Wifi Network Adapter drops out at random times (Windows 7)

[Saginaw]

OS: Windows 7
Hardware: Sony VAIO
Powered by: AC
History: The computer is about 2 years old and the symptoms described below started either abruptly or gradually some 2-3 months ago.

Symptoms: The network access icon in the right of my task bar will show 4-5 bars of signal strength. I'll leave the computer for several hours and when I come back, it shows 0 bars with a red x over it. I click it, select troubleshoot and the Windows Network Diagnostics window pops up and says "Problems found"; A network cable is not properly plugged in or may be broken" - Detected; "Problem with wireless adapter or access point" - Fixed, upon which the icon goes back to 4 or 5 bars and I resume my network connectivity. This takes all of one minute or less.

However, if I need to do a lengthy download, this unexpected action will stop the download in the middle of the night.

TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS:
1) I tried a side-by-side comparison with another laptop and the Sony VAIO lost the network connection in the manner described above while the other computer didn't.
2) I went to Manage Wireless Networks, removed all networks (including my home network) and then rebuilt the wireless networks by re-entering my home network. I was then able to access my network. However, the wireless network adapter still shut off in the middle of the night.
3) I went to Power Settings/Change advanced power settings/Advanced settings/Wireless Adapter Settings/Power Saving Mode and observed that "Plugged in" states "Maximum Performance"

Thanks for your help.

 

[Slartybart]

This might help - the following commands restore Windows IP and Winsock to known good values

Open an http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/783-elevated-command-prompt.html

   Tip

Standard keyboard shortcuts for Copy (Ctrl-C) and Paste (Ctrl-V) shortcuts do not work in Command Prompt.

Enabling the Quick Edit Mode in Command Prompt makes Copy and Paste operations easier.
See step 4 in http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/21874-command-prompt-copy-clipboard.html to enable it.

Copy in Command Prompt: hightlight the text you want to copy, then press ENTER.
Paste in Command Prompt: right click with your mouse.

​

In the elevated command Prompt window type the following commands
Alternatively, you can copy the commands, one line at a time and paste it in the Command Prompt Window

ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns
netsh winsock reset all
netsh int ipv4 reset all
netsh int ipv6 reset all

exit

 

[theveterans]

Aside from Slartybart's fix, it can also be that there are now more access points in your location than before previously. Try optimizing your WLAN channel by selecting the best channel using inssider. This should lessen the drops out or even eliminate it. If possible, also update or WLAN drivers to ensure best performance.

 

[DMHolt57]

Go in the Device Manager, Network Adapters, right click on the adapter and select properties, Power Management, uncheck the box that says, 'Allow the Computer to turn off this device to save power'.

 

[Saginaw]

Thanks for everyone's help.

I went ahead and performed the tasks described by SlartyBart and DMHolt57. If I still see the problem I'll try the optimization using inssider.

An IT friend of mine suggested I could use a wireless N USB adapter. Anyone have any thoughts about that? Or would that be a last resort if none of the suggestions in here work?

 

[Ccasarguedas]

As you described above the problem started quite a while ago. Did you ever try a system restore?

 

[Slartybart]

InSSIDer is a good tool to tell you about channel traffic. I don't know about optimizing with it - but you can decided if channel 1 is overcrowded and make a change to a less crowded channel. Be careful though - channel 3 might look less crowded, but you'll actually overlap more channels - thus more traffic.

I've often thought about getting an N USB adapter mainly becasue my builtin adapater is single band and my router is dual band. I could be getting mush better connection if I found an affordable dual band (2.4 +, 5Ghz) plugin. Of course the latest generation after N is AC, so again price would be a decision factor to move up.

But sure, it might be worth investing in the USB adapter. It's been said that matching the adapter card and router card (both broadcom for example) also improves connectivity. Mine match by chance - can't say that it is true though - I had GREAT connectivity to a Belkin router.
Anyway...

I also thought about your move. On an oft chance, dbl check that the location (Control panel->Region...)of your machine is UK. This shouldn't present any problem machine to router, but further downstream - who knows?

