Limited/No connectivity (Desktop)

AgeXVII · 6th February 2007

I am having a problem getting my desktop to connect and stay connected to the internet via Wireless connection. There are 4 other computers running in the house all connected wirelessly to the router (2 laptops, 2 desktops) but my desktop connects then says limited or no connectivity...failed to assign network address. It connects to the 11mpbs complex connection when its available without a problem but that one has sense gone down and not returned so I tried to connect to my router.
Any suggestions on what to do? I have tried the repair, driver updates.

Dytrog · 6th February 2007

Did you check to see if your comp. was using the same address as the others. on my wifes laptop she has 3 wireless providers listed.

AgeXVII · 7th February 2007

By same address im assuming you mean the router? If so yes we are all connected on the one from our apartment (Rossgirls), but my desktop does not stay connected to it so when the complex connection is showing I connect to that one (bradley). That wireless signal went out a few days ago and hasn't come back up and if we call the landlords they just claim our computers must be broken because they know nothing about the routers or how to manage them.

Dytrog · 7th February 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgeXVII

By same address im assuming you mean the router? If so yes we are all connected on the one from our apartment (Rossgirls), but my desktop does not stay connected to it so when the complex connection is showing I connect to that one (bradley). That wireless signal went out a few days ago and hasn't come back up and if we call the landlords they just claim our computers must be broken because they know nothing about the routers or how to manage them.

I use Linksys. and a belkin notebook card. linksys has a built in ip. default. when i went into -control panel network then setup wireless i think it gave me diff. providers. I have not tried to connect my other desktop. didn't really think I needed 3 connections.i have a long ethernet cable so i just get it out once a week and check for upgrades. and roll the cable back up. LOL

visionof · 9th February 2007

First thing try changing the channel of the router.
You may be closer to some interference ( another router,microwave , 2.4 gig phone etc) than the other computers.
Ensure the router is high and not in a cluttered area.
You might try moving either the router or your laptop as there may be metal or heavy objects blocking the line of sight.
Can be metal pipes, doors , file cabinets , foil in walls etc etc.
These are the first steps before more drastic steps.
First step is to change the channel from the default number 6. Channels 1 and 11 at either end of the spectrum are first choices but it is trial and error.
The other router(s) may be set on automatic and change or be changed from time to time .

AgeXVII · 9th February 2007

The current channel is 11, I will try to change the channel but every computer is working with the current settings except for my desktop, does it matter what other channel I try?

visionof · 9th February 2007

Channels 6, 1 and 11 are clear distinct channels ( they do not overlap with any other channels).
The next choice after 11 would be channel 1 , then 6 ( most likely to have trouble though)
After that it is trial and error.
Remember as well the signal that is causing you trouble in that one area of your home may switch as well. Fun and games.
As well have you tried moving the computer and router .
Although the signal is said to be "line of sight" a lot of the reception is from the bounce around ( whatever they call it I always forget) so moving the router even a foot can often make a diffirence.
How far is the troublesome computer from the router ? Is it on the same floor ( i.e if on a top floor above the router there may metal pipes , or a metal mesh below floor tiles). Where is the wireless router in the home ? Which floor ?
You may try at some point to build a simple reflecting antenna around the router if signal strength is a problem.
First though do the simple basic steps. In most cases most computer problems are solved by a reboot. With wi fi changing the channel almost always seems to solve the problem in relatively simple setup.s
The point is you do not have to have much of a signal at all to cause internet reception problems with wireless. You may not even see the signal and yet it is enough. Or the beacon is turned off which is now often the default setting.
Try a wi fi wardriving diagnostic program called Netstumbler.

http://www.netstumbler.com/downloads/

Netstumbler is more sensitive than the program you most likely are using for reception. The windows wi fi utility tells you very little. Netstumbler as well seems to pick up the routers where the beacon is turned off . You will see the signal, a mac address but no ssid.

fun and games with wireless wi fi at home.

AgeXVII · 9th February 2007

Thanks, switched the channel and now they all are connecting!!! I went to channel 11 and its working fine now, it was on 6 to start.
in answering your questions:
"How far is the troublesome computer from the router ? Is it on the same floor ( i.e if on a top floor above the router there may metal pipes , or a metal mesh below floor tiles). Where is the wireless router in the home ? Which floor ?"

The router is in the living room by the tv (not the best spot but only place we had to set it up with amount of cords/outlets availiable currently, and my desktop is down the hall probably 15-20 feet but set up next to another computer (sharing the same desk) again not the best spot but its not my apartment so had to make due with what I had, everything is on the second floor.

Dytrog · 9th February 2007

I learned something new. I have only had one router. it works fine. no channel switch it has from wall to router and 4 out to pc. i don't know why it has 4 out. i have pluged in two towers at the same time just have to make sure i'm not on the same user as my main pc. Glad yer fixed.

AgeXVII · 10th February 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dytrog

I learned something new. I have only had one router. it works fine. no channel switch it has from wall to router and 4 out to pc. i don't know why it has 4 out. i have pluged in two towers at the same time just have to make sure i'm not on the same user as my main pc. Glad yer fixed.

When you say 4 out to PC are you directly wired to the router? I dont have enough cables/long enough ones in this apartment to do that, back at home we had them strung out all over the place for about 5 computers but here there are 4 people each with a computer and I have a second computer so we are all using wireless and thats what my issue was, I guess I bought a cheaper card or something because sometimes it just doesnt want to stay connected but its fixed now im guessing the channel was being interferred with probably a neighboring router, 3-5 in list depending on the day.

Dytrog · 10th February 2007

i have a laptop that is not wired. my main comp. is connected to the router. from wall to modem, modem to router- i plug into router which is same as direct to wall. the router has 3 other outlets i can plug into for other comp's they make 50 ft. cables for cheap ones about $15.00 & up. the shorter the cheaper. laptop has belkin wireless receiver plugin card.

AgeXVII · 11th February 2007

ok so it was working fine and now i have another problem still with my network, It says im connected just fine (on 3 computers that i have so far checked) but it wont run the internet, msn, aol, on my laptop aol connected but internet explorer kept saying page cannot be displayed, and msn would not connect. I reset the router and it worked for a little but then started acting up again. never says limited/no connectivity this time and says excellent connection (36-54 mbps) keeps changing rate.

Dytrog · 12th February 2007

did you try my network places to see what was available

AgeXVII · 12th February 2007

it must just be a touchy little router because i reset it this morning and it hasnt stopped working since so who knows. I am not quite sure why I would want to see whats availiable in my network places? I have my own router and was just trying to get that one to work for all my computers? Perhaps you could clarify what you wanted me to try?

Dytrog · 12th February 2007

open control panel- network and internet connections--network connections--double my network places see what shows and if you are able to use shows. it also has wireless network setup wizard under network connections.