Connection Drops - after sleep/after VPN/etc.

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Connection Drops - after sleep/after VPN/etc.

I've carefully reviewed previous posts in an attempt to not be redundant, however, I remain baffled by this issue:

Connection to my Wireless Router (802.11n - Netgear WNR834Bv2) is perfect upon any fresh restart of the MacBook Pro...which has become my default workaround for this problem.

The problem comes whenever I close the lid on the laptop or use my work VPN (or adjust router/wireless settings). At this point, the Airport strength of signal is fully lit, the Airport info shows a connection and everything seems configured correctly, however, no internet connection is active. The network diagnostics button within Safari is of no help in getting this issue resolved. Furthermore, attempts at turning the airport off/on do not reset the connection.

Netgear tech support was very helpful and we worked through the problem for nearly an hour and they are absolutely convinced that this is a Computer/Leopard issue that must be addressed by Apple.

If this topic is stale to others, I apologize, because it is fresh and infuriating to me (especially as a recent Apple convert).

MacBook Pro 17" 4GB Intel, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Nov 13, 2007 10:46 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 13, 2007 12:19 PM in response to chwallmd

For what it is worth, I've seen this on my Mac with both wired and wireless connections. Restarts won't always cure the problem. Usually, a shutdown will. Wireless is via various Apple Airports. Strong single, but not IP address.

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Answer 2

Cmotley

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Dec 19, 2007 6:44 AM in response to chwallmd

I experience similar issues, my internet connection will stop responding even though I show a full signal. When I check network settings the status shows I am receiving a TCP/IP address via DHCP. Still all applications refuse to find the internet. Renewing the IP is no help, the only solution is to restart.

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Answer 3

Jan 8, 2008 3:34 PM in response to chwallmd

I am have exactly the same issue with the same h/w setup. Renewing DHCP in Leopard does not work either, apparently only rebooting does. There are other much longer threads about this same issue. I have to reboot several times / day to keep the internet connection alive. This is absolutely RIDICULOUS!

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Answer 4

Jan 8, 2008 4:08 PM in response to chwallmd

I also worked fine with Tiger with Macbook Pro to my ASUS 500W router using WEP 802.11n @ 130mb connection speed.. I "Upgraded" to Leopard and my airport worked great for about 2 days.. Then on the third day, the disconnects started.. Almost every time I closed the lid, switched to login screen or logged off, my MacBook was disconnected.. Only Rebooting got me connected again.. I tried switching to WPA, ALL The Updates (including 10.5.1) and even completely reseting my router and re-confguring from scratch and Nothing helped.. I finally saw a link that stated that the 802.11n speed was the problem and if I switched back to b/g (mine only could do G) it would not disconnect.. I made this simple change two days ago and I've now had my MacBook up and hibernating two or more times a night and all day long (no reboots) and it hasn't disconnected once...

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Answer 5

Jan 9, 2008 2:06 PM in response to NewVB_user

I see many people suggesting to cripple 802.11n routers with connection drops by setting maximum "g" speeds, which defeats the purpose of my "n" purchase but I thought: ok I'll do that and see if the upcoming 10.5.2 release or a router firmware upgrade will fix the problem, switch back to "n" later. However, even when setting my "n" router to "g" speeds, it seems to occur less frequently but the connection still drops and then I still have to reboot my MBP to get a connection again!!

I've had enough: the new Netgear WNR834Bv2 router just went back into its box and is going back to the store tomorrow. My old Netgear WGT624 (802.11g) router is slower but reliable.

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