Addition of third computer in network causes router to drop internet connection (is the problem Dropbox???)

This is not specifically about MacBook Pros, per se, but since all of the communities are based on specific products, I chose it since it applies to two of the devices concerned.
We have a LINKSYS WRT54G router in our home connected to cable internet.
We normally run a number of iOS devices on it at any given time (iPhone 5, iPhone 4s, iPhone 4, two iPad 2nd gen., one iPad Mini with Retina), and almost at all times, an Intel MacBook Pro on 10.6. We sometimes also have an Intel MacBook (black) on 10.6. These all live in harmony just fine. Both laptops have Dropbox on them, but signed in on different user accounts.
I used to have someone working at my house quite often on an Intel MacBook Pro on 10.7, also using Dropbox (but signed into a unique account). Whenever she had her computer on in our house, it would often cause the network to just drop the internet connection suddenly. The network would still have a strong signal, internet just wouldn't work.
We never quite figured it out. We had to reset the router constantly. It was NOT the modem -- you could reset just the router and the results were the same as if you had reset the modem. I didn't pursue a fix since she has since stopped working here.
Recently we just added an Intel iMac on 10.6 to the house, and it is doing the same thing. The only difference is this time, it's logged into the same Dropbox account as my MacBook Pro. At first, it seemed as if there was an issue if both were trying to update at the same time. When I paused syncing on one computer or throttled the upload/download bandwidth, it seemed to get better. However, lately, I am not syncing any large files -- or any files at all, it seems, sometimes -- and I also kept one machine on throttled connections, while a THIRD machine is even off completely...and it's still kicking the internet connection off.
Any ideas? I'm getting really tired of re-setting it every so often.
Thank you!

Also, there are no other networks we pick up here. Sometimes, we randomly get the neighbor's, but it's protected and we don't ever join it.
Try the basics first:
   Change your router channel number.  Most times this works & is all you have to do.
Disconnect & reconnect your modem.  unplug it for about 10 seconds.  Plug it back in.  Do the same for Apple’s routers.  Wait for everything to reboot.
System Preferences>Network
Click the Assist Me button.
In the next window that pops up, click the Diagnostic button & do the necessary.
Research Knowledge Base for network problems that pertain to the OS that is currently installed on your computer.   See these basic networking KB Articles:  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1401 AirPort troubleshooting guide
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4628  Wi-Fi: How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2712 Using network locations in Mac OS X
Manually provided DNS server addresses are higher priority than DHCP's
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1714 Solutions for connecting to the Internet, setting up a small network, and troubleshooting
============================
What to do when you can't connect to the Internet
Also, run the Airport Utility app which is located inside the Utilities folder.
=====================
If using a  Linksys router, contact LinkSys Customer Support and/or post in their forums.
If using Apple's Airport, please re-post over in one of the AirPort Forums.

Similar Messages

  • Hi there can anyone help me out.  I have Apple TV and I am trying to connect wirelessly through a zyxel wireless hotspot gateway, I know a tad extreme but a friend had one free,  anyway I can find the router but no Internet connection?

    Hi there can anyone help me out.  I have Apple TV and I am trying to connect wirelessly through a zyxel wireless hotspot gateway, I know a tad extreme but a friend had one free,  anyway I can find the router but no Internet connection?

    The only people who can possibly assist you with this is Apple Customer Relations, call your local Apple contact number and ask for Customer Relations then explain your situation clearly and politely (be firm but don't rant).
    You might want to investiage what the local laws are regarding defective goods and 'fit for use' definitions on warranties etc. Consumer Protection can be a useful tool to use or bargain with if needed ...

  • Updating firmware when I can't get an internet connection through the router

    I am trying to update the firmware for WRT54G V8, but some of the instructions indicate I need to have the router connected and be connected to the internet.  I cannot get an internet connection through the router.  Can I upgrade firmware without being connected to the internet through the router.  (I have had this router for about a year and a half with no problems until now.)

