For the past month my internet connection has been getting gradually worse to the point of being completely useless unless I want to load and reload each web page. Simply opening a web page makes the signal drop out.
At first the problem was only occasional, and it got worse and worse. Finally I tried to do something about it and tried some of the usual solutions. Unplugged the router and phones, reset the router, changed the channel, etc. None of the hardware stuff appeared the be working, including trying a different wireless adapter.
So I started to think maybe it was some malware or virus thing. I ran some scans with about 10 different products, none finding anything more serious than cookies. But viruses can hide, and since I have all my files backed up externally I just decided to formate and reinstall Windows. Amazingly after doing this everything was fine for about 24 hours, no connection was dropped even once (in comparison to 5-6 times a minute before the wipe) but then it started up again.
I think it has to be a problem with the router (though I'm certainly no expert), because when it drops I go and look at available networks and my network is dropping entirely off the list while other area networks (none very strong) are still there. Anything I do, from changing the channel to wiping the computer does add some temporary relief, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to 24 hours, but it always winds up going back to being screwed up. Which is what really baffles me.
My router is an Actiontec M1424-WR Rev. C
