Internet disconnects when downloading?

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Mefurbëtas
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Internet disconnects when downloading?

Post by Mefurbëtas »

This is an issue I've had ever since moving from ethernet to a USB dongle after we moved into a new house. It seems like the mere act of downloading a file or update for a game just utterly decimates my internet, discord will show a 5000ms ping, and if I'm lucky I'll reconnect every few seconds, but more often then not my wifi keeps getting set to 'Not Connected' until I either end the download for disconnect from call. Is there any fix I can do to solve this? I can't just use ethernet as I don't have a cable for it in my room.
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Re: Internet disconnects when downloading?

Post by rhubarb_nido »

I'm assuming this a PC (not a laptop) and the USB dongle is for wifi.

If the dongle is very short and you're plugging it into the back of a big PC, it might be getting interference from the case and other PC components. Some sort of USB hub / USB extension cable with a cradle could help. That way the dongle wouldn't be right up against the PC case.

Buying a PCIe Wifi adapter that has external antenna to use instead of the dongle might get you better results too.
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Re: Internet disconnects when downloading?

Post by Necrotext »

Yeah I'd second looking at the dongle and seeing if its being blocked- personal experience is higher is better, and less cluttered is better. But of course, your mileage is going to vary. If you can't get a wifi signal to stay strong, another alternative that I have had success with is powerline adapters!
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Notable that the distance and wiring of your home can make a notable difference in connection strength. But powerlines are far more stable, and just need to be hooked to a power outlet at both where you'll be using it, and where the modem is. I couldn't run an ethernet cable across my parents place the like ~15ish years ago I lived with them and this solved it immediately. I would imagine (hope) they've since gotten better.
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