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Laptops

Why does my wireless connection seem very slow or intermittent?

The three most common possibilities are:

1. There are many users in your area OR there are users doing very heavy network trafficking (downloading, etc.);
2. The Internet or network itself is operating slowly at the moment, due to traffic convergence or server congestion;
3. Your laptop is connected to an "access point" (i.e., antenna) that is distant (your computer may have determined that that far away access point was the best one when you first connected, perhaps because of congestion on closer access points, etc.).
4. You are using a non-standard wireless card. Several wireless cards have weaker antennae than the others.

The best things to do in all these cases:

1. Wait a few minutes to see if there is any change in signal strength or network speed;
2. if there is no change after several minutes, you may also try rebooting in hopes of connecting to a stronger access point on your next try.
3. If that doesn't work, you should try moving to a different location, preferably close to one of the access point antennae. Even a distance of twenty feet sometimes makes a difference; just look for the access point antennae hanging from the ceiling near the walls at various points around the law school.
4. For best results, use one of the recommended wireless card brands. These are listed on the Student Computer System Recommendation page, or you may contact the University Computer Store at (310) 506-4811 or http://www.pepperdine.edu/it/techdeck/.