Stumped as to why my Airport Express keeps dropping the connection

Sybersport · Jan 14th, 2008, 11:56 PM

Been happening for a few months now... I've updated the software, moved the router away from all electronics, manually set the channel rather than automatic... I've reset the router to factory settings a number of times...etc. etc.

It will drop the connection, and will only work for a few minutes/hours after I reset it. The internet is fine when I'm wired directly to the modem.

What gives? Is there anything I can test/check here to determine the problem? Or should I just get a new router. This didn't used to be a problem, it only started a matter of months ago.

Rampant AV · Jan 15th, 2008, 12:16 AM

I've had issues with ours and our cordless phone system. Maybe there is something interfering with it?

Sybersport · Jan 15th, 2008, 12:51 AM

Could it be my blackberry? I have tried turning it off however, and the problem is still there...

retrocactus · Jan 15th, 2008, 09:39 AM

Do you hide your SSID? I've found when you do that, it always seems to drop the connection and then has to re-find it.

That or you have neighbours with crappy cordless phones nearby...try changing the wireless channel you're using....especially if you're using auto.

Sybersport · Jan 15th, 2008, 09:45 AM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by retrocactus
	Do you hide your SSID? I've found when you do that, it always seems to drop the connection and then has to re-find it. That or you have neighbours with crappy cordless phones nearby...try changing the wireless channel you're using....especially if you're using auto.

When you say hide SSID, do you mean making a closed network? I have not done that.

Good idea on the phone - I actually moved my router away from the wall in my bedroom, so we'll see if that helps.

I also heard that Rogers offers a modem with a built in wireless router - I may go for that option ($1.50 more per month), so at least they can't blame the problem on my hardware.

retrocactus · Jan 15th, 2008, 11:00 AM

Not so much a closed network as opposed to a hidden one....in other words, does your wireless network show up in the Airport list or do you have to manually type it in to get onto it. Hiding the network just means the computer has to work harder to connect to it and continually look for it. Hackers know how to find hidden ones anyways so there are better ways of securing it like WPA and MAC address filtering.

Sybersport · Jan 15th, 2008, 11:33 AM

Gotcha. It's not hidden, it just shows up. I have tried both closed and open networks - neither seems to make much of a difference.

I may try a different wireless modem, just to see what happens.

Sybersport · Jan 16th, 2008, 12:20 PM

FYI - I switched over to my old D-link DI-524 wireless router and things are working perfectly now.

I guess I didn't want to admit it was the fault of the Apple router - it was easier to blame Rogers

I wonder why this problem occurs with the airport express?

retrocactus · Jan 16th, 2008, 12:29 PM

It's either a bad Airport Express unit or the config isn't setup correctly.

I've got two that are working perfectly - one of them since the day it was released. I use them in all kinds of configurations (love the profiles option) at home and while travelling.