Lets play stump the geeks.

[Jakeiscrazy]

Free cookie to those who can solve this WITHOUT reinstalling the OS. I'm out of ideas.

Recently within the past couple months my computer's internet will run insanely slow(sometimes not at all) at random times. Other times it runs find at normal speed. Let me make this clear, the computer itself is running fine but the internet is really slow. It can go months with no problems and then the WiFi craps out again. When it's out it can be out for months to days and I end up tethered to a Ethernet cord.

ALL THESE CHANGES WERE MADE AFTER THE PROBLEM BEGAN THEREFORE LIKELY DIDN'T CAUSE THE PROBLEM
I'm running a Gateway NV52 with Windows 7

Here what I've tired:
Ran the Internet on another computer and it was fast and fine- So i isn't my ISP.
Ran the Internet on another WiFi Device- It ran fine and fast as normal so it isn't my WiFi
Router and modem restart-no change
Computer restart- No change
Ran CCleaner both clearing temp files and registry clean-No change
Reduced the number of startup programs-No change
Cleared DNS Cache-No Change
Tried multiple browsers: Chrome, IE, and FireFox-No Change
Ran Spybot and AVG-No change and No Threats found
Connected directly to the Modem with Ethernet Cable-SPEED NORMAL
Defragged-No Change
Updated Windows and Network Drivers-No Change
Released and Renewed IP Address-No Change
Network USB Adapter Tried-No Change
Spare Router Tried-No Change


I'm all died up I ran it by my Cisco instructors and class but no one had any suggestions.

[gunderwood]

Tell you neighbors to quit stealing your Internets!


Based on what you've posted I'd still put money on there being some issue with the WiFi. Consumer (read cheap) routers and cards are generally not built well and while standards in theory should allow everything to work together, they don't always. Since you mentioned you had FIOS in another thread I assume you are running the WiFi off of their router/modem combo? Next time it happens, completely unplug the router/modem and wait ~30secs. While you're doing that, shutdown the laptop and remove the battery, a reboot isn't enough if it is a firmware problem as most systems cache the BIOS on a simple reboot. Let the router restart 100%, then boot up the laptop. I know you said you tried other WiFi devices and another router with no issue, but I want a clean slate. USB under Window XP sometimes had this weird interaction between the BIOS and OS where the port would be put to sleep and could not be woke up.

I didn't see that you updated the BIOS? Your version should be displayed at boot, but this should be the newest one: http://support.gateway.com/support/driv ... =304123937

After that, is it running hot or anything? Hoes the signal strength? Does moving around or closer to the router change anything?

[Pumbaa]

I say WiFi... Get an older LinkSys and install tomato and boost up the RF signal to about 70. There are other operating systems you can install, but I have had good luck with that.

[Jakeiscrazy]

Tell you neighbors to quit stealing your Internets!

Based on what you've posted I'd still put money on there being some issue with the WiFi. Consumer (read cheap) routers and cards are generally not built well and while standards in theory should allow everything to work together, they don't always. Since you mentioned you had FIOS in another thread I assume you are running the WiFi off of their router/modem combo?

Correct

Next time it happens, completely unplug the router/modem and wait ~30secs. While you're doing that, shutdown the laptop and remove the battery, a reboot isn't enough if it is a firmware problem as most systems cache the BIOS on a simple reboot. Let the router restart 100%, then boot up the laptop.

Success! At least for now so lets hope it continues to work. I still don't know what cause the problem in the first place though.

I know you said you tried other WiFi devices and another router with no issue, but I want a clean slate. USB under Window XP sometimes had this weird interaction between the BIOS and OS where the port would be put to sleep and could not be woke up.

I didn't see that you updated the BIOS? Your version should be displayed at boot, but this should be the newest one: http://support.gateway.com/support/driv ... =304123937

I'll go ahead and check that but I think I did that fairly recently.

After that, is it running hot or anything? Hoes the signal strength? Does moving around or closer to the router change anything?

Nope not running hot and proximity to the router has no effect. Signal strength is 3-5 bars most of the time depending on where I am.

I say WiFi... Get an older LinkSys and install tomato and boost up the RF signal to about 70. There are other operating systems you can install, but I have had good luck with that.

Gunderwood appears to have found a solution for now but I might install Tomato on and old Linksys just for the fun of it.

[allingeneral]

^5 gunderwood

[gunderwood]

Success! At least for now so lets hope it continues to work. I still don't know what cause the problem in the first place though.

Good.

I'll go ahead and check that but I think I did that fairly recently.

Recent as in when this problem started?

Sometimes they break things on updates. Given that my suggestion worked, it sounds like a firmware problem on either the router or your laptop. It's possible that it is the router, but not all that likely since other devices work just fine when your laptop is having a problem. Odds are its a BIOS/OS feature of your laptop. Since that power cycling processes worked he's what I'd do.

