internet needs re-connecting all the time

[louis14]

Hi folks - I wonder if anyone could help me with a problem I've been stumped by?

In the aftermath of a problem we have overcome, but not really understood, I have got a strange connectivity problem. Our internet connection failed completely a week back, and after replacing the MT882 modem with an identical unit, and re-installing our account with TalkTalk with their connection software, we got our internet back on the main PC (connected to the modem via USB). However, we then found that our D-Link wireless router connected to the MT882 wasn't broadcasting.

We replaced it with the wireless router that I had from a previous address (a Netgear unit). This we have found to work fine also, so that a laptop we have, links to the wireless network from the Netgear router perfectly.

My problem is that my PC in the study connects, but within just a few seconds or at most a minute or two, the connection fails. However, my Windows Wireless Connection page says I'm still connected at a healthy bitrate and low signal strength. (I've always been able to browse without problems continuously on 'very low' signal strength in the past, by the way).

If I use Windows Wireless Connection page to disconnect and reconnect again I quickly get reconnected, but within a very short time, the connection falls over once more.

At one point, when using gmail, I got a failure message that suggested the problem could be a Firewall problem. I am just using Windows Firewall (and AVG free Antivirus) as before, when there was no problem.

In summary, I have two computers that no longer have a problem connecting to the internet, one linked by USB to the modem, the other via a wireless router. But I have a third computer that has a connection that has to be continuously re-made.

The 'problem' computer is running Windows XP 2002 (home edition), SP3.
Windows Firewall, and AVG Free anti-virus. I also have Adaware Anniversary Edition running AdWatch Live - this is all the same as before we had any problems at all.

Any thoughts much appreciated!

L iv

[safeguy]

Hey, I am having the same problem too...

My problem is that my PC in the study connects, but within just a few seconds or at most a minute or two, the connection fails. However, my Windows Wireless Connection page says I'm still connected at a healthy bitrate and low signal strength. (I've always been able to browse without problems continuously on 'very low' signal strength in the past, by the way).

I am using an Acer laptop...right now, I am 'lucky' to get connected and is able to post here...I had this problem for 3 days...still haven't found a permanent solution yet...

[louis14]

I have no trouble connecting ... it's staying connected which is the problem.

[tangomouse]

try changing the channel number ,that normaly sorts it

[Polkadot]

I sometimes have a similar situation. There are 4 walls (including 1 concrete) between my laptop and the wireless router. If both doors are open, I usually get good signal strength. If both are closed, my internet connection often drops, though I am still connected 'locally'.

[louis14]

I sometimes have a similar situation. There are 4 walls (including 1 concrete) between my laptop and the wireless router. If both doors are open, I usually get good signal strength. If both are closed, my internet connection often drops, though I am still connected 'locally'.

I don't think it's a signal strength problem - although it says low (but not very low) when it is connected, it's quite fast.

Actually, I've just discovered that if I stream a file, my connection stays on. Right now, I'm playing a song on You Tube, and it's stayed on for ... 5 minutes. My guess is that as soon as that file ends, I'll have to reconnect.

Yup! As soon as the file finished streaming, the connection fell over.

Could this be some kind of firewall thing?

try changing the channel number ,that normaly sorts it

Hi Tangomouse. Do you mean change the channel number on the wireless router? I don't know how to do this. I wasn't around when this was set when the router was first used; and I haven't ever set up a wireless router anywhere.

[louis14]

I checked my wireless router this evening. It's a Netgear WGT624 v3, and it calls itself a '108 Mbps Wireless Firewall Router'.

Can this mean that it has some kind of Firewall built in? If so, would there be a conflict with my on-PC Windows Firewall?

[Polkadot]

Most routers have built in firewalls. The default configurations should not interfere with your software firewall. It is probably configured as a one-way gate: if someone pings your IP, they cannot just waltz on into your computer. Generally if you start a connection, the router will allow 'return' traffic in, if not, your browser could NEVER make a connection. It will not, however allow me to just send you a file without your consent.

[louis14]

Thanks Polkadot. that eliminates something at least.

I'm still stuck with this weird problem though. Any thoughts on why a connecton will continuously stop working.

Like I say, there's now a replacement, but identical modem upstream from my computer. This delivers internet to it's own computer via USB without a problem. And a replacement wireless router that a laptop has no problem with, but my (unchanged) PC is losing the connection every few seconds.

It never disconnects during the download of content, as demonstrated by always being able to stream video clips of any length without disconnection. So it's only while it's 'at rest' that it disconnects; which it does within a few seconds.

And The Windows Network Connection window shows the connection as still connected when it isn't, but re-connects without a problem.

[louis14]

Just one bump for this.

My connection still falls over the moment it is idle. But when I stream say, an internet radio station in the background, it stays connected.

This is what I'm doing now - always have an internet radio station on in the background. But it uses up bandwidth and processing power, so slows down everything I'm actually trying to do.