    Yes, you can upgrade the firmware without an Internet connection.
    To upgrade the firmware, first download the new firmware into a computer that you can wire to your router.
    Next, power down your entire network.
    Then wire the computer to a LAN port on the router.
    Disconnect all other wires from the router.
    Power up the router and allow it to fully boot (1-2 minutes).
    Power up your computer.
    Login to the router, and do the firmware upgrade  (it will likely take several minutes).
    Power down your entire network.
    Next you need to reset the router to factory defaults.
    To reset your router to factory defaults, use the following procedure:
    1) Power down all computers, the router, and the modem, and unplug them from the wall.
    2) Disconnect all wires from the router.
    3) Power up the router and allow it to fully boot (1-2 minutes).
    4) Press and hold the reset button for 30 seconds, then release it, then let the router reset and reboot (2-3 minutes).
    5) Power down the router.
    6) Connect one computer by wire to port 1 on the router (NOT to the internet port).
    7) Power up the router and allow it to fully boot (1-2 minutes).
    8) Power up the computer (if the computer has a wireless card, make sure it is off).
    9) Try to ping the router. To do this, click the "Start" button > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. A black DOS box will appear. Enter the following: "ping 192.168.1.1" (no quotes), and hit the Enter key. You will see 3 or 4 lines that start either with "Reply from ... " or "Request timed out." If you see "Reply from ...", your computer has found your router.
    10) Open your browser and point it to 192.168.1.1. This will take you to your router's login page. Leave the user name blank, and in the password field, enter "admin" (with no quotes). This will take you to your router setup page. Note the version number of your firmware (usually listed near upper right corner of screen). Exit your browser.
    If you get this far without problems, try the setup disk (or setup the router manually, if you prefer), and see if you can get your router setup and working.
    If you cannot get "Reply from ..." in step 9 above, your router is likely dead. Report back with this problem
    If you get a reply in step 9, but cannot complete step 10, then either your router is dead or the firmware is corrupt. Report back with this problem.
    If you need additional help, please state your ISP, the make and model of your modem, your router's firmware version, and the results of steps 9 and 10. Also, if you get any error messages, copy them exactly and report back.
    Please let me know how things turn out for you.

  • Guest network on express message no internet connection main wifi still works on express

    guest network on express message no internet connection main wifi still works on express

    We need a bit more information to be able to troubleshoot your issue.
    The most common cause of Guest Network / No Internet problems is trying to use the AirPort with a modem/router or gateway device.
    The AirPort needs to be connected to a simple modem in order for the Guest Network feature to operate correctly.
    Can you provide the make and model number of the device that you call your "modem"?
    We don't know if you are using a Mac or PC to try to configure the Express, so some information about what operating system your computer is using would be helpful.

  • Connecting router kills my internet connection/Password reset

    Hello,
    I am new to the community so please bear with me.
    I am working with a Cisco Small Business WRVS4400N trying to set up a wireless connection without access to internet. The purpose is to connect my phone and computer without the internet. As I am a novice, however, I have run into two problems I was hoping to get some help with.
    The first problem I am having is that when my computer is connected to WiFi and I connect the router via ethernet, I lose the internet connection. The computer's network settings say that it is connected to both; my WiFi connection and a Local Area Connection with no internet access. Despite the WiFi showing as connected, however, I am unable to use the internet and all the pages I try to navigate to say the connection has timed out. Since I am new to this, I followed the steps prescribed in the first response here (http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1703316/set-link-router-internet-connection.html#.).
    The second problem I am having is that when I type in the device IP into a browser and get the username and password prompt, the parameters I am entering do not match up. Is it possible to reset or retreive the username and password? Especially if they were changed during previous use?
    Hoping to hear back, all advice is greatly appreciated.
    Thanks in advance,
    Yusif Nurizade

    Who is your ISP....?
    Have you opened the ports on the router for PS3....?
    Try reducing the MTU value on the router and on PS3 to 1365 and check.

  • My mini is connected to the wifi network, but is not able to connect to the working internet... can anybody help, please?

    my mini is connected to the wifi network, but is not able to connect to the working internet... can anybody help, please?

    192 is local address within your network.
    Unless the adddress is of a server that can reolve URL names to ip addresses you wont be able to load an external web page.
    You can check what it should be by checking your router status page.
    Or if you have an iOS device check under settings, W-Fi, select the network your attched to, then see what is next to DNS.
    DG

  • HT4995 My iPad 2 Location Service works fine but does not work on my home Airport router. How can I fix the problem?

    My iPad 2 Location Service works fine but does not work on my home Airport router. How can I fix the problem?

    lbryan1987 wrote:
    I dont want the button problem solved i need to know how to restore the phone without using that button or going into settings
    You don't in the condition it's in. You will either have to get the phone replaced by Apple or pay a 3rd party to repair it.
    there seriously should be more than two ways to solve this other wise apple is useless and we will never buy another apple product.
    Seriously? It's physically broken!

  • I have the new ipad and inserted  a new tata docomo sim , it shows network but is not able to connect to the internet,,, can any1 plzz help me out

    i have the new ipad and inserted  a new tata docomo sim in it, it shows network but is not able to connect to the internet,,, can any1 plzz help me out

    Let's start with the most obvious? Have you paid for service? If yes, thry THIS.

  • I have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 on my MacBook. Constantly dropping internet connection or message "error connecting to the network" comes up. No wireless connectivity issues with windows 7 laptop or iphone.

    I have a MacBook with Snow Leopard 10.6.8. The last few weeks it has been constantly dropping internet connection, and one of these messages appear on the page: "Safari cannot open this page because the server where this page is located isn't responding" or "Safari cannot open this page because you are not connected to the internet" comes up. I will check Wifi and I am connected. No wifi connectivity issues with iphone or windows 7 laptop, this doesn't happen with either of those devices. I have unplugged and reset router, cleared cache, still happening. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

    Hi BCLor!
    Try using the suggested steps in the following article to help you troubleshoot this issue with your Wi-Fi connection:
    Wi-Fi: How to troubleshoot Wi-Fi connectivity
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4628
    Thanks for being a part of the Apple Support Communities!
    Regards,
    Braden

  • When i'm trying to opem Itunes, I get a message that I'm missing MSVCR80.dll on my computer. I have tryies to re-install Itunes, but the problem wasn't solved - what should I do?

    When i'm trying to opem Itunes, I get a message that I'm missing MSVCR80.dll on my computer. I have tryies to re-install Itunes, but the problem wasn't solved - what should I do?

    Click here and follow the instructions. You may need to completely remove and reinstall iTunes and all related components, or run the process multiple times; this won't normally affect its library, but that should be backed up anyway.
    (99343)

  • I can only start my iBookG4 after deleting preferences. I have to go into single user mode to do so. If I don't go into single user mode, the computer shuts down during boot up. What might be the problem?

    I can only start my iBookG4 after deleting preferences. I have to go into single user mode to do so. If I don't go into single user mode, the computer shuts down during boot up. What might be the problem? How can I fix this?

    I do not have a startup disk. I did try fsck (based on what I learned from your reply-thank you). This failed (fsck); here is the message:
    ** Checking catalog file.
        Invalid key length
    (4, 8198)
    ** Volume check failed.
    /dev/rdisk03 (hfs) EXITED WITH SIGNAL 8.
    I am sure this is an easy fix; I just have no clue how.

  • This an IPOD I bought used.  Everything else works fine.  It syncs to my computer and plays my music but will not connect to the USB interface in my car. My wife's IPOD, which seems to be identical, works fine.  Any ideas?

    This an IPOD I bought used.  Everything else works fine.  It syncs to my computer and plays my music but will not connect to the USB interface in my car. My wife's IPOD, which seems to be identical, works fine. I should say it connects but then immediately disconnects.  Any ideas?

    Then my last suggestion is to Reset it, while connected to the BMW Audio.
    Toggle the Hold switch, make sure you dont see the red mark when you do the  next step
    Reset the iPod -> Press Menu and Center button simultaneously for about 10 secs or till the Apple Logo comes ON
    Then release the buttons
    Select your preferred language.
    Here is the Apple support Article on the 5Rs
    http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/classic/
    Good Luck!

  • Got a itouch on ebay and it says ipod is disabled and i connect to my computer itunes it tells me itunes could not connect to the ipod because it is LOCKED with a passcode you must enter passcode on ipod before it can be used with itunes. I asked people I

    got a itouch on ebay and it says ipod is disabled and i connect to my computer itunes it tells me itunes could not connect to the ipod because it is LOCKED with a passcode you must enter passcode on ipod before it can be used with itunes. I asked people I

    iOS: Unable to update or restore

  • Hi, I can't open lightroom in my computer and I don't know why.what could be the problem?

    Hi, I can't open ligthroom in my computer and I don't know why.what could be the problem?

    hey doc im ill get me a pill.
    how about some more infos?

  • Emails are "stuck" in my Apple Mail Outbox. I have deleted the account and reinstalled but still have the problem. Apple's "Network Diagnostics" report that it cannot connect to the SMPT server.

    Emails are l "stuck" in my Apple Mail Outbox. I have deleted the account and reinstalled but still have the problem. Apple's "Network Diagnostics" report that it cannot connect to the SMPT server. TalkTalk (Tiscali) say there is no problem with their server because I have checked and can send emails with their webmail.

    No that is not it:
    Open Mail>Preferences>Accounts, the first page has this on it
    If you click on the server name in the box (gmail in your case I assume) it opens and reveals this:
    If you select Edit SMTP Server list you get this:
    Post it here and, select the Advanced Tab (which looks like this)
    Post this page as well.

Maybe you are looking for

  • Remove Personalization at User Level - Saved Searches

    All, There is a problem in the Saved Searches. We are on 11.5.10. The page immeditely throws error when a custom view is created using "Save Search" button. It says, ## Detail 0 ## java.lang.NullPointerException at oracle.apps.fnd.framework.webui.OAD

  • Automator saves output in new folder

    Hi everyone. I created an automator workflow to convert word docs to PDFs. The workflow consists of two actions; 1) Get Selected Items 2) Convert Word documents to PDF format. It does the job but the output PDF file is placed in a new folder created

  • How to check a PDF file for errors?

    I have created a PDF file manually. Adobe Reader shows an error message "The file is damaged but is being repaired." when I try to open this file. How can I check, what is wrong with this file? Is there any checker or some way to examine the file and

  • The program does not run

    Hello! I have a MacBook and a XCode installed ( latest version from App World for Mac ), but when I write a programm and click "Run", I have an empty window without the text. What's the problem. I tried more code examples.

  • Looking for the Apple DIY HDD Instruction (MBP2012 NR)

    I remember from my last Macbook that there was a website on apple.com where you could download instructions on how to replace your hard drives and RAM. There is a link on google which however only relates to the main support page. I know that upgrade