Stumped on problem with my Qwest wireless Internet connection?

Question

I got Qwest DSL about 6 mnths ago. I have had continual problems getting & keeping a connection. I can see I have a strong signal, but then it hangs up (just keeping trying to connect) when it looks for the IP address. If I do get a connection, they last anywhere from several days to a few minutes. Sometimes I can get back in, but mostly I can't. I have replaced the wireless device three times. I have replaced the Qwest DSL modem twice. I have had the same problem on three different computers. Two pcs and one Apple. I have spent hours on the phone with Qwest support and have had a professional tech person here at the house. He couldn't figure it out either. Running XP (OS 10 on the Apple). All machines work ok on other wireless networks.
We have tried static adresses several times-- that didn't do it either.
If you think you can help me I would so appreciate it, but please, I need explicit instructions.

Answer 1

Correct me if I am mistaken, but I am guessing when you loose a connection you are refering to the wireless connection between the modem and your computer and not your modem and the service provider.



So it probably has nothing to do with your Internet Service.



And you state that you have no problem with connecting to other wireless networks, so I would say there is nothing wrong with the wireless adapter in your computer.



You also say you have changed out the wireless modem from Qwest twice also, So the odds of you getting 3 bad modems with the exact same defect is really to high to consider.



So that only leaves your enviroment. Wireless networking works at 2.4Ghz. Unfortunatly that same set of frequencies it uses is used by other consumer wireless product, such as cordless and cell phones. There are many products that put out RF noise when being operated, such as microwave ovens, fans, A.C. Units, Portable Radios, Steroe Systems and even some Televisions.



So, to try and combat this RF interference try some of these simple things.

1) Place your router as high up as possible, RF from the router propagates like a umbrella. The higher it is placed, the larger the area it can cover with a signal.

2) Move all Cordless phone basestations, handsets and cell phones at least 5 feet away from the router and the computers wireless device.

3) Do not place the router or computer near any operating electrical devices like Microwave Ovens and Radios.

4) Your connection will also get worse the farther you move away from the router, especially if your home is made with alot of concrete or bricks. The only thing you can do there is to get a range extender device for your wireless network. You would mount it were the signal starts to get weak so it will amplify it for greater signal coverage of your home.



Hope that helps....

Answer 2

Medic391, I think he's talking about having issues with the internet connection working with his wireless equipment, not with the connection itself. Have you by chance, have one computer that is wired up to the router & not via wireless. Are you having problems using the internet this way. We will probably need more information (what the model of the modem, is there also a router involved & if so what is the brand) Also do you have the ssid, security modem (wpa, etc) set & channel #, passphrase matching on the computer for the wireless card, that is set for the modem/router ?

Answer 3

Medic391, I think he's talking about having issues with the internet connection working with his wireless equipment, not with the connection itself.



Have you by chance, have one computer that is wired up to the router & not via wireless. Are you having problems using the internet this way.



We will probably need more information (what the model of the modem, is there also a router involved & if so what is the brand)



Also do you have the ssid, security modem (wpa, etc) set & channel #, passphrase matching on the computer for the wireless card, that is set for the modem/router ?

Answer 4

have you considered getting the phone lines checked? any phone line problems will cause issues. have the wires in your home checked also. check or replace the things you plug into the phone jacks for the DSL. then if all else fails, look into getting cable internet, having had both (DSL for only about 2 months because of numerous drop outs) I can say that cable internet is much more reliable.