Wifi problems

Hi Franco,

I found the problem.

I connected my Nighthawk again.

In my Nighthawks settings I can edit device names so I know what devices are connected without checking my self-made MAC (device) list constantly.

I can also click to see a list of allowed devices currently not connected and a list of blocked devices. Something I haven’t checked before.

After resetting today again and editing the names, I’ve noticed that this time my mobile that I connected to 2.4 and then 5GHz are listed separately in my device list with a different MAC address. One will show active as it is and the other one is visible in list under currently not connected but different MAC. Now I cant use 2.4 without issues on my mobile. I know that shouldn’t be, no matter what band I am using the MAC will always be the same!?

Only the device that is actually connected will show with IP but when I click show devices currently not connected I see the devices without IP and different MAC. When I reconnect that device to that particular band it will have a different IP to the band it was connected before and same fake MAC.

Google helped me to identify that this MAC doesn’t exist or doesn’t belong to a certain manufacturer but most likely coming from my own network, router.

Can you follow what I am saying? This is not normal, is it?

I had my laptop asleep, when I turned it on again, I saw another device connected to the router without a name and an unknown MAC. I blocked it and lost internet on 2.4. I had to go on 5Ghz to allow this MAC again and now all 2.4GHz devices have vanished on the list. 2.4GHz is completely down and I cant connect to 5GHz either, no devices could. And now the fake MAC of my Mobile is gone. I would have to reset that router again.

Seems that router is a goner and I am back on my ISP modem.

Clearly this was and is causing my IP and gateway issues?

But then again, I did have issues with the other modem as well. 2 issues?

Test is still ongoing. Kids are homeschooling, hopefully only until Thursday, since we are in lockdown, then I can do the tests proper. This morning I had 3 laptops and 2 mobiles connected and had hardly issues. It never dropped out but speed does reduce greatly at times.  

Will see what happens

Thanks again.

Thanks Franco. I understand, that was certainly clear enough and will do the test again properly.

Cheers

Hi Franco,

Right, ok, my laptop is upstairs with my router in the same room, despite a big room but I have the issue even when I sit right next to the router. Up until I set up the ISP modem, with my Nighthawk, my laptop and all other devices were connected to the router directly. The extender is only for my Fronius solar inverter, which I did mention and only the inverter was connected to the extender. The extender is Netgear WN3000rp, nothing special, didnt need more just for the inverter, but at least its the same brand as my actual router.

Just today after I set up my ISP modem that has lower range I had to connect few other devices downstairs to the extender to get better speed for these devices. The reason why I purchased Nighthawk.

I still have a hard time why that problem is only with my new laptop. Cant it be that this wifi adapter is loosing signal?

After I wrote my last message, ever since I havent dropped out once with 5Ghz and 4 devices connected but the other devices are idle. I ve been streaming without any issues. That was the same with Nighthawk but I only had max my laptop and 1 or 2 mobiles connected.

Just changed to 2.4GHz, 6 devices are connected and I get speed of 15.8/ 1.7.

You said:..." if it works regularly when it is individually connected to your home wi-fi network. This is a fixed point."

Individually as directly connected or only by itself without other devices? That laptop hasnt been connected by itself to the router for a long time. I did a speed test and powered on one by one the other devices and checked the speed. As said, its always been connected directly to the router.

My laptop works when my extender is on, as long as not many other devices are used (not connected to the extender but router) and thats usually other laptops using bandwidth or Xbox.

You still want me to do it all again? I know it must be frustrating talking to normal no tech people but please try to explain how other devices can interfere with my laptop but doesnt cause problems to others. And if so, what would be the solution for that one? Should I throw out the other laptops so my new laptop can live a peaceful life, although its me who would have a more peaceful life? :P

Hi ThornySeeker6 ,

I repeat again: your laptop does not have any kind of problem if it works regularly when it is individually connected to your home wi-fi network. This is a fixed point.

I noticed something new in your last post: you talk about devices connected to the Extender downstairs, this means that the router and your devices are not all on the same floor of the house, this particular you had to specify immediately at the beginning of your question. Specify whether your laptop usually connects directly to the router's wi-fi network or through the Extender's. You have to repeat the test with your laptop connected directly to the wi-fi network of your router together with all the other devices that are on the same floor of the house, then check if the problem occurs again or not.

Turn off the Extender and any other devices located downstairs.

Last update for the day, I connected everything to my iinet modem which doesnt have the same good range or capacity like my nighthawk.

I am not able to connect everything to one band without all devices suffering at least a bit. I had to move few to 5GHz.

First, after starting one device at a time all seemed ok for about an hour or more. Speed was reduced and in all devices but not so bad like with nighthawk and my device still was always slower than the other devices. Downstairs, I had to connect few devices to my extender which is also not too great for gaming (my kids).

Because everything was running ok with all devices for quiet some time, I assume that there is no interference from another device, would you agree or am I ignorant again? ;)

Just then I dropped out of both bands. Online right now but speedtest wont even run. So definitely worse.

HP is elevating to the concerned team. Will see what they come up with. As recommended by you, I hope I can convince them to get a different adapter. I like that laptop otherwise. If not, money back but I might be dreaming here as they already offered it with the first one. Should have gone right away to a different model or brand but I did not think its a make issue.

Thanks everyone.