Poll of the Day > What could be causing a wifi network to not show up for 1 device randomly?

(+) Yeah! (+)

I got a new modem/router combo. It has about 5 devices connected to it. Randomly throughout the day (every day), one of the laptops (it's happened on 2 different laptops) becomes unable to see the wifi (and it's not due to moving out of range). For example, that laptop will be using the internet just fine, then suddenly there will be no internet, and when you look for available networks, the name of the router doesn't even show up at all; and yet, the other 4 devices are still connected to the router and using the internet just fine. Restarting the router fixes this. But I don't get how this even makes sense at all.

Probably local compound interference.

Try this app
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/3/5/0/AAfGAbAADdhW.jpg https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/3/5/1/AAfGAbAADdhX.jpg https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/3/5/2/AAfGAbAADdhY.jpg https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/3/5/3/AAfGAbAADdhZ.jpg

strong winds

Straughan posted...

Probably local compound interference.

Try this app

What exactly do I do with this information?

TomNook posted...

What exactly do I do with this information?

Find a suitable channel for the signals you are using. One that isn't loaded with nearby interference via other channel users, etc. The app will analyze your local range and show you the options.

Also, thw router manufacturer probably has a website and they make their techs manage forums foe online help. If you have a valid serial number, they will take down your info and tell you exactly what to do. It'll take a day or two depending on if they answer on weekends. Netgear was always pretty good like that.

I appreciate the response!

I did change the channel in the router now, so I'll have to give it some time and see if this ends up fixing it.

Thats a good place to start.

what model is your modem?
you live in an apartment or congested area?

EvilResident posted...

Thats a good place to start.

what model is your modem?
you live in an apartment or congested area?

Motorola MG8702 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem/Router.

No, I don't live in a congested area. Residential house with not many close neighbors. The Wifi Analyzer showed one other network that was using the same channel as me, so that's why I did change channels just so I could have a channel all to myself.

So far, no issues since before I made this topic, but this might still be too early to say.

I should try the app.

Gotta surpress the Ifiw.

Had the issue again. So changing the channel didn't do anything.

As with the other times, every other device could see and was using the network (and it was detected in that Wifi Analyzer app too), but one laptop just could not see it at all. Restarting the router fixed it like last time too.

TomNook posted...

Had the issue again. So changing the channel didn't do anything.

As with the other times, every other device could see and was using the network (and it was detected in that Wifi Analyzer app too), but one laptop just could not see it at all. Restarting the router fixed it like last time too.

Have you tried restarting that laptop? Updating the drivers? Trying a different wifi adapter?

ZangsBeard posted...

Have you tried restarting that laptop? Updating the drivers? Trying a different wifi adapter?

Yeah, they've been restarted plenty of times.
I tried updating the drivers on one of the laptops, but they said they were up to date.
I haven't bought an external wifi adapter...

But both of these laptops have had the issue randomly (not at the same time). And they are different years, and have different OS too.

The fact that I've used so many routers in my life and never encountered this...I think I might just buy a new model and return this one. I noticed some reviews on the one I have talking about similar problems.

It sounds like the connection is configured to disconnect at a set timeout, perhaps in seconds instead of at a daily cycle.

KodyKeir posted...

It sounds like the connection is configured to disconnect at a set timeout, perhaps in seconds instead of at a daily cycle.

A couple of the times, when I first started my computer, there was no visible connection and I had to restart the router. (Other devices were still using it at that time).

Although I might be misunderstanding what you are saying.

TomNook posted...

A couple of the times, when I first started my computer, there was no visible connection and I had to restart the router.

That makes sense, it is a (one or more) configuration somewhere (or at least should be, if they have not gimped the firmware too much) in the routers firmware that has an odd configuration that is conflicting negatively with its own operations.

The router was not connecting to the restarted computers because it was stuck in a connect:dormant: state that kept the old session active and prevented the new session from connecting.

I haven't looked at a proprietary firmware in years, so I have no idea where, if anywhere, you could fix it. My guesses are under Security Settings or Advanced System Settings, but it may be as simple as a row on the General System Settings page.

I didn't notice anything in the settings (though I probably wouldn't know exactly what I'm looking for).

But I haven't had an issue with any of the computers since my last post mentioning it on the 18th. So if this is still going to be a regularly problem, it's not happening every day like it was at first. Not sure what is different since then.

You could also set up all your devices with a static IP address so that the router isn't randomly assigning them.

And now I've had the issue 5 nights in a row...

BEERandWEED posted...

You could also set up all your devices with a static IP address so that the router isn't randomly assigning them.

Is there a downside to this?