Wireless connection keeps dropping out?

My wireless connection keeps dropping out suddenly after short time. Is it the router? The cable modem?

• When I switch the router off and on the connection comes back but only temporarily. I get an error message when I try to connect with the wireless network, even though it's still listed in my available networks window. THis is the 2nd router we have had this problem with. Could it be the cable modem? It happens with our Mac and our Windows-based computers. The desktop plugged directly into the modem maintains connectivity regardless.

• Answer:

  It could be wireless interference. What channel are you using? Most networks default to channel 1, 6, or 11, so if there are lots of networks nearby they may be interfering. Cordless phones can also interfere, usually they start on channel 1 and switch channels if the reception isn't good. Microwave ovens create interference mostly on channels 7-11. I find channel 4 works pretty well in most cases.