Adventures in DC Land

[ImagenAshyun]

I can't take it anymore.

We just recently cancelled our cable, but it turns out, we're keeping our internet. However, the signal strength stays on one measly bar, and it's prone to collapsing. Once in a while, my computer (Windows 7) will switch internets, except the internet it switches to has no access despite having more bars and a stronger, more consistent signal strength.

Worse is the time this happens. It's fairly consistent--during the day, internet is fairly stable. It's around 6 PM-2 AM when it hiccups like a colic baby. This is rather frustrating because 10 PM-1 AM is my ONLY regular and consistent RP time at home. Any attempt to try to RP sooner will be wracked with distractions, usually regarding chores and the little brother.

I'm at the end of my rope, and I'm sure RP buddies are too. Several times RP was halted because I DC so many times. I would DC at the loading screen, or I'm at the character select screen and it wouldn't load because WoW is too busy DCing. Sometimes the worst happens--I would log in, but nothing happens for 2 whole minutes before I finally disconnect. Simply closing the window won't do either--in fact, trying to reconnect just by closing my client and reopening it causes a longer lag time (because my computer is choking to keep up with the performance).


Here is a curious thing, though: sometimes my internet -is- stable; my Skype is fine, web browsing is fine, but WoW would suffer recurring connection problems as if internet isn't stable at all. Latency isn't an issue, nor is RAM performance. I could be at a breezy 52 ms and still face stability problems.


As for resetting the router, that's impossible as long as Dad's in the Philippines. The router is located in his office room, which is locked when he's not home, and none of us here have the keys. The closest I can do to get better internet is to (strangely) open the front door and keep it open. However, that imposes a great safety issue, as I live in an urban area and my bedroom is at the very back of the house.

I'm not sure what else to check. If this keeps going, say goodbye to RP in-game for a while. I'd be only able to RP on Skype or in-game at my mom's house on Sundays.

[dastmo]

Well, you could call your ISP and ask if there are nay problems on their side during the hours you're experiencing problems. If not - it's most likely on your side.

You mentioned that your PC "switches Internets"? I suppose you mean that it connects to a different network. If so, is this network also in your home, or is it somewhere from the houses around you? It is possible (and highly likely) that the two networks use different settings and this is why you have no Internet access from the second network.

Also, the door thing...? Don't do it! We prefer you safe and sound. ^^

[Nikodemos]

Tug to the right on the housing with the first paper clip... then proceed to rake the pins with the second. Slowly as to not reset any that have already already set. Careful upon the release, thats when most folks fail to jimmy the lock. Hope that helps. On a more serious note, I would agree with Dast, in that any changes in your currently connected network would be enough to DC you from WoW. It doesn't take much after all. My advice would be to uncheck "connect automatically" on any networks aside from your home network. It is likely jumping at will between the stronger of the two. Interference between multiple networks is also a possibility, though I am less than educated on that aspect. In the meantime, feel free to join the ranks of the rest of us who type Test. in /1 every few minutes. Good luck.

[Rem]

There's an alternative method to resetting your Dad's router that wouldn't require you to enter his office at all..

Fairly simple method where you go to your electric fuse box and attempt to find the breaker to your dad's office. Most electric fuse boxes have labels on the door when you open it, but if yours is not you can still cut the main power to the whole house for a few seconds (I'd say about 10-20 seconds). After that, turn it back on. Instant reset router from afar switch that should work perfectly. Might not be too popular if you're not home alone for obvious reasons, but it'll reset that darn router

[dastmo]

There's an alternative method to resetting your Dad's router that wouldn't require you to enter his office at all..

Fairly simple method where you go to your electric fuse box and attempt to find the breaker to your dad's office. Most electric fuse boxes have labels on the door when you open it, but if yours is not you can still cut the main power to the whole house for a few seconds (I'd say about 10-20 seconds). After that, turn it back on. Instant reset router from afar switch that should work perfectly. Might not be too popular if you're not home alone for obvious reasons, but it'll reset that darn router

Why didn't I think of it?