Wifi Problems: Network clogging?

[oompa loompa]

Hi all!

As always, I'll start by preemptively apologizing if there already is a thread for a similar issue.

So, here's the deal.

I have a Netgear N150 ADSL+router. Often times (especially when my roommate in particular is on the wifi), it'll start dropping packets for fun, though its not exclusive to him on the connection, it just happens without fail when hes on. I started by pinging the modem and my ISP server, and what usually happens when it starts slowing down is that packets begin to get dropped, and it shows on my ping to modem. Other times, the same thing will happen, but the modem ping + server ping will be fine.

This is what usually happens: say, I try and search for something on google, it'll stall at 'establishing secure connection/ connecting' , or while I'm in the middle of a video it'll just drop. One fix, strangely enough is closing the browser and opening it up again

The other is of course, putting the modem off and on again, though this doesn't work out too well either, because then what often happens is that I can't reconnect to the network, it gets stuck on 'Attempting to authenticate' in my wireless network adapters page. This is fixed by once again putting it on and off.

The speed itself never actually drops (either it goes at full speed or no speed), and the lights on the modem don't show a problem, which tell me that its probably not a wiring issue. Could it be a wiring issue?

We've had our ISP send someone over 5 times, and everytime they say they have no idea. For example, buzzfeed, or the guardian often don't open for weeks on end, but they claim that its not possible that its a problem from their end

So, what do you guys think?

1.) Is it a problem with the router?
2.) The technician said that its a broadcast virus, or something of that sort, but I've run a couple of virus scans (AVG) + a full run of Malware bytes, and a CCleaner run. nothing. Any idea about that?
3.) I then tried to use wireshark, but can't make heads or tails of it. What should I check, and how should I check?
4.) If this is inconclusive, what diagnostics should I run? Specifically, if I call the ISP guy again, what diagnostics should I have ready to show him? (DNS flush + TCP/IP stack reset also done)


Thanks for all your help in advance guys

[SeijiSensei]

Anyone running torrents? Most consumer routers fall over if there are too many peers. They don't. have enough memory to manage dozens of simultaneous connections.

[oompa loompa]

Originally Posted by SeijiSensei

Anyone running torrents? Most consumer routers fall over if there are too many peers. They don't. have enough memory to manage dozens of simultaneous connections.

I thought about that, as well as any other application I have, and it turns out its not the case. it happens without provocation. Though, putting my aforementioned roommates internet off usually sorts it out.

[Tiberium Wolf]

It might not be a virus and nor torrent. It might a program that went AWOL doing it.
It you dont like to use cmd netstat use Networx. At least you will have a windows gui. Or you could use resource monitor if you are using Win7 and check the network activity there.

[sa547]

If there's another router-modem, try borrowing one for testing.

[Flower]

Originally Posted by sa547

If there's another router-modem, try borrowing one for testing.

Yeah, this is what first popped to mind for me as well - at the least it could help narrow down things a teensy bit. ^^

[sa547]

Yep. We had trouble trying to keep the network stable because of some modem-switch issues.