Intermittent connectivity issues -- Suggestions?

Question

Level 1

104 points

Intermittent connectivity issues -- Suggestions?

Before I have unpleasant discussions with Comcast I would like to make sure I haven't overlooked something with my AirPort -- and would appreciate your critiques and/or suggestions. I have used a 2010 AirPort Extreme A1354 (the flat white box, not the newer tower) software 7.6.4 with great satisfaction for some time, with 2 MacBookPros, 2 iPads, 2 iPhones and 1 iPod all with latest software updates and all connected from time to time. The Airport is configured with a "hidden" network, both 2.4 and 5GHZ. The modem is a Comcast provided (rented) Ubee DOCSIS 3.0 that seems to perhaps be slightly warmer than it has in the past (I am thinking of purchasing a Linksys DPC3008-CC, also DOCSIS 3.0 certified). There have been no recent changes to any locations or electrical connections or other environment changes like ventilation. Recently, however, the internet connection has been "dropping." I do not relate this to the Airport "disconnect" identified in other Airport posts because the Airport's green light does not go off -- the internet just seems to "drop," or lapse intermittently -- which is detected most often with Safari issues at news sites, like CNN.com (on both MBPros). ISSUES: -- (1) on both MBPros the Airport blue Fan icon in the menu bar now displays "on" and "looking for networks" in constant alternation -- I do not recall ever having seen the "looking for networks" appearing with such regularity before [can somebody comment about this, please?], and (2) the other user reports her Bluetooth Mighty Mouse flickers a "disconnected" signal that seems to have some consistency with the lapsed internet ("huh?" I said). Oh, (3) -- Comcast just told me, via email before these issues started, that they have doubled my internet speed -- my Ookla Speedtest results indicate that is perhaps not quite true (if anything it's been cut in half).

Thanks, in advance, for your suggestions.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3), iPhoto 9.6.1

Posted on Jun 28, 2015 4:01 PM

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Answer 1

Bob Timmons

Level 10

187,358 points

Jun 28, 2015 4:35 PM in response to BPWMorro

(1) on both MBPros the Airport blue Fan icon in the menu bar now displays "on" and "looking for networks" in constant alternation -- I do not recall ever having seen the "looking for networks" appearing with such regularity before [can somebody comment about this, please?

This is normal. "Looking for networks" will appear approximately every 4-5 seconds.

and (2) the other user reports her Bluetooth Mighty Mouse flickers a "disconnected" signal that seems to have some consistency with the lapsed internet ("huh?" I said).

Wireless signals can interact with each other and cause issues, particularly with the 2.4 GHz band. Try powering off the AirPort Extreme for a few seconds, then power it back up. During the start up sequence the device will scan available wireless network signals and choose the "best" channel with the "least" amount of interference. Might help, might not.

Recently, however, the internet connection has been "dropping."

You need to try to isolate the issue to either your ISP or the AirPort Extreme. One way to do this is by connecting a Mac directly to the modem and watching things for a day or two. If you notice that the connection still drops.....then that likely points to a modem issue or even a problem with the wiring from the outside of the house to the modem. Time to call the ISP and have them come out and inspect things...even though they will say that things "look good" when you call them.

On the other hand, if the connection stays solid with the Mac connected directly to the modem....that pretty much relieves your ISP or the modem from the issue. So, the ISP may really be correct when you call them to report an issue with Internet drops......and they tell you that "everything looks good from our end"......something that they tend to say no matter what.

Another possible issue to thing about.....and that is that routers designed for home use will have a useful life......on average....of about 5 years. The A1354 Airport Extreme was first introduced in October 2009 and discontinued in June of 2011, so it is in the "watch" stage. When any of the power supplies have a "blip", the Internet connection will be lost. As the power supplies continue to head downhill, connection drops will occur more and more frequently.

As far as the speed increase is concerned.....keep in mind that the fine print on your plan reads "speeds up to" xxxxx. That is not a guarantee that you will have consistent top speeds. For one thing, the ISP is likely making equipment changes, and it may take a few weeks for things to stabilize.

And, don't trust any one Internet connection speed utility. I see tremendous variation if I test with several utilities, not just one. Which one is "right"?.....I cannot say.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the Internet is busiest during the evening hours....when more people are home. I get at least twice as much speed on any weekday morning than I do in the evenings. This is normal with most home Internet service.

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Answer 2

BPWMorro Author

Level 1

104 points

Jun 28, 2015 4:53 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob,

Thanks for posting; I was hoping you would.

I particularly appreciate your posting that "looking for networks" is normal -- although it's more like every other second than 4-5....

I also didn't include this, but while writing my post I noticed that the 5GHz band was not being recognized by either MBPro -- I manually made each MBPro get on it (and the iOS devices that could use it) -- and it seems to have helped with her mouse issues. As for plugging a MBPro directly into the modem, I hadn't thought of it -- too obvious! -- but, I'm glad I still have some longer ethernet cords in the box of "old wires." And, yes, it may be time for a new AirPort -- I definitely appreciate how user friendly Apple makes the device & software (and might consider a Time Capsule).

Finally, are you able to mention other speed utilities you use?

Thanks, again

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