hardline works but wireless keeps losing internet connection

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davidws

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Apr 19, 2015
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I have a mixed, hard line and wireless internet setup. About 2 months ago, I upgraded to a Linksys WRT 1900AC router. It worked really well for the first 1.5 months. Over the last couple of weeks, the wireless part stops working several times a day. When I reboot the router (has an app on my phone that I can reboot from) it works again for a while. As far as I am aware, my hard line (ethernet cable) has continued to work. I checked to see if I had any DHCP conflicts (I had a couple of wireless G access points before and an Apple router) and/or IP conflicts and don't appear to.

My first thought was to change channels but I don't know an effective way to determine what my neighbors channels are so that I can adjust mine on to something with less traffic. I haven't noticed any new wireless networks around me btw.

My setup is the 1900 AC router, an ARRIS TM902 modem (for phone and internet from Charter), and a Dell Power Connect 2324 switch.

I run tons of different things on my network including security cameras, WeMo's, iPads, iPhones, IMacs, PC, Sonos System, Dell Laptop, Smart TV's, Sony PS3, etc.

Now, I did have this problem on occasion previously but not nearly as much as I do now. As I recall, the entire internet would go out versus just wireless now.

My wife and kids are very frustrated that I can't fix this problem so suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Solution
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Got into the router and it is set for automatic channel selection. The router is dual band and I'm not positive but it appears that the main issues are on equipment running at 2.4GHZ, but not 5GHZ. My iPhone 6 stopped working a while ago, but my iMac (that is usually hardline, but I switched to wifi to diagnose) running at 5GHZ seems to be fine. My WeMo's also running at 2.4GHZ are not working.
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davidws

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Apr 19, 2015
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Got into the router and it is set for automatic channel selection. The router is dual band and I'm not positive but it appears that the main issues are on equipment running at 2.4GHZ, but not 5GHZ. My iPhone 6 stopped working a while ago, but my iMac (that is usually hardline, but I switched to wifi to diagnose) running at 5GHZ seems to be fine. My WeMo's also running at 2.4GHZ are not working.
 
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Solution
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davidws

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Apr 19, 2015
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Thanks, I'll use my work laptop to try that out. My desktops are MACs. You would think that AC routers that run at 5GHZ and 2.4GHZ and automatically choose the best channel would work. It is strange though, my iMac running at 5GHZ works fine on Wifi, but my Samsung smart TV running at 5GHZ doesn't work now. So, I guess it isn't just a 2.4 vs. 5GHZ thing. Strange.....
 
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g90814

g90814

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Apr 11, 2013
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I think there's a version of INSSIDer that works on MAC too.

If you set your wireless network channel selection to 'auto', its SUPPOSED to change based on interference, but that's not always the case, especially the 2.4Ghz frequency which is used by wireless, cordless phones, microwave ovens, and other stuff.
 
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davidws

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Apr 19, 2015
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I used the program you suggested and it doesn't look like there is really any interference. I'm set on channel 11 and the closest signal to me on the same channel is -30dbm. The analyzer only showed 2.4Ghz signal and not 5Ghz so I don't know if there are any issues there. My guest network has the same name as my main network (other then the additional of "guest network"). Could that be causing any issues?
 
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g90814

g90814

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Apr 11, 2013
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The guest network is pretty much the same network, just that anyone connecting to it cannot see other devices, only the internet.

If you didn't see 5Ghz, that means your adapter doesn't support 5Ghz... or you missed the tab for 5Ghz (its in different places depending on the version of software). Interference is usually only an issue on 2.4Ghz, there are a lot more channels for 5Ghz.
 
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g90814

g90814

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Apr 11, 2013
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What are your settings for the 2.4Ghz network?

Optimum settings are:

Mode: pure wireless N (or legacy or mixed if you still have wireless g devices).

channel: auto
channel width: auto
Security: WPA2 (sometimes has -PSK included)
Encryption: AES
 
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davidws

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Apr 19, 2015
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I'm so aggravated with this thing, I didn't even think about my device not being 5Ghz....duh!

I don't know if it makes a difference in what you are recommending but I have wireless AC. It is set on auto channel and WPA2-PSK security. I'm not sure on the other settings, but will check. Thanks for the advice.
 
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