Internet keeps dropping

Question

Internet keeps dropping

Hey,

So recently, the wifi connection to my iMac 2011 (21.5") has been dropping at an alarming rate. Even as I write this post, I have to keep turning the wifi on and off, just to give it a jump start. On some days, it lasts a good few hours before it drops. On other days- like today, it drops every 20 seconds!

Every time I run the 'Network Diagnostics', it seems to immediately fix the problem without a solution. But within seconds, it drops again...

The wifi seems to work fine on my other devices and PC's- it's just the iMac that has the issue! Someone said something about changing the router channel...what does that mean?!

Any easy-to-try solution would be most helpful- or something step-by-step thats easy to follow- haha!

Thanks!

iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011)

Posted on Sep 25, 2016 7:46 PM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,528 points

Sep 25, 2016 7:55 PM in response to earthworm_james

Without knowing the version of Mac OS installed we are left guessing. However even if your other devices are working okay, reset the modem and the router and then restart the iMac while doing a PRAM reset and then retest.

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Answer 2

Sep 26, 2016 5:54 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I've just downloaded the new Sierra, but the same issues were happening when I was using El Capitain (spl?)

And whats a PRAM reset and how do I do it?

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Answer 3

Sep 26, 2016 6:00 AM in response to earthworm_james

Someone said something about changing the router channel...what does that mean?!

Read the user manual that came w/your router and/or go to the manufacturer website customer support section. Otherwise, give them a call or do a Google search.

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Answer 4

Sep 26, 2016 6:02 AM in response to Baby-Boomer-USofA

Will this channel change affect my other devices- my wife works from home and I don't want to suddenly upset her internet connection...?

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Answer 5

Sep 26, 2016 6:03 AM in response to earthworm_james

earthworm_james wrote:

And whats a PRAM reset and how do I do it?

How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 6

Sep 26, 2016 6:04 AM in response to earthworm_james

All of your devices will be using the same channel.

Since you are using an iMac, why don't you use the ethernet?

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Answer 7

Sep 26, 2016 6:15 AM in response to Baby-Boomer-USofA

I don't have a long enough ethernet cable. the iMac lives in the bedroom. The router lives in the living room. Wife doesn't want a cable running from one to the other.

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Answer 8

Sep 26, 2016 6:31 AM in response to earthworm_james

So recently, the wifi connection to my iMac 2011 (21.5") has been dropping at an alarming rate.

Potential sources of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference - Apple Support

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Answer 9

Sep 26, 2016 6:33 AM in response to Baby-Boomer-USofA

Someone else suggested this too! Yet, I do recall this issue happening briefly in an old apartment- I fixed it with ethernet cable!

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Answer 10

Sep 26, 2016 6:46 AM in response to earthworm_james

earthworm_james wrote:

Someone else suggested this too! Yet, I do recall this issue happening briefly in an old apartment- I fixed it with ethernet cable!

You better start sweet talking to the wify! 😉

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Answer 11

sdev185

Level 1

4 points

Sep 26, 2016 8:41 AM in response to earthworm_james

I have the same problem and this started after I upgraded the OS to Sierra. The wifi drops if the system is not in use for say 15mins. Then I have to run Network Diagnostics and this becomes fine!! It is quite irritating especially if some background job which requires the Network is running and with no human interaction.

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