Thanks for everyone's help.

I went ahead and performed the tasks described by SlartyBart and DMHolt57. If I still see the problem I'll try the optimization using inssider.

An IT friend of mine suggested I could use a wireless N USB adapter. Anyone have any thoughts about that? Or would that be a last resort if none of the suggestions in here work?

 

[Saginaw]

The wifi dropped out again. So that rules out the suggested fixes of Slartybart and DMHolt57. So I'll try the suggestions of theveterans and run inssider. I just updated the drivers at Device Manager/Network Adapters. There were three: Realtek, Microsoft and Atheros. Windows was able to find the current drivers for Realtek and Microsoft and updated those. But Atheros. What's that?

Could this potentially be a registry issue?

Someone else here suggested doing a system restore. If I recall, a system restore will only restore to specific dates. Doesn't it also wipe out any new applications installed between then and now? If what Slartybart and DMHolt57 suggested doesn't fix the problem, then why would a system restore likely fix the problem? Could it possibly be a registry issue?

 

[Saginaw]

Aside from Slartybart's fix, it can also be that there are now more access points in your location than before previously. Try optimizing your WLAN channel by selecting the best channel using inssider. This should lessen the drops out or even eliminate it. If possible, also update or WLAN drivers to ensure best performance.

I've installed inssider and am running it. I do see my router on some of the channels. But there doesn't seem to be a way of telling what channel I'm on at the moment.

I'm curious if my router will show up in inssider when I experience the dropout. When it drops out, my router doesn't show up in the list if I click on the status bar at the right side of my task bar. But it does show up in Manage Wireless Networks.

Are you suggesting that my router is available on a number of channels, and it doesn't auto shift to another channel when there becomes a problem with one channel? (e.g. it's running on channel 1, and when channel 1 has a problem, it doesn't auto shift to channel 3). Even if this is what it's doing, how could I do a workaround?

 

[Saginaw]

InSSIDer is a good tool to tell you about channel traffic. I don't know about optimizing with it - but you can decided if channel 1 is overcrowded and make a change to a less crowded channel. Be careful though - channel 3 might look less crowded, but you'll actually overlap more channels - thus more traffic.

I've often thought about getting an N USB adapter mainly becasue my builtin adapater is single band and my router is dual band. I could be getting mush better connection if I found an affordable dual band (2.4 +, 5Ghz) plugin. Of course the latest generation after N is AC, so again price would be a decision factor to move up.

But sure, it might be worth investing in the USB adapter. It's been said that matching the adapter card and router card (both broadcom for example) also improves connectivity. Mine match by chance - can't say that it is true though - I had GREAT connectivity to a Belkin router.
Anyway...

I also thought about your move. On an oft chance, dbl check that the location (Control panel->Region...)of your machine is UK. This shouldn't present any problem machine to router, but further downstream - who knows?

Questions about inssider:
1) How can I tell which channel my network is on? (I see it on multiple channels)
2) How can I change from one channel to another?
3) Does the network automatically change from one channel to another when necessary?
4) When I experience a dropout (as described above), will I even see my router on inssider?

So let's say after the dropout, my router still shows up on inssider. I still have to go through the troubleshooting steps and wait about a minute before I can connect to my router.

Now let's say after the dropout, my router does not show up on inssider. I still have to go through the troubleshooting steps and wait about a minute before I can connect to my router.

That being said, just how can inssider be of help in fixing the problem?

 

[Slartybart]

Let me chew on the other questions for a while.

until then, take a break with this video. inSSIDder shows you where bottlenecks might occur - in the video the narrator says "change your channel number...." but that is done on your router, not with inSSIDer

The vidoes shows you how to Pin your network - I'm pretty sure, it's the one shown on the r-hand side of the windows when you start inSSIDer. You can also click on the network icon in the system tray which shpuld have the network name up top.

1) How can I tell which channel my network is on? (I see it on multiple channels)
Look at the columns for Channel and look at the rows for your network (if you pin your network, it will be at the top)

2) How can I change from one channel to another?
Configure your router for a different channel

3) Does the network automatically change from one channel to another when necessary?
Some routers do, not all though.

