conorjames1224
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Connection constantly dropping

I am having a specific Wi-Fi connectivity problem. My MacBook Air cannot stay connected to a specific network, but has no trouble with any other network. Here are a few more details.

 

What happens:

I connect to "Network X" and can use the internet for a while. Randomly, the connection drops. Reconnecting does nothing, but opening "Network Diagnostics" solves the issue 9/10 times—but I don't do anything in Network Diagnostics except for connect to "Network X" from the dialogue. Sometimes, I can stay connected for a half an hour or so after "fixing" the issue, other times it's about 30 seconds.

 

Isolating the issue:

  • This only happens on "Network X", i.e. any other network that I'm on can maintain a connection
  • Other people on "Network X" don't seem to have the issue, but they are all on PCs
  • My iPhone 5s has no problems whatsoever maintining a connection with "Network X"

 

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. It's driving me nuts.

 

Conor

MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9.3)

Posted on Jun 2, 2014 6:50 AM

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conorjames1224

Q: Connection constantly dropping

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jun 2, 2014 7:21 AM in response to conorjames1224
    Level 10 (208,059 points)
    Applications
    Jun 2, 2014 7:21 AM in response to conorjames1224
    Please test after taking each of the following steps that you haven't already tried. Stop when the problem is resolved. Back up all data before making any changes.
         
    Step 1
      

    Take the applicable steps in this support article. The Wireless Diagnostics program generates a large file of information about your system, which would be used by Apple Engineering in case of a support incident. Don't post the contents here.

      
    Step 2
       
    Disconnect all USB 3 devices. If you don't know which are USB 3, disconnect all USB devices except keyboard and mouse.

    Step 3

    If you're not using a wireless keyboard or trackpad, disable Bluetooth by selecting Turn Bluetooth Off from the menu with the Bluetooth icon. If you don't have that menu, open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and check the box marked Show Bluetooth in menu bar. Test. If you find that Wi-Fi works better with Bluetooth disabled, you should use the 5 GHz Wi-Fi band. Your router may not support it; in that case, you need a new router.

    Step 4

    Open the Network pane in System Preferences and make a note of your settings in the Wi-Fi service. It may be helpful to take screenshots of the various tabs in the preference pane. If the preference pane is locked, unlock it by clicking the padlock icon and entering your administrator password. Delete Wi-Fi from the service list on the left by selecting it and clicking the minus-sign button at the bottom. Then recreate the service by clicking the plus-sign button and following the prompts.

    Step 5

     

    Reset the System Management Controller.

    Step 6

    Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service center.