Ben Keyser
asked on
Router disappearing from network on one pc
Good morning
I am stumped by something I have not seen in all my years in IT support.
This pc is in a block of flats, so there are several routers broadcasting at the same time. The customer's router will just disappear from this one computer's list, not to be seen for hours of sometimes days, despite reboots of both router and pc. At the same time, while the pc does not see the router, the laptop is happily surfing the internet. So are the 2 smartphones. What is more confusing - if it was a problem with the network card, I would not see the surrounding routers, yet they are all there. ONLY the client's own router fall off his desktop. If it was the router, the laptop and 2 smartphone should not see it!
I did a system files check (Win 7 Pro)
Completely removed and reinstalled the wireless network card (USB) - Netis WF2123
Router - Huawei 3G router (can't find the model now. Will get it and update)
Any ideas? I am stumped!
Ben
I am stumped by something I have not seen in all my years in IT support.
This pc is in a block of flats, so there are several routers broadcasting at the same time. The customer's router will just disappear from this one computer's list, not to be seen for hours of sometimes days, despite reboots of both router and pc. At the same time, while the pc does not see the router, the laptop is happily surfing the internet. So are the 2 smartphones. What is more confusing - if it was a problem with the network card, I would not see the surrounding routers, yet they are all there. ONLY the client's own router fall off his desktop. If it was the router, the laptop and 2 smartphone should not see it!
I did a system files check (Win 7 Pro)
Completely removed and reinstalled the wireless network card (USB) - Netis WF2123
Router - Huawei 3G router (can't find the model now. Will get it and update)
Any ideas? I am stumped!
Ben
ASKER
Shaun, maybe you misunderstood the question. The pc sees other networks from surrounding routers, but NOT the router through which it should connect. Ignoring it means telling my client "tough luck, no internet for you on your pc". Is this what you suggest or did I misunderstand your comment?
Hi Ben,
The router is listed as default the gateway, if it stopped working, your client would not have connectivity.
The router disappearing from network list does not mean you are not using it
The router is listed as default the gateway, if it stopped working, your client would not have connectivity.
The router disappearing from network list does not mean you are not using it
This can be confirmed by typing IP of router into browser (if router has web interface)
ASKER
The router does not stop working. As I said, all the other devices can still connect and get to the internet. My laptop connects at the same time the router disappears from the customer's pc. All other devices work at this very same moment. Just the desktop does not see this router. But I just thought of something I overlooked - clearing the cache on the pc. I will try that now
Ignoring it means telling my client "tough luck, no internet for you on your pc".My point is, ignoring it does not mean "tough luck, no internet for you on your PC" because router does not stop working, it just doesn't show in Network list
ASKER
The router is a Huawei B315 LTE Router
This could be caused by a few things, but my favourite is the USB dongle you're using. Just because it sees other networks does not necessarily rule it out as the problem. I've just googled that particular product and there are many posts from people reporting similar issues with it. If you're carrying a spare dongle from another manufacturer, I would start by swapping it out and seeing if that improves things.
ASKER
Thank you David, your suggestion was on my list when I go there again. I do not know that dongle at all. I have 2 spares that I know work. I will follow up
I have my fingers crossed for you. :)
ASKER
Me too David thanks!
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ASKER
Tx David. I have a channel scanner and have already moved everything to a "more quiet" range!
ASKER
I am still waiting for this customer to return so I can go see him. I can ONLY provide feedback once he has returned. That may be Friday or Monday. The question is not forgotten
ASKER
I installed a new Wifi dongle and it appears to be stable.
Glad that you've sorted it! 🙂
ASKER
Yip, tahnks David, I have a happy customer!