Tech: router wifi problems

Subject: Tech: router wifi problems
From: Tootler
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 02:15 PM

Until about a week ago, the wifi on my router was rock solid reliable. Since then, for no obvious reason it has become erratic dropping out and returning seemingly at random.

I first noticed the problem on my Blackberry. I don't have a totally reliable mobile phone signal where I live, but I could rely on the wifi to connect to the internet. Suddenly I could not and although I tried the usual tricks, turning off and turning back on the wifi connection in the Blackberry, cold rebooting the Blackberry by removing the battery and replacing it and rebooting the router, it obstinately refused to connect.

I have tried various computers in my house to see if it was the Blackberry that was the problem but they also gave problems. My wife's computer (Windows Vista) refused to find any wireless connections at all. My netbook (Acer Aspire One with Linpus Linux Lite) connected needed several attempts. My own computer (Ubuntu Linux 10.04) connected OK,

This was all about a week ago when the problem first occurred. Since then I have found the wifi to be erratic, sometimes there and sometimes not. When I try using my netbook, I need several attempts to get it to connect and it has started asking for the security code before it will connect - something it never did previously after the initial setup.

Mostly we connect to the internet using LAN cables or homeplug links and these are working fine. I've just tried the wifi on this computer (the one running Ubuntu) and it connected first time.

I am puzzled. Any suggestions?

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: Tootler
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 02:16 PM

I forgot. My router is a Belkin 54g

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: Dave Earl
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 02:34 PM

I have a BT system which was fine until BT Openzone appeared on the scene.

All my 4 of my computers would seek/find//connect to my Btinternet service whenever I turn them on and if I had more than one on my each computer would join my network.

Now it seems that BTOpenzone is trying to take over and my computers connect to that now when I first switch on. I can easily disconnect from Openzone and revert to my home hub but it is annoying

Dave

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 03:09 PM

Tootler
I have a belkin 54G
What you should do is call belkin to start with. The call is free and so is the support for the life of the router. The number should be on your box. 01933 35 2000. You will need the product ID.
I have used them in the past when I have had such problems. They determine if the problem is with your router or with the ISP. If it is your router they stay with you to sort the issue out. It may at times need you to ring off and do various things and then get back to them. They give you a job number. I think you can call them 24/7

If they think it's your ISP, it helps when you get on to them as you can tell them that it isn't the hardware becuase Belkin said so. You just don't listen to any bollocks from your ISP and make them sort it.

Hope that is of some help.

I am sure having posted this, some other clever bugger will come up and suggest a different way :-)

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: artbrooks
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 03:15 PM

I have 2 boxes - one that connects to the phone line (the modem) and a separate one that does WiFi (the router). I think that is the most common set-up in the US, although there are some integrated units available. The modem is provided by my ISP, but the router is mine. I did have to replace it a year or so ago because of intermittent disconnects that I couldn't trace.

Try this first: disconnect everything and power it/them down for 5 minutes. Take the opportunity (if necessary) to remove them from the alcove behind the computer and clean them thoroughly. Then power them back up (first) and reconnect them. Running the software setup again may be useful, but it did nothing for me. If that doesn't fix the problem, consider replacing the router - the modem is probably fine if you aren't having problems with hard-wired connections.

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: olddude
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 03:18 PM

You may have already tried this but unplug it. That will reset it. Then plug it back in and reboot your computer to get a new IP address (assuming you are not using fixed addresses) If that doesn't work you may need to replace it.

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 03:27 PM

I have a 54G as said, and it is a modem router. So iam assuming Tootlers is the same.

Belkin are the best people to ring first. Its free. to Belkin purchasers. Use it.

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: Greg F.
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 05:58 PM

Suggestions? Category 5 cable.

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: Tootler
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 07:39 PM

It's not a modem router. I'm on cable and have a separate modem and router much like artbrooks.

I have tried the unplug and reset routine, both modem and router. The problem is clearly not the modem as the wired side connects fine. The problem seems to vary depending on the operating system. Ubuntu seems to be fine, Linpus Linux Lite works, but after persuasion, Blackberry is on and off and Windows - well nothing, though I haven't tried it again recently.

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: olddude
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 07:44 PM

Do a full virus , malware scan, you may have some malware

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 08:50 PM

With wireless, you can get interference from neighboring wireless routers that use the same channel - you may have to manually change the channel - or some routers are clever enough to get a signal with least noise.

The most useful thing (and about the only facility that I will regret losing when I move from Win 7 to Linux) is a cute radar like display called ConfigFree from Toshiba that displays all net connections available - the Lan link if plugged in, and all wireless links around - their name and mac address and IP address if hard wired.

If you can find a utility that works like this for basic Windows, you will instantly see if any other wireless links may be nearby and possibly interfering.

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: treewind
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 07:26 AM

Have you recently installed or moved a cordless phone? They can interfere with Wi-fi as they use similar frequencies. Phone base station near wifi point caused trouble for me.

Other possibilities include:
* new Wifi installations in neighbouring buildings
* your Belkin is dying.
* someone moved the antenna slightly. Really! - I bought a new wi-fi access point because my first one had never worked well, but then I changed the antenna orientation from vertical to 45 degrees off, and everything sprang to life and worked so well I never installed the replacement.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: grahamglos
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 08:16 PM

Hello, new to Mudcat - hi :)

I have the same issue. We use wifi here generally however have recently installed Homeplugs to get internet access where wifi reception is poor. Wifi works okay as long as homeplugs aren't communicating. If you try to use the wifi with the homeplugs disconnected, I reckon you'll find the wifi connection is fine. The homeplugs are known for causing interference with wifi signals, this is a pain.

Good luck :)

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: Tootler
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 08:14 PM

It has got much better recently though not back to the level of reliability it used to be.

I suspect it may be a new wifi locally. When the problem first occurred most of the local "regulars" seemed to disappear, but they now seem to be back, though signal strength is down on most of them and there does seem to be a new one,

I have homeplug but I don't think that is a problem as I had the homeplug for some time before the problem occurred.

The router isn't that old, so I wouldn't have thought it was on its way out, but you never can tell.

I might try a hard reset of the router sometime and see if that helps.

Welcome to Mudcat, grahamglos, BTW.

Subject: RE: Tech: router wifi problems
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 02 Dec 10 - 02:05 AM

Koobface
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/15/technology/15worm.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2&hpw