Internet dropping out with new fibre install

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Internet dropping out with new fibre install

toprob

126 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#255483 14-Aug-2019 09:46

I've finally had the fibre connected, now using a Spark HG659b. Install went without any issues, but my PC, via a USB wifi dongle, keeps losing the internet. The modem stays connected, the PC stays connected to the network, and no problem with any other device. To reconnect, I just toggle the wifi button on the notification bar, and it reconnects immediately. But it is a real pain....

Just checking to see if anyone recognises this issue, and can offer an explanation or solution.

Godzone Virtual Flight, for 'Real New Zealand' flightsim scenery.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9996

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#2298896 14-Aug-2019 10:02

Have you checked for newer drivers for the USB dongle? That'd be the first thing to check as it sounds like a probable issue with that.

1101

3141 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1143

#2298901 14-Aug-2019 10:11

in device manager , disable power saving on both the USB ports & the wifi 'network adaptor'

Is the wifi signal received by the dongle a bit marginal ? try moving it to the other side of the PC (front/back)

or try a better wifi dongle , one with external aerials

grimwulf

121 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 85

#2298935 14-Aug-2019 10:32

I get this with my phone periodically and have the same router.

I put it down to the router not being able to handle enough devices and the device being dropped to handle another device's connection.

How many devices are using your router?

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9996

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#2298943 14-Aug-2019 10:41

Remember BIOS USB sleep settings can also affect this as well. This is a really common issue for external USB HDD's where they'll go to sleep and disappear unless sleep is disabled.

toprob

126 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#2299144 14-Aug-2019 12:45

sbiddle:

Have you checked for newer drivers for the USB dongle? That'd be the first thing to check as it sounds like a probable issue with that.

Well, after updating the drivers, I've managed to stay online for 90 minutes so far, which is a record:) So it looks like a win. Plus it did speed up the wifi connection a bit, as a bonus. Back in the old days I might have done this automatically, but these days it's funny how I rely on Windows to do all the work for me...

Thanks, sbiddle. I'll mark your post as the answer once I've been online all day.

Thanks for the other suggestions, too, guys.

Godzone Virtual Flight, for 'Real New Zealand' flightsim scenery.

Jase2985

13732 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6205

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2299266 14-Aug-2019 14:49

@hio77

looks like it could be another one

HP

Shop now for HP laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

toprob

126 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 8

#2299338 14-Aug-2019 16:04

Hmm, spoke too soon, I'm still getting dropouts.

I'm pretty sure it isn't a USB issue, as the wifi dongle has worked for two years with my previous router. The only other devices on the network are a phone and Chromecast. When I lose the internet on the PC, the network remains connected -- I can still access the Plex server on the PC from the phone, for instance.

Some things seem to trigger it -- for example, running the Ookla Speedtest app almost always kills internet access instantly. Also appears to happen when connecting Steam.

EDIT: forget what i said about the network staying connected, I think this is just a caching effect, I can't actually access the router from the PC when it disconnects.

Godzone Virtual Flight, for 'Real New Zealand' flightsim scenery.