I have a dell inspiron laptop. Core i3. It works fantastically. However, it will randomly disconnect from the internet and then reconnect (usually) soon after. Sometimes I need to restart the computer, or the modem/router but that's only a temporary fix. It prevents me from playing any multiplayer games or talking with people. Sometimes I can't even get Netflix to run because of it. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Intermittent wireless connectivity may be due to various reasons. You may try the following steps to isolate the root cause:
1. Try to 'temporarily disable' the 'anti-virus firewall' to see if that changes anything. If yes, 'restore default settings' of the firewall. If that does not help, you may try re installing the 'security software'. In case of ambiguity, please share the details of 'anti-virus' installed in the system; will help you further.
2. Also check the system performance with an 'Ethernet cable' plugged in (Check performance with a wired connection). Please share if the internet 'disconnects' even with a 'plugged in connection'.
3. If you experience issues only with 'wireless', observe the 'strength of wireless connection' (bars). If the notebook is being used at a fair distance from the 'wireless access point', try taking it closer and check the performance. (Normally, a distance of less than 30 ft is recommended for a healthy wireless connection).
4. If the 'signal strength' is good and you experience connectivity issues, you may try re-installing the 'wireless card' drivers from Support for Home Users | Dell US
- Enter the 'Service Tag' of your notebook > Filter 'Search Results' by selecting the 'Operating System' installed in the unit > Expand category 'Network' > 'Download' and 'Install' wireless driver
5. Check if you can connect to any other available network. An unsecured connection has a yellow mark besides it. (It does not ask for a network security key). If the wireless works fine with another network, your router settings may have to be changed. Else, try changing the 'wireless card' settings.
6. You may also want to 'optimize' the 'wireless adapter' settings for 'best performance'. Dell laptops are normally shipped with 'Dell / Intel branded 'network adapters'. Would request you to share the details of 'wireless adapter' installed in your unit; will provide you with steps to 'optimize card settings' for 'top performance'.
In the mean while, please try the following steps:
- Right-click the 'Computer' icon on the desktop or from the 'Start menu' > Click 'Manage' > Click 'Device Manager' > Click the + sign to expand the 'Network Adapters' entry > Right-click the wireless adapter (Intel wireless or Dell wireless) and click 'Properties' > Click the 'Advanced' tab to configure the advanced settings > Select Power Management, un-check Default / Auto, and move the slider to Highest / Maximum Performance.
Note: If the slider is already at Highest / Maximum Performance, move the slider to another setting and then back to Highest / Maximum Performance.
If you continue to experience issues, please share the following details:
- Make/model of the laptop
- Model of 'wireless card' installed in the unit (Currently installed 'driver version')
- Which anti-virus is installed on the laptop?
- Please share the make/model of the wireless router
- Please share the make/model of the modem
- Do you use a 'security key' to connect to the wireless; or is it an unsecured connection?
- If it is a secure wireless connection, do you know the wireless network security key?
- Is the 'Internet connection' a 'Cable' or 'DSL'?
Hope this helps. Do reply with the findings; would be glad to assist.
I'll take the less popular but much more likely to fix the problem route.
Remove all preinstalled bloatware from this machine, "the nice Dell guy probably won't mention this but all that preinstalled junk can and will bring your system to a crawl"
If not you will be chasing your tail all day long with this ongoing problem.
In fact my wife's laptop "and pretty much all factory made laptops" are doing the exact same thing lately, removed all bloatware problem solved. When in doubt update the driver. This assumes good connection strength and that clear wireless channels are being used with the proper security and encryption, WPA2 with AES encryption.
This software shows you exactly what can safely be removed from your system.
If you didn't put it there then you don't need it, especially any type of this so called trial anti virus software.