If it's happened several times, power cycling probably won't fix it permanently. In this order:

1. Update the BIOS on your laptop.
2. If it happens after that, do the procedure for the laptop only. Do not power cycle the router as long as other WiFi devices are working. If it comes back up working, then it is the laptop. If it doesn't, you still don't know.
3. Reverse #2, leave the laptop up and power cycle the router only. It it works, then it is the router, if not you don't know.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3, but with a slight modification. When you do #2, log into the router from another PC and force it to drop and not remember the connection/IP/MAC of your laptop(make sure the laptop is off when do this). Then power up the lap again. Do the opposite for #3, power off router (unplug it) and then force the laptop to drop all connections.

Gunderwood appears to have found a solution for now but I might install Tomato on and old Linksys just for the fun of it.

There are several other such router OS's, each has pros and cons. E.g. DDWRT and FreeWRT. People will claim on is better than the other for various reasons, but it depends on what you want to do with it. It's like Linux distros and ice cream, lots of flavors, but the best is a personal decision.

[zephyp]

I'm also on Vz FIOS using a wireless router. On my laptop I use a D-Link USB WiFi modem and it works great. It sometimes does crap out (not often) and I merely pull the modem and plug it right back in and away it goes.

As an aside placement of your components and proximity can greatly affect performance and connectivity. I live in an older home and some of the walls still have the old chicken wire/plaster format. The RF signal hits those and splatters everywhere...not good...if you're not already, put your notebook right next to the Vz modem and see if it craps again. If it doesnt, move your laptop farther away...next room maybe and try again to see if there is a difference.

[Jakeiscrazy]

Recent as in when this problem started?

Sometimes they break things on updates. Given that my suggestion worked, it sounds like a firmware problem on either the router or your laptop. It's possible that it is the router, but not all that likely since other devices work just fine when your laptop is having a problem. Odds are its a BIOS/OS feature of your laptop. Since that power cycling processes worked he's what I'd do.

If it's happened several times, power cycling probably won't fix it permanently. In this order:

1. Update the BIOS on your laptop.
2. If it happens after that, do the procedure for the laptop only. Do not power cycle the router as long as other WiFi devices are working. If it comes back up working, then it is the laptop. If it doesn't, you still don't know.
3. Reverse #2, leave the laptop up and power cycle the router only. It it works, then it is the router, if not you don't know.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3, but with a slight modification. When you do #2, log into the router from another PC and force it to drop and not remember the connection/IP/MAC of your laptop(make sure the laptop is off when do this). Then power up the lap again. Do the opposite for #3, power off router (unplug it) and then force the laptop to drop all connections.

No, the problem began before the update. If it happens again, I think it will, I'll try what you've suggested above. A weird thing I meant to add: If I leave the house when the WiFi is crapped out and let's stay go to Starbuck's, it will work just fine. That's why I found this problem so weird. All signs point to the laptop but the laptop will run fine on other networks even when the WiFi has crapped out at home. It must be related to how long the laptop has be on the network. Once again other WiFi devices run and speed test perfectly normal even when the WiFi on the laptop is messed up.

[zephyp]

Recent as in when this problem started?

Sometimes they break things on updates. Given that my suggestion worked, it sounds like a firmware problem on either the router or your laptop. It's possible that it is the router, but not all that likely since other devices work just fine when your laptop is having a problem. Odds are its a BIOS/OS feature of your laptop. Since that power cycling processes worked he's what I'd do.

If it's happened several times, power cycling probably won't fix it permanently. In this order:

1. Update the BIOS on your laptop.
2. If it happens after that, do the procedure for the laptop only. Do not power cycle the router as long as other WiFi devices are working. If it comes back up working, then it is the laptop. If it doesn't, you still don't know.
3. Reverse #2, leave the laptop up and power cycle the router only. It it works, then it is the router, if not you don't know.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3, but with a slight modification. When you do #2, log into the router from another PC and force it to drop and not remember the connection/IP/MAC of your laptop(make sure the laptop is off when do this). Then power up the lap again. Do the opposite for #3, power off router (unplug it) and then force the laptop to drop all connections.

No, the problem began before the update. If it happens again, I think it will, I'll try what you've suggested above. A weird thing I meant to add: If I leave the house when the WiFi is crapped out and let's stay go to Starbuck's, it will work just fine. That's why I found this problem so weird. All signs point to the laptop but the laptop will run fine on other networks even when the WiFi has crapped out at home. It must be related to how long the laptop has be on the network. Once again other WiFi devices run and speed test perfectly normal even when the WiFi on the laptop is messed up.

One reason I added what I did...check your proximity...your meter might say good connection but it might not be so good...

[allingeneral]

One reason I added what I did...check your proximity...your meter might say good connection but it might not be so good...

Try licking your finger and sticking it in the air. Maybe your body's impedance is blocking the signal and by licking your finger and sticking it in the air, you will lower your body's resistance and thus increase your signal strength.

[BW1911]

Hope you have already solved your issue and everything is running great, but....Gunderwood joked that your neighbors were stealing your internet...hmm...could be. When you connected directly to your modem, you said your laptop seemed normal. You didn't mention whether you disconnected the WiFi when you did that, but if you did disconnect your WiFi when you hooked directly to your cable modem, you MAY have cut your huge pornfile downloading, internet bootlegging, freeloading neighbors off momentarily!!! You DO have your WiFI password protected, right?

