Late 2013 iMac repeatedly dropping wifi connection

[sppunk]

For about a week and a half, my late 2013 iMac has begun dropping wifi. The wifi symbol in the menu bar does a pulsing (each half-ring flashes individually). I usually have to manually go back and select the network but it will occasionally reconnect automatically. This happened pre and post latest security update for Catalina.

The router - about 20' away - is stable and no other devices have this issue (not on iPhones, iPads, a MacBook Pro, or our various Nest cams, Honeywell thermostat, etc) so it is definitely a hardware issue.

Is it possible to replace a wifi card or some other alternative? Hard wiring is technically possible, but I'd like to not have to run a wire in this particular area. I hope to keep this guy afloat until the ARM iMacs become available!

 

[Fishrrman]

"The router - about 20' away - is stable and no other devices have this issue (not on iPhones, iPads, a MacBook Pro, or our various Nest cams, Honeywell thermostat, etc) so it is definitely a hardware issue.
Is it possible to replace a wifi card or some other alternative? Hard wiring is technically possible, but I'd like to not have to run a wire in this particular area."

Sometimes, the "easiest way out" is the one to take.
Buy a 25' Cat. 5e ethernet cable, hard wire to the router, and be done with it.

Hmmm...
Before you do that, I suggest you power off the router (and modem from your IPS if you're using one), and then power back up again. Sometimes that will "reset everything"...

 

[sppunk]

"The router - about 20' away - is stable and no other devices have this issue (not on iPhones, iPads, a MacBook Pro, or our various Nest cams, Honeywell thermostat, etc) so it is definitely a hardware issue.
Is it possible to replace a wifi card or some other alternative? Hard wiring is technically possible, but I'd like to not have to run a wire in this particular area."

Sometimes, the "easiest way out" is the one to take.
Buy a 25' Cat. 5e ethernet cable, hard wire to the router, and be done with it.

Hmmm...
Before you do that, I suggest you power off the router (and modem from your IPS if you're using one), and then power back up again. Sometimes that will "reset everything"...

Yeah, I actually have done that (we rearranged the office so it had to be done, no difference before or after). It's bizarre.