My computer keeps dropping the internet connection, mostly if I leave it alone for a long time, say while gone to work, or during the night. Rarely, if ever, while I'm actually using it, making me think maybe it's related to power management. When the connection's lost, if I open a browser, it tries for about a full minute or so to connect to the site, then gives me the classic error page.
I have a DELL Inspiron 1100. Integrated Broadcom 440X wired ethernet card, and D-Link DWL-G650 Air Plus wireless card (I alternate between wired & wireless).
I just got a Trendnet TEW-432BRP 802.11G wireless router. Used to have an Ovislink hub.
I have a DSL connection.
I think I have narrowed the problem down to the computer using the following logic:
-This problem happened with both the router and the hub before it, so it's not a problem unique to either.
-It happens now with the router regarless of whether I connect through cable or wireless, so not a problem with one type of connection over the other.
- When "disconnected" I still have a connection to the router (I can access its firmware by typing in the IP addres for it).
-Likewise, when "discoonected" the router still has an internet connection. When I'm disconnected, none of my roomates are disconnected (they all connect through the router), and I can in fact ping sites successfully through the router's firmware. So, not a problem with my ISP.
-If I Restart my computer, connection is restored.
Strange twist to the story: both MSN and ICQ think they're still connected. They still show online. However, if I SignOut then SignIn, I can't reconnect. So they've lost their connection as well, but it just hasn't registered with them for some reason.
To conclude, if I leave my computer for any extended period of time (hours), I can almost definitely count on having lost my connection when I get back.
This is pretty well driving me nuts, so any help would be huge. Thanks.