Wirless network won't connect - must reboot router 1

[Borvik]

I'm not certain what is causing this problem, but I would like to find the solution.

Occasionally, I will be unable to connect any wireless device (XBox360, PS3, Windows 7 Laptop, Vista Laptop) to our wireless network. This has happened for multiple wireless routers (unsure of the first, probably a Linksys and now an Asus RT-N16).

The router continues to function for LAN connections so they don't lose internet connectivity. In order to get any of the wireless devices to connect to the router again I must reboot the router.

I would like to get at the root of this problem so I don't have to keep rebooting the router.

Thanks.

 

[rclarke250]

This is a common problem with home wifi routers. A couple of things to try, would be to change the location of the router, change the channel it is on, and check to see if there is a firmware upgrade out there. Some after market or open source firmwares work better than the ones supplied by the manufacturer.

 

[Borvik]

Location of the router can affect whether I have to reboot it or not? I could be right next to it with the laptop and it wasn't connecting until I rebooted it.

There are firmware upgrades out there, but when I upgraded to the most recent one it would only keep the WAN connection for a second or two before it lost it - so I downgraded and it started working again. Upgrading the firmware is out.

I suppose I can try changing the channel (it is currently set to Auto). I'll do that the next time I notice the issue.

 

[G0AOZ]

It could be that the router's WiFi (2.4GHz) facility is being affected by other devices or interference.

Changing channels is a good first step as mentioned above, but check to see if anyone else in the property or close neighbours are running WiFi. If possible, aim to have AT LEAST one clear channel between your chosen channel and that of another network, i.e. neