Strange Network Connection issue

Question

Hi,

I am running Windows 10 home edition for X64 based systems version 10.0.17134 on an Acer Switch Alpha 12 tablet. In the evening, I always shut down the wifi and I close the lid on the tablet which seems to put the device into hibernation mode. In the morning, I power on the wifi and the tablet and everything works fine. However, almost once every 10 days, the tablet fails to connect to the Internet during the morning routine while my other devices such as Iphone, Ipad, etc. connect without any issue. To remedy the problem, I issue "netsh int ip reset" from the command prompt, shutdown the tablet then recycle the wifi. Once the tablet and the wifi are online, the Internet connection issue goes away for another 10 days or so. In addition, I let the Windows Defender to scan the system every other day and no viruses have been detected thus far. Any idea what could cause this intermittent network connection issue?

Thanks in advance,

Joe.

Answer 1

Thank you for letting me know. My apologies as well if the issue somehow occurs more frequently, please check if the current version of your Wireless LAN driver matches the version stated in Acer's website. When it comes to your mobile phones it's quite a different story, since those phones are using a different platform and technology.

Upon further researching, it seems that your statement regarding with your network adapter is somehow correct as I've also found out that there are a lot of users having intermittent connection using Qualcomm Atheros (QCA61x4A) wireless adapter. Please, also check if there any pending updates from Windows.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hi there Melchizedek,

Thanks for your kind reply. Since I updated the driver, the issue with the network happens more frequent (once a day), however the old remedy of issuing a command line "netsh int ip reset" no longer works. To work around the problem, I use your suggestion by pressing Window Key+I to get to the "update and security" panel, then start the troubleshoot for the network connection. Once the process completes, I recycle the WIFI and the problem goes away :-) I think, the core of this problem herald of some hardware or software bug(s) with my network adapter card (Qualcomm Atheros QCA61x4A wireless network adapter) or a nasty infectious virus (my Apple devices seem to be immune from this network connection issue). The problem started around 5 months ago however the Widow Defender report is always clean :-)

Thanks again.

Answer 3

Thank you for getting back to me. Glad to know that you were able to update the drivers successfully.

If the issue still occurs, feel free to post back.

Regards.

Answer 4

@Melchizedek Qui

Thank you so much for your diligent response. I followed your instruction and the driver was updated successfully. I will wait to see if the problem reoccurs over the next 10 days (typical cycle for this problem). I am still curious to know why my apple devices connect without any issues? Thanks again for your excellent help. Lots of kudos!!!

Answer 5

Hello Joe,

Experiencing an intermittent wireless connection could be caused by several factors. A few would be wireless interference, outdated wireless drivers, or auto-select wireless channels. As I've further researched the issue, it seems that the issue lies on the network adapter's driver.

Meanwhile, I'd recommend performing the steps below to troubleshoot the said issue:

Method 1: Run the Windows built-in troubleshooter

This troubleshooter automatically diagnose and repair common problems with wireless and other network adapters.

1. Press Windows key + I, then select Update & Security.
2. Go to Troubleshoot. Under Find and Fix other problems, select Network Adapter.
3. Click on Run the troubleshooter. Click onAll network adapters.
4. Click on Next and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the issue persists, proceed to method 2.

Method 2: Update your network adapters driver

An outdated or incompatible network adapter driver can cause connection problems. Updating your network adapters driver may resolve the issue.

1. Press Windows key + R, then type in devmgmt.msc and click OK.
2. Expand the Network adapters category, then find the name of your network adapter and right-click on it.
3. Select Update Driver and click on Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. If Windows doesn't find a new driver, you can try looking for one on the device manufacturer's website and follow their instructions.

In addition, I'd recommend performing the steps in this article to troubleshoot network connections issues in Windows 10.

Looking forward to your response.

Regards.