[Jakeiscrazy]

No, the problem began before the update. If it happens again, I think it will, I'll try what you've suggested above. A weird thing I meant to add: If I leave the house when the WiFi is crapped out and let's stay go to Starbuck's, it will work just fine.[/b] [/size]That's why I found this problem so weird. All signs point to the laptop but the laptop will run fine on other networks even when the WiFi has crapped out at home. It must be related to how long the laptop has be on the network. Once again other WiFi devices run and speed test perfectly normal even when the WiFi on the laptop is messed up.

One reason I added what I did...check your proximity...your meter might say good connection but it might not be so good...

It's not the signal strength, I can be three inches for the router or 30 feet and still have the page never load.It has something do with how long I stay on the network. If it was signal strength this problem would appear different.

[Jakeiscrazy]

Hope you have already solved your issue and everything is running great, but....Gunderwood joked that your neighbors were stealing your internet...hmm...could be. When you connected directly to your modem, you said your laptop seemed normal. You didn't mention whether you disconnected the WiFi when you did that, but if you did disconnect your WiFi when you hooked directly to your cable modem, you MAY have cut your huge pornfile downloading, internet bootlegging, freeloading neighbors off momentarily!!! You DO have your WiFI password protected, right?

Yes it has WPA enabled. I have a router/gateway combo so there is no individual modem. When I connect directly to the router/gateway with Ethernet I disconnect the WiFi on the laptop. The WiFi remains enabled on the router.

[chrismartin]

It's not the signal strength, I can be three inches for the router or 30 feet and still have the page never load.It has something do with how long I stay on the network. If it was signal strength this problem would appear different.

WiFi is a lot more than just signal strength. There can be a lot of noise from other WiFi or 2.4GHz devices that can cause a ton of retransmissions and errors that won't necessarily affect your signal strength "meter" on your laptop (depends on the software and how it accounts for signal to noise issues)

Personally, I stuck a better 5GHz router (Simultaneous 2.4/5GHz a/b/g/n router) behind my FiOS router to get off the 2.4 spectrum completely.

I would use a program like Kismet/Kismac/etc. to check out the spectrum that my latop can "see" then see if I can move the WiFi channel around to avoid conflicts (Remember, your router should be on channel 1, 6 or 11 only for 2.4GHz) I've had a few devices that REFUSED to "see" my router on Channel 1, for example. I moved it to "6" and it appeared, no more issues.

[zephyp]

No, the problem began before the update. If it happens again, I think it will, I'll try what you've suggested above. A weird thing I meant to add: If I leave the house when the WiFi is crapped out and let's stay go to Starbuck's, it will work just fine.[/b] [/size]That's why I found this problem so weird. All signs point to the laptop but the laptop will run fine on other networks even when the WiFi has crapped out at home. It must be related to how long the laptop has be on the network. Once again other WiFi devices run and speed test perfectly normal even when the WiFi on the laptop is messed up.

One reason I added what I did...check your proximity...your meter might say good connection but it might not be so good...

It's not the signal strength, I can be three inches for the router or 30 feet and still have the page never load.It has something do with how long I stay on the network. If it was signal strength this problem would appear different.

Sounds like a config issue...check the manufacturer web site for a current driver for your wifi card and reload it....

[Jakeiscrazy]

Sounds like a config issue...check the manufacturer web site for a current driver for your wifi card and reload it....

Thats was one of my thoughts as well but I tried that to no avail.

[zephyp]

Sounds like a config issue...check the manufacturer web site for a current driver for your wifi card and reload it....

Thats was one of my thoughts as well but I tried that to no avail.

The other thing is there are settings you can tweak in windows through device manager. Could be something simple like power management putting it to sleep since you indicate it seems to be tied to time online. Also, if you've made any changes before problems started like installing something new try backing it out...

[Mindflayer]

A lot of WiFi/Router crap you get doesn't clear sessions frequently enough so you'll get really craptastic performance. Charter, for example, hands out these horrid devices.

I skimmed the topic, but I am going to echo getting a 5Ghz router from a good maker. I use an Apple AirPort Extreme and while it's not as easy to configure - you have to use an app on Windows and Mac OS instead of a browser - mine has been rock stable. It also handles IPv6 properly, which many brands screw up as well.

Oh, just scrolled up, and you said other things are fine one other computers. Still could be router. Also check to see if you ever installed one of those, "IT WILL MAKE YOUR INTERNETS FASTER" apps. They do funky ass traffic shaping.

[Taggure]

I know it is a pain but from a security point you need to not broadcast your SSID (you should already know it and your password) and lock your network down by authorized MAC address. I know this latter point can be a pain but you will be happy once you know what is on your network. Then you take away the Freeloading Neighbor possibility.
My guess on your problem is very colse the Gunderwoods suggestions so I will not repeat them, but I do recommend that you lock your system down. I agree that a Bios update may be needed.

[Mindflayer]

The latest SANS suggestion is actually to broadcast your SSID. Just lock it down using WPA/WPA2. If you want to be even more paranoid, use WPA2 and MAC filtering.