4) When I experience a dropout (as described above), will I even see my router on inssider?
Good question. No. Although you should still see your router using inSSIDer on another machne. That is a good test, but any other device connected to the router would suffice. If both devices get fropped, the router might be the culprit. If only your box get dropped, it's more likely your box.

​

the main purpose of using inSSIDer was to see if a different channel might benefit you.
Launch it and sorrt by channel. Lots of strong signals on the same channel as your router?
Change from channel 1 to channel 6 or 11​

If you want to post a screen shot of inSSIDer I can take a quick look​

Please see http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html for the preferred method of posting files and images on Sevenforums

then get back to more trouble shooting.

 

[Saginaw]

Let me chew on the other questions for a while.

until then, take a break with this video. inSSIDder shows you where bottlenecks might occur - in the video the narrator says "change your channel number...." but that is done on your router, not with inSSIDer

The vidoes shows you how to Pin your network - I'm pretty sure, it's the one shown on the r-hand side of the windows when you start inSSIDer. You can also click on the network icon in the system tray which shpuld have the network name up top.

1) How can I tell which channel my network is on? (I see it on multiple channels)
Look at the columns for Channel and look at the rows for your network (if you pin your network, it will be at the top)

2) How can I change from one channel to another?
Configure your router for a different channel

3) Does the network automatically change from one channel to another when necessary?
Some routers do, not all though.

4) When I experience a dropout (as described above), will I even see my router on inssider?
Good question. No. Although you should still see your router using inSSIDer on another machne. That is a good test, but any other device connected to the router would suffice. If both devices get fropped, the router might be the culprit. If only your box get dropped, it's more likely your box.

​

the main purpose of using inSSIDer was to see if a different channel might benefit you.
Launch it and sorrt by channel. Lots of strong signals on the same channel as your router?
Change from channel 1 to channel 6 or 11

If you want to post a screen shot of inSSIDer I can take a quick look​

Please see http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html for the preferred method of posting files and images on Sevenforums

then get back to more trouble shooting.

Now I see. inSSIDer says I'm using channel 1. The only channels with several networks are 1, 6 & 11. Almost all of the others have either zero or one networks. Yet my router (Netgear WNR1000v3) doesn't appear have a way for me to change channels. If it did, I can't imagine using channel 6 or 11 would make sense, as those are just as busy as channel 1. But what about other channels such as 2, 3, 7 or perhaps 10. Or perhaps a 5 GHz channel such as 40 or 44?

I already tried a side by side test with two laptops. The Sony VAIO experienced a dropout while the other laptop did not. I'm tempted to install inSSIDer on the other laptop and see if it is also on channel 1. If not, then that might suggest a fix to the problem. However, it would then suggest that the channel is set by the computer and not the router.

I'm wondering more about the N USB adapter. I'm guessing it works by bypassing the wifi card and uses a USB port instead. However, if the problem lies upstream of the point at which the wifi routes to the USB rather than the wifi card, then a N USB adapter won't function as a workaround. If the problem lies between the aforementioned point and the wifi antenna, then it it seems the N USB adapter would work.

Do you know how I can change the channel on the Netgear WNR1000v3?

Next time I experience the dropout, rather than perform the Windows troubleshoot/repair, I'm going to power cycle the router and see if the signal comes back. I'm not quite sure what that will tell me if it repairs the dropout vs. doesn't repair the dropout.

Update: I power cycled the router and it came back up on channel 11. (I gather the Netgear WNR1000v3 doesn't allow the user to select the channel, but auto selects it). I'll leave it powered on (channel 11) and see if it continues to have dropouts.

 

[Slartybart]

This tells me it's not your router - both laptops would have dropped.

I already tried a side by side test with two laptops. The Sony VAIO experienced a dropout while the other laptop did not. I'm tempted to install inSSIDer on the other laptop and see if it is also on channel 1. If not, then that might suggest a fix to the problem. However, it would then suggest that the channel is set by the computer and not the router.

It won't bypass, you'll have to disable the internal adapter, maybe both would connect if you didn't, but I doubt it. There might just be new conflicts.- not sure

The USB adapter will use different resources, but if the issue is in the system IP or insock, then the new USB won't help.

I'm wondering more about the N USB adapter. I'm guessing it works by bypssing the wifi card and uses a USB port instead. However, if the problem lies upstream of the point at which the wifi routes to the USB rather than the wifi card, then a N USB adapter won't function as a workaround. If the problem lies between the aforementioned point and the wifi antenna, then it it seems the N USB adapter would work.

I'll have to check the online users guide to be sure (per this doc: http://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/WNR1000V3/WNR1000v3_SM_24SEPT2010.pdf
Table 3 describing default say RF channel 11 (US), 13 (most other regions)

:ar: Yes, see: http://documentation.netgear.com/wnr1000v3/enu/202-10584-01/usermanual.pdf

Do you know how I can change the channel on the Netgear WNR1000v3?

Might as well give you the quick sewtup too: ftp://downloads.netgear.com/files/WNR1000v3h2_IGPM_22JUN2011.pdf

This seems as though it will be an ongoing occurance until we sort it out.
The router isn't the issue (two laptops, one l;oses connection = that laptop)

Rather, when it happens bediligent in teh troubleshooter. some have links or buttons that show more information. grab as much information as you can and post it here. Screen shots are easy

Please see http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html for the preferred method of posting files and images on Sevenforums

Next time I experience the dropout, rather than perform the Windows troubleshoot/repair, I'm going to power cycle the router and see if the signal comes back. I'm not quite sure what that will tell me if it repairs the dropout vs. doesn't repair the dropout.

ok, my bet is yes.

Update: I power cycled the router and it came back up on channel 11. (I gather the Netgear WNR1000v3 doesn't allow the user to select the channel, but auto selects it). I'll leave it powered on (channel 11) and see if it continues to have dropouts.

 

[Ccasarguedas]

The wifi dropped out again. So that rules out the suggested fixes of Slartybart and DMHolt57. So I'll try the suggestions of theveterans and run inssider. I just updated the drivers at Device Manager/Network Adapters. There were three: Realtek, Microsoft and Atheros. Windows was able to find the current drivers for Realtek and Microsoft and updated those. But Atheros. What's that?

Could this potentially be a registry issue?

Someone else here suggested doing a system restore. If I recall, a system restore will only restore to specific dates. Doesn't it also wipe out any new applications installed between then and now? If what Slartybart and DMHolt57 suggested doesn't fix the problem, then why would a system restore likely fix the problem? Could it possibly be a registry issue?

Yes. System restore will take your pc settings back to a specific date. It will affect apps installed since then to this date, data will not be affected.
Does this network drop outs happen when you login on safe mode with networking?

 

[Slartybart]

Network issues are just a pain. There is no magic bullet, you have to make sure things are setup correctly (much easier these days), then when things go off, you have to sniff them out. In your case, there are only tow devices - the router and the adapter in your machine. I think your side-by-side test ruled out the router, but not completely.

Atheros is your wireless card, Realtek is your Ethernet card - not sure about MS, it might only be a filter. Good thinking on your part.

Not likely a registry issue.

..... I just updated the drivers at Device Manager/Network Adapters. There were three: Realtek, Microsoft and Atheros. Windows was able to find the current drivers for Realtek and Microsoft and updated those. But Atheros. What's that?

Could this potentially be a registry issue?

 

[Saginaw]

Network issues are just a pain. There is no magic bullet, you have to make sure things are setup correctly (much easier these days), then when things go off, you have to sniff them out. In your case, there are only tow devices - the router and the adapter in your machine. I think your side-by-side test ruled out the router, but not completely.

Atheros is your wireless card, Realtek is your Ethernet card - not sure about MS, it might only be a filter. Good thinking on your part.

Not likely a registry issue.

..... I just updated the drivers at Device Manager/Network Adapters. There were three: Realtek, Microsoft and Atheros. Windows was able to find the current drivers for Realtek and Microsoft and updated those. But Atheros. What's that?

Could this potentially be a registry issue?

After leaving the computer on overnight, I noticed the network dropout again this morning. I tried the following steps:
1) Took a look at inSSIDer (I left it running overnight). It displayed my network in the Networks tab, but it did not show that any traffic was running. Almost as if inSSIDer had frozen its screen.
2) Power cycled my router
3) Hooked up my 2nd laptop and made sure the network was up and running
4) Observed that the network had not come back up on the Sony VAIO
5) Checked the Atheros AR9285 in Device Manager and it said it was working properly
6) Rebooted the Sony VAIO and observed that the network did come back up
7) Updated the Atheros AR9285 from 9.1.0.334 to 9.2.0.316 (I don't think this is going to do anything)

The next step I'm going to try is to leave it in Safe Mode overnight.

A) If the network doesn't drop out in Safe Mode, what does that tell me?
B) If the network does drop out in Safe Mode, what does that tell me?

In which of those two cases (A or B), would it warrant the next step to try a N-USB adapter? And in which of those two cases, would it warrant the next step to be a system restore?

 

[Saginaw]

The wifi dropped out again. So that rules out the suggested fixes of Slartybart and DMHolt57. So I'll try the suggestions of theveterans and run inssider. I just updated the drivers at Device Manager/Network Adapters. There were three: Realtek, Microsoft and Atheros. Windows was able to find the current drivers for Realtek and Microsoft and updated those. But Atheros. What's that?

Could this potentially be a registry issue?

Someone else here suggested doing a system restore. If I recall, a system restore will only restore to specific dates. Doesn't it also wipe out any new applications installed between then and now? If what Slartybart and DMHolt57 suggested doesn't fix the problem, then why would a system restore likely fix the problem? Could it possibly be a registry issue?

Yes. System restore will take your pc settings back to a specific date. It will affect apps installed since then to this date, data will not be affected.
Does this network drop outs happen when you login on safe mode with networking?

If I do a system restore and it doesn't resolve the problem, can I revert back to the system status as of the day I do the system restore?

If system restore does resolve the problem, how do I find the culprit application? I'll want to reinstall all the applications that system restore wipes out. But I don't want to have to do one, then check a day or two for network dropouts, then do another and check a day or two for network dropouts. Any suggestions?

I will start by leaving it in safe mode overnight overnight.

A) If the network doesn't drop out in Safe Mode, what does that tell me?
B) If the network does drop out in Safe Mode, what does that tell me?

In which of those two cases (A or B), would it warrant the next step to try a N-USB adapter? And in which of those two cases, would it warrant the next step to be a system restore?

I guess I could just buy the N-USB adapter and see if the network dropouts stop occurring.
If it does, then where does that suggest the problem lies?
If it doesn't, then where does that suggest the problem lies?

 

[Slartybart]

You can forget about inSSIDer for now, it told you that all channels have about equal traffic.

Take a look at 7, 9, 6 (sb 10?) in Troubleshooting Intermittent Wireless/Dropped Wi-Fi Connections

This tells you how to log onto your router and suggests some configuration changes that might help solve the drops.

Write down the values before changing them.

Do 9 first see if it helps, see if a slower speed helps keep the connection going. Atheros can be finicky.

If that doesn't improve the issue try the next change (6 in the document) Fragmentation Clear to Send/ Ready to Send (CTS/RTS)

Your router is not the place to experiment without experience. Furthermore, I don't believe the router is the issue. But the changes proposed by Netgear seem reasonable.

 

[len4ita]

I am wondering if you've been able to solve this issue? I noticed the same behavior with my Vayo recently and it drives me nuts. I tried many things but nothing solved the issue so I am not trying to figure out if getting a USB adapter might help.

 

[KEiGHT]

Lower MTU for WiFi connections to 1480 or 1460 to meet your purposes !
Best settings are being multiple of MSS (RWIN)

netsh int tcp set heuristics wsh=disabled

good luck !