I have a Linksys router that has 8 computers on it. 2 computers are wired - 1 is on the internet/local network, and the other is the computer controlling my camera system (this PC does NOT surf the internet or go on the local network). The other 6 are wireless - one of which stores quickbooks files, word docs, and excel files in a shared folder. This computer also shares a printer with everyone. now that I've explained the setup, here's the problem: I CONSTANTLY LOSE THE CONNECTION!!! About 10-15 times a day, one or more of the computers can't access the internet/local network, or it's verrrry slow. It can be any one of the wireless computers on the network, or more than one at a time, but the wired one is usually OK. MOST of the time, you get a message that says "A DUPLICATE ADDRESS EXISTS ON THE NETWORK" - but how? I checked the router, and it allows 50 IP addresses to be on the network - 8 shouldn't be a problem. All the computers were set up to get an IP automatically, but I tried assigning each of them a unique static IP. I was almost sure this would work, since by manually assigning them I could prevent duplicate IPs. But the computer's STILL lose the connection to the internet. (ALthough I haven't seen the Duplicate IP message). I called Linksys, and they had me change the channel from 6 to 11. This worked like a charm for a couple of hours, then back to the same old thing. You lose the connection, then when you go to reconnect, Windows doesn't even find our network (in the 'View Wireless Networks' it says none were found in range). A couple of minutes later, Windows will find it, and will connect... for a while. I called my ISP (Road runner) and they replaced the modem, and assured me everything was normal on their end. I am perplexed, and can't run a business like this. Do you guys think it would help if I wired all the PCs on the network? I can't see why the wireless signal isn't working, all computers are within 30 feet of the router, there are no obstructions, and the network is encrypted. It's not a big deal to wire it, but I don't want to incur that expsense and have the same problem. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.

i would get a new router..i had a defetive one from linksys, also call RR and make sure it is compatible with there isp

I will pick up a new router. You think this will solve the problem, or should I wire it, too?

What wireless adapter are they connecting with? It's a long shot but check this anyway. Device manager Expand the network adapters Right click on the wireless adapter and choose properties Power management tab Untick the 'allow windows to turn off to save power' Your wireless adapter may or maynot have this setting? I like my belkin router. Tt Lanfire MSI K8N Diamond X2 4600+@234x12=2.8ghz 1:1 1GB PC3200/4400 OCZ Powerstream 520w 6600GT WDCaviar 160gb sata x2

With wireless it could be almost anything , interference from another wireless device somewhere , cordless phones , a microwave nearby . Could be from a faulty device , wireless is a shared medium just like a old hub . What kind of signal are yhou getting on the devices ? Wired will always be better and a lot faster , will it fix your problem , thats hard to say without seeing the problem.