Wi-fi keeps dropping connection

Question

Level 1

4 points

Wi-fi keeps dropping connection

Hi

I have an iMac, bought 2 weeks ago, and my wi-fi keeps dropping it's connection to the router - I have heard and read about a Lion issue with poor wi-fi quality, but all my software is up to date patch-wise.

I have changed my channels (I have tried 1,6 and 11) on my router in case of interference - and it makes a difference to the speed of the connection, but it is still happening.

Makes no difference as to whether I am online watching streaming video, or if the iMac is not touched for a while, it still happens, and appears to be completely random - for instance, yesterday, I watched a football game, and in the first half it didn't happen at all, and it happened 5 times in the 2nd half. The router is fine, it's just simply the iMac dropping it's connection to the wireless router itself.

It also makes no difference what app I am using - but when I try to reconnect, it either doesn't display my router name in there at all, or when it tries to connect, it states "a timeout has occured" - however, if i switch off the iMac at the back (quick standby), then switch if back on again, it sees it, connects and no problem - then stays connected for a random period of time until it disconnects again

I have another (spare) router upstairs, and my iMac is exactly the same with that!

And also my MacBook Pro, Apple TV, iPad, iPhone, PS3, wife's PC, daughters laptop all have no problem connecting to my main router and staying connected.

So now, I'm beginning to think it's hardware...

Anyone offer any other suggestions?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.2), iTunes 10.5.1

Posted on Nov 20, 2011 7:29 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,534 points

Nov 20, 2011 7:33 AM in response to virtuosity

It's possible your router may need a firmware upgrade or if it's an older router upgrading to 802.11N would help. I know your other devices work OK but first check the router, check for firmware updates and update if needed. If you still have a problem borrow a newer router from a friend and test it, if everything works OK that points the finger at your old router.

Finally you do have 90 days of Free AppleCare, you should call Apple and ask for help. The number is in your manual. BTW AppleCare is open M-Saturday during business hours.

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Answer 2

Paul_31

Level 6

14,172 points

Nov 20, 2011 7:39 AM in response to virtuosity

Seem to remember a couple of posts on here where people have reported similar wifi issues and found that changing the router from 'b/g/n' to 'b/g' fixed things. It might have been the change was b/g to b/g/n - either way, whatever it is on now you could try changing to the other one and see if it helps.

Edited to add: If your WiFi is on WEP security change it to WPA/WPA2 as apparently Macs don't play nice with WEP - and WPA/WPA2 is more secure.

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