iMac goes offline from WIFI several times each hour

Question

Aargh! I have an iMac running Lion and have to manually get online several times each hour. I get a notification that I am not connected to the internet, i then run "diagnostics' it says my system configuration has changed and suddenly green lights and I am up and running- how on earth can i stay on the wifi more consistently? Thanks!

Answer 1

This could possibly be a modem/router issue, I've had faulty routers before that drop out every 10 minutes and have to re-connect. You could try to connect to different wifi networks to test, to get a clearer picture of what is going on.

Try one or more of the following tests, If the iMac works as expected (no drop-outs) you will know if it is your modem/router.

• Try connecting to your phone's internet connection by setting up a wifi hotspot. The settings differ for each phone, here are instructions on how to set it up on an iPhone.
• Try a usb dongle. If you or a friend/ family member have a usb dongle you use for work or something, just borrow it.
• Take your iMac to someone else's house, and attempt to connect to their wifi
• Try using a spare/different router at home
• If you have nice neighbours and you can see their wifi connection from your house, ask them if you can try connecting temporarily.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It sounds like your Wi-Fi network is conflicting with a neighbour's network. You can view extended information about the channels you're using by holding down Option when you click on the Wi-Fi icon in the Menu Bar, then use this to choose a channel that is distant from your neighbours.

Some more detail here: Wi-Fi problems on mac - particularly the last para which really seems to be a problem with extended AirPort networks (i.e.: multiple Wi-Fi devices).