I built a desktop computer a few years ago, and lately the connection speed will occasionally drop by 25-90% for a while (compared to a phone connected to the same router), then a little while later go back to normal again. Time to replace the Wi--fi card? Or could anything else be causing that to happen. It did work fine since I started using it until just recently.
Think I would make sure that the inside of the system is absolutely clean - no dust. Has anything been added to your environment that might broadcast / radiate in the frequency the card is operating on? Something that cycles on and off.... In the card has external antennas, make sure they aren't near any power cords, fans, portable heaters, refrigerators, etc and are secure if they are removable.
If none of that helps, then go to the manufacturer's site and download the latest driver.
Uninstall the existing drivers for the card and then shut down the system and unplug from power. Remove the wireless card and run a pencil eraser across the (PCI?) contacts on the card and then wipe the contacts with a clean cloth. Reinstall the card (If you have another equivalent slot available on the MB, move the card to that slot). Start the system and install the new driver and see if it helps.
Might also be useful to know if the phone is connecting to your AP on the same frequency as the computer.
I was responsible for the support of several thousand systems for many years and never recall seeing a wireless card behave as you described unless something external was messing it for what it's worth...
I've never had a failed wifi card of heard of any symptoms of one other than being totally dead and not even detected by the system, so that's a tricky one. I'll second checking for sources of interference, primarily microwaves and other nearby wifi devices or cell phones. Fans, heaters, fridges, and power cords don't tend to interfere with wifi.
Also, update any drivers / firmware that are available.
Grtechguy said:Also, update any drivers / firmware that are available.
This. When I worked at Dell, most WiFi issues were either outdated drivers on the system, outdated router firmware, or both
GameboyRMH said:Fans, heaters, fridges, and power cords don't tend to interfere with wifi.
You are correct, but I have seen a couple. One was caused by a space heater and the other was a small fridge. Both had extension cords that were essentially on top of the wireless antenna. As they cycled on and off, wireless went to hell. Still not sure I understand why, but rerouted the cords and things improved.
CJ said:GameboyRMH said:Fans, heaters, fridges, and power cords don't tend to interfere with wifi.
You are correct, but I have seen a couple. One was caused by a space heater and the other was a small fridge. Both had extension cords that were essentially on top of the wireless antenna. As they cycled on and off, wireless went to hell. Still not sure I understand why, but rerouted the cords and things improved.
EMI is a bitch. When stringing Ethernet, you have to purchase plenum rated cable when running near power lines or florescent ballast.
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