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Question

Strengthening my Internet connection

Sep 23, 2015 2:19AM PDT

I really need to do Skype tutoring as it's part of my job. The problem is that my internet is so poor, the Skype video often cuts out (at least I cannot finish a one hour conversation without it cutting out a couple of times and threatening to cut out more than that).

My internet is free from my apartment and the router (I think that's what it's called, the box?) is the hallway. I thought this problem was caused by Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 because sometimes my cell phone will connect with no problem while my computer's connection goes to "Limited." 90% of the time once I turn the connection off and re-connect it comes back fine. But I can't be disconnecting and re-connecting in the middle of Skype calls.

I have already tried changing the Energy Saving settings so it doesn't turn itself off, I've entered some "netsh" codes in the Command box that was suggested on a site, I've turned off Bluetooth which was also suggested. I tried several other things I found on YouTube. I have also rolled back, and then updated, the Broadcom adapter, to no avail.

I'm starting to think it's not the computer but is my apartment's Internet; though I don't understand why my computer would go to Limited when my phone is working fine (both connected to the same Wifi). I am desperate to fix this so please help me if you have any ideas.

Should I buy a wireless adapter? Would that increase my signal strength so it doesn't cut out? I've tried so many things. My landlord will probably not fix it if it's a problem with the router.

I have a Toshiba Satellite C75 laptop. I can't call Toshiba because I live abroad and I don't think they can help me.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Edit
Sep 23, 2015 2:30AM PDT

Actually sorry I have to edit this, it won't let me edit so I'm adding an answer:

I think it really is Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Too many other people are having this same problem. I'm considering somehow going back to Windows 7 unless someone can help me fix this. Sad

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Re: signal strength
Sep 23, 2015 4:34AM PDT

If ir's a signal strength issue, it should disappear if you move your laptop to the hallway. Just as an experiment, did you try?

Kees

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Haven't tried it
Sep 23, 2015 4:44AM PDT

I have not tried that but moving my phone closer to the hallway never works. I will try it. Is there something other than signal strength that would make my Skype calls so weak, constantly "having connection problems?" It's definitely me, not the person I'm talking to.

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I maybe wrong but...
Sep 23, 2015 7:04AM PDT

don't compare the phone with what you are doing with Skype. Phone is just voice contents but Skype is video (did I get that correct?)...and video uses a lot more bandwidth.

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Connection
Sep 23, 2015 8:52AM PDT

Thanks, you might be right. I'm thinking it's either my apartment's internet or Windows 10 limited connectivity problems. I'm hoping that an external wireless adapter will fix both problems; at least I will try that.