About a year or so ago, I was given a laptop, a Gateway; Model MX8738.

After I was given the laptop, I bought a wireless router to add to my Cable Modem in my basement. My room is directly above my computer room downstairs, however from time to time my wireless will just shutdown completely, giving me no connection what so ever. I have to shutdown my computer and reboot just to regain a connection.

Questions:

*Is there any way to fix this without buying another cable modem?
*Is it my wireless router, or my laptop?
*If I need to, am I able to hook up 2 cable modems? (I have a cable jack right next to my desk in my room)



Thanks!

-Dave

First, I would suspect the problem is in the laptop since rebooting gets it going again. Since you're just above the current modem, why not run an ethernet cable down to the router and plug it into one of the available ports? Unless your laptop doesn't have an ethernet input on it. A USB adapter can be purchased to fix that.

Well, I figured it was the laptop, I just don't know how to diagnose it. I am above the current modem, but the problem is I will have to either have 2 windows open, drill holes, or have cables run through my house and down a flight of stairs. None of which I would consider possible. The lag that I get, then the disconnection, only seems to happen when I am on wireless, not hardwired. So I would have to assume its my inability to receive the signal (however, i am always at a 'very good' connection) or the router's inability to give me a constant signal.

So, I pose the questions; Do I take it in to see what the problem is, do I get a 2nd modem, or do I just tough it out? Obviously there is something wrong, so I really don't want to do the last option.

Thanks!
-Dave

I don't know of any cable companies that permit two modems on one account. You'd have to pay extra, possible the full cost of a second account. With that kind of investment, it may be worth getting the laptop repaired. As a lesser expense, you can get a USB wireless adapter and try that, too.

Just the answer I needed, thanks! I will see what I can do about hard wiring my laptop... maybe making my desktop wireless. If all else fails, i will try the adapter.

Thank you very much!

-Dave