Q: new macbook pro 2011 weak and dropping wireless connection

Yep same problem, macbook pro 17" 2011 keeps dropping wifi signal every 20 seconds or so. Can't even connect proberly to the internet. Not expecting problems like this from such a high priced laptop!

I agreen that this is bad support. On top of that the apple genius in the us did not believe me when my store reinstall (eventually followed by 5 others) temporarily fixed the problem. On top of that I'm now in the harsh working environment of Nigeria and cannot communicate well. I am pushing deadline work through my iPad... A terrible solution when you are under pressure.

If 10.7 doesn't fix this I'm going to have to negotiate a complete replacement with Apple. With ram upgrades and taxes I can't afford to have my 3200 USD machine that helps me earn my livelihood not connect to Skype or send and receive large emails.

I appreciate the support through this forum. There was a comment posted on this forum on someone working on the a 10.7 Lion build. Are you sure it doesn't work on that? I'm feeling pretty bummed.

If anyone at Apple is listening and can propose a solution while I work to promote small farmer livelihoods in Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Madagascar - on assignment and on deadline - please please email me. I'm not upset, but I am missing deadlines and my own livelihood is effected. I just need to solve the problem.

Still having issues here..

I tried in three other spots (University and two friends' houses) and I got a somewhat stable connection (full signal, no dropping). While I could blame my shared connection at home (living in a student apartment's complex), as I said, my girlfriend sits beside me with her late 2009 MBP and gets full signal and no dropping connection, while I'm always with three bars (tops) and can't watch a 3-minute video on youtube.

I'm really hoping that 10.6.8 will fix this. I don't want to be forced to migrate to Lion (and spend money to do so) in order to solve a problem which isn't my fault. I've seen one of the main issues addressed on this new update would be AirPort, so there's still (a bit of) hope.

I've posted this issue on that "feedback form" posted here a while ago, so let's wait. If not, would you recommend scheduling an appointment with a Genius?

I just got my Macbook Pro 15" 2011, wireless on Mac OS X works like a charm..

Installed Windows 7 Ultimate x64, inserted the Boot Camp disc.... It deteced all my devices and installed all the drivers without a problem.

When in Windows 7, if im sitting right next my Wireless Access Point, it works fine.

As soon as I move more than 10 meters away from it, it looses connection.

However if I boot into Mac OS X, I can connect to my Wireless Access Point from more than 20 meters away.

This is doing my HEAD IN !!!!

Any help will be highly appreciated.

Finally noticed the problem with my mbp losing connection. Every now and then I will lose wireless conection. It really depends on how offen it happens. (Usually between 10 minutes - and 30 minutes.) I always thought it was my router, however I found out my other devices worked while it was down on my macbook. The Airport signal will be full bars when the internet is down. All i do is switch it on and off. It will work again, however it is very annoying do so. Is this the same problem as you guys are having?

Jawk, sound like same prob. everyone else is experiencing. Nobody has figured out a work-around of fix, and thus far Apple has been silent on the subject. It seems to be somewhat related to RSSI signal level, i.e. problem occurs much more often if your RSSI level is low (but well within what should be acceptable levels). It seems the MBP is unable to deal with this for some reason and just goes stupid.

Recommend sending APPLE a gripe message, as others here on the forum have done and keep posting with new observations, more information, etc. that might help narrow down the circumstances when problem occurs, etc. Maybe someday the complaints will pile up to the point that Apple can't keep everyone hanging.

A number of people here have reported going to Apple store/genius and not getting the problem resolved. So, I would have to say the evidence seems to point to not getting a successful resolution that way. Of course, pursue any avenue you feel necessary to get satisfaction, and more importantly report your problems within a warranty period if not already expires. But ind the end, I suspect you will  have to wait for Apple to address the problem with a software fix.

I have been following this thread because my brother has the same problem with his 15" MBP 2011, though I haven't had a chance to witness it my self (we live in different countries). He said he contacted Apple and they suggested the problem has to do with his router, so we are going to try another router soon with WEP encryption instead of WPA2. But I think sonebody already wrote it doesn't completely solve the problem. Has anybody tried the latest Developer Build 10K537 (10.6.8)?

Hi again all MBP 2011 owners,

Just a small note from me, saying that the solution I tried is still working fine for me. My wireless have not dropped since I did these changes.

/Lars

This is doing me HEAD IN BIG TIME!!!!

My Macbook Pro 15" 2011 cant establish a connection to my Wireless Access Point further than 7-10 meters, regardless if I boot into Mac OS X or Windows 7 x64.

Even when i'm in range of my Wireless Access Point (1-7 meters), I cant get a steady continous ping.

HEEEEELPPPP !!!!

Lets just keep our fingers crossed but none of the solutions have worked for me permanently. I'm anxiously hoping that 10.6.8 addresses this. Hopeful we will know next week.

My girlfriend just got her 2011 MacBook Pro just 3 months ago and it was acting fine until just recently it's having the same problems as all of you are mentioning.  It can't be the network.  My 2010 MacBook Pro works perfectly fine on her network.  There was something I noticed, my iPhone and her Incredible 2 would not work on the network.  It was strange.  I don't know if that is a separate problem or what.  I hope Apple addresses the problem.  Because she really needs to use the Internet. 

I might take it to the genius bar just to see what they will say.  Maybe they will give more information then other genius bars, who knows.

Hang in there....

I recommend just calling Apple and getting a case number.... This way, even if the updates or new system doesn't work you'll have a paper trail.

New Airport 5.5.3 software update  

Cross our fingers...

@ro3er do you know when this update is out ? just checked through software update in system prefs and nothing showing yet......