Q: Dropping Wi FI Signal

Similar situation happened to me before that Airport drops connections frequently and when trying to reconnect, it asked for the WPA key again and sometimes it still do not connects. I managed to relieve this issue by zap the RAM and deleting the configuration files. And I think someone also tried this and has reasonable good result. Although I still encounter drops but much better and tolerable. You can look up the previous post on the detailed steps.

Page 52, I reported reasonably good results.

Although it seems it is a temporary, reasonable fix. Since I have done it, in the last day or so I seem to be dropping frequently again, but I will try it again when I get home. None the less, it seems to help. Thanks again, by the way.

I have several computers (PCs and a mac mini); use the MacBook more as a toy/hobby device than 'real computer'. I have AT&T DSL with a 2Wire router -- all works well together. Works well EXCEPT for my 2008 MacBook that was upgraded to Snow Leopard. It constantly gets "self-assigned" IP address and drops its wi-fi connection.

My solution may not work for everyone. I unplugged the macbook and put it back in the box it came in. I can sell it on eBay or give to a relative.

You see --
All my other devices (including new Windows 7 HP) work fine with my current network/ISP/router. I don't want to change my ISP provider, ISP settings, router or router settings. I don't want to reboot my router.

The Apple should work with the environment I have and make no requirements to change ISPs and/or routers.

I really wish that Apple would acknowledge the problem. I survive in the PC world. To borrow from Apple's own commercial -- "I'm a PC". Now by default.

Well, I am happy to report that installing firmware 1.04 in my WBR-2310 has cured the Wifi problems I was having (and I am doubly happy because my Wii is also able to connect to it).

Just got my MBP back from the genius bar. They replaced the Airport Extreme card, as well as my display (separate issue) in order to rule out hardware failure. Looks like this is 100% software. I'm still running 10.6.2 but plan on upgrading tonight to see if that fixes it. I'll check back in if it fails again.

Well, it turns out I spoke too soon. I still have the dropout problems with firmware 1.04.

Sorry if I mislead anyone, I'll just shut up now

So it still drops after they put in the new hardware/Air Port card?

Yesterday I finally got someone to do another line test at AT&T. That got me to a broadband specialist that is much more knowledgeable and had better test to run that the standard DSL tech. HE said it can't be my computer. The mac wouldn't make the 2wire router drop the signal. Having my airport symbol still be black means that the computer is talking to the router just fine. He sent out a tech today who confirmed that my signal strength is fantastic at my router, out at my phone box on the side of the house, and down the street at the "node". HE went and replaced my 2wire modem with a Netopia router that they use for commercial applications and static ip addresses. IT's supposed to be an upgrade over the 2wire modem/router.

Let's see if this finally resolves my problem after over 1 year???

@ Everybody, check Software update again. Apple just released another Airport update, this one specifically for AP, it's 12.3 MB.

So far I haven't noticed much of a difference. Very frustrated user here.

The just released AirPort Firmware update was only for the very latest generation of AirPort Extreme Base Station and Time Capsule and addressed issues unique to those two models:

This update provides several fixes for the latest Time Capsule and AirPort Extreme Base Station (Late 2009) including:

• An issue with wireless performance in the 5GHz band
• An issue with creating a Guest Network in the 5GHz band

http://support.apple.com/kb/DL965

A new version of AirPort Utility is installed as well, but that doesn't change the firmware on Macs or on other base stations.

ranger2339: Yes, I've had one or two "lock ups" wherein the airport card reports a full signal, but I can't get out to the Internet. Installed 10.6.3 last night, but haven't had a chance to fully test it. My issue only occurs during high HTTP traffic, and after awhile of use so its difficult to test.

Note also the latest version if iStumbler is now Snow Leopard-compatible, so you can now use it to look for other Wi-Fi networks around you (at least those broadcasting an SSID) in an effort to reduce interference:

iStumbler 99

Well I have some good news and some bad news.

The good news is that since the new Mac OS X software update, we finally got some carpet on our stairs.

The bad news is that I still have to have a long ethernet cable sitting on the stairs from my router upstairs to my MBP downstairs, because the new software update STILL hasn't addressed this most basic of requirements of a wireless laptop ... namely staying connected to the internet wirelessly. My poor wife's MPB continues to disconnect regularly and she remains unimpressed both by that and the wire running through our house. Everything else (PCs and iPhones) stay connected, but not the MBPs.

I think it's time to start spreading the word on other forums for potential buyers to see this thread. But don't let me dissuade you from buying one. On a wire, it's great.

James

Message was edited by: Nutty87th to reflect OS X version 10.6.3

So I brought my MBP into the Genius bar here in Roseville, MN and they pretty much were no help with my WIFI issue, they told me to do the typical reload SL, delete PRAM, bla bla etc and mess with my router settings. I am not even going to waste my time doing any of that,because its not going to help. I told them that if my issue isn't solved before my warranty is up, I want a refund. I refuse to pay $1500 for something that doesn't work.

I asked the guy if he has had any other customers with this issue, and he said yes, and said that the issue was always the router. I find that hard to beleive.

ranger2339 wrote:
I asked the guy if he has had any other customers with this issue, and he said yes, and said that the issue was always the router. I find that hard to beleive.

Try this:

1) Go to your Genius Bar.
2) Surf the net on the Apple Store's network
3) Wait for your connection to "drop."

If your connection never drops, it's an issue of some type with your router or environment.

If your connection drops in-store, it's an issue with your system, either hardware or software, that they should address.