How can I fix intermittent network connection issues with my network adapter?

1. Check Wireless Router

The first step to troubleshoot intermittent wireless connection is to check the wireless router. Make sure it is plugged into a power source and the indicator lights are all illuminated correctly. If the power source is not working properly, a reset of the router may help. To do this, simply unplug the power cable from the router, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in.

2. Update Network Adapter Driver
If the wireless router is working properly, the next step is to make sure the network adapter driver is up to date. To do so, go to the device manager on your computer and find the network adapter. Right click and select “Update Driver Software”. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version of the driver.

3. Change Wireless Network Channel
Interference from other wireless networks can cause intermittent wireless connection. To reduce the interference, change the wireless network channel on the router. For most routers, this is done via the web browser interface. Navigate to the router settings page and locate the “Wireless” section. Select a different channel from the drop down menu and save the settings.

4. Check Signal Strength
The signal strength of the wireless connection can also have an impact on the connection quality. To check the signal strength, open the Wi-Fi settings on your computer and look at the available networks. Look for the network you are trying to connect to and note the signal strength (the percentage). If the number is below 50%, try moving closer to the router or repositioning the router in order to increase the signal strength.

5. Disable Wired Device Connections
If you are having connectivity issues while connected to a wired device, such as a printer, it may be worthwhile to disable it temporarily. This will reduce any interference caused by the wired device. To do this, simply disconnect the device from the router or turn off the device itself.

6. Disable Quality of Service (QoS)
Quality of Service (QoS) is a feature that prioritises certain types of traffic. While this can be beneficial in some cases, it can also cause issues with the internet connection. Try disabling the QoS feature on the router to see if it helps with the intermittent connection issue. This setting is usually found in the “Advanced” tab on the router settings page.

7. Reset the Router
If all else fails, try resetting the router back to its factory settings. To do this, locate the reset button on the back of the router and press it for 5-10 seconds. This will reset all the settings on the router and may help fix the issue.

If these steps do not help resolve the intermittent connection issue, contact your internet provider or the manufacturer of the router for further assistance.