know? Is there a way to find out rather than buying a new one?

And yes, I have shut down the computer many times since. I shut down my computer every night.

corky: Is a signal booster worth it? They're like $50 and I heard that it is a waste of money and doesn't really help much at all.

 

[kh4130]

Have you tried moving the desktop closer to the router as a test?
Power cycling router (unplug, wait 15 sec, plug back in)?
Have you tried wired (as suggested from pradeep1)?

I would try these tests before buying anything new.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: RJHNY1
corky: Is a signal booster worth it? They're like $50 and I heard that it is a waste of money and doesn't really help much at all.

I don't know about a $50 one - but my zBoost YX-500 works very well at home. It was closer to $200.

Agree with the previous post on trying all the tests before spending any $$$. Try different locations and positions. Sometimes an external antenna can help a lot.

Also, use cell phones to test signal strength in different locations. You might also borrow a cellphone from a different carrier and see if that changes anything.

When I visit my sister-in-law in Pasadena, my Sprint aircard is really hit or miss - sometimes zero bars - sometimes 2. If I use my AT&T card, it is loud and clear with 4 bars and solid 3G. Same room - same laptop. But, different tower locations and carrier parameters, i.e., CDMA vs. GSM.