Eircom Netopia Router and iMac wifi problem

justo

I have an iMac at home for a little over a year. At first it had problems connecting and then keeping a connection to my Eircom/ Netopia router. (all other devices in the house including macbook had no problem). In the end I just plugged in a cable to the iMac from the router and forgot about wifi.

About 4 months ago, I moved the iMac upstairs (about 15 feet from the router though the floor) and it actually connected to the wifi network without any droppage.

Last week out of the blue it began to drop the signal again. I can only log on by turning off airport and turning on again and the connection lasts about 1 or 2 minutes max. When I try to join the network with my password it just times out.

Any suggestions as to why this is occuring and how to fix? many thanks.

fasty

Before people start suggesting static IPs and the like, you could try changing the wireless channel on the Netopia.

It's also a good idea to make sure the Netopia's firmware is up to date!

justo

thanks. Are both these things done via the netopia log on page, for the short itme that I can get online, or can I go online using my iPhone as a hotspot and change channel/ update firmware when I have a stable connection?

fasty

Yep, you log into Netopia router config page. I can't remember where they are on Netopias though.

You can also download an app called iStumbler that will list all wireless networks and what channels they're on. Channels 1 and 6 are really frequently used and these days everyone had wireless so interference is inevitable.

Do you have any cordless phone base stations in the house? They use the same frequency range as Wifi and could also cause interference.

Bruthal

justo wrote: »

thanks. Are both these things done via the netopia log on page, for the short itme that I can get online, or can I go online using my iPhone as a hotspot and change channel/ update firmware when I have a stable connection?

Changing channel is a good idea alright. It can be done through the ntopia menus while you are plugged in with the cable.

This might help with changing channels and see if that helps. I notice a lot of eircom networks within range of me are on channel 11 which is probably their default. So pick something other than that.

ashleey

Logging onto your router and changing settings via wireless is not a good idea. Do it via an Ethernet connection then go back to your wireless connection after.

justo

robbie7730 wrote: »

Changing channel is a good idea alright. It can be done through the ntopia menus while you are plugged in with the cable.

This might help with changing channels and see if that helps. I notice a lot of eircom networks within range of me are on channel 11 which is probably their default. So pick something other than that.

frustrating, but when i log on using my iPhone hotspot, I can not access the Netopia page for changing channels, 192.168.1.254. This is only accessible when I log on wirelessly, but the connection only lasts a few seconds now.

Bruthal

It should work connecting with the ethernet cable.

Have you tried switching the router off for a minute, then back on?

Also have you started using any other wireless devices in the house like a tv sender, cordless phone, or wii console which can interfere with the wi-fi?

It certainly sounds like an interference problem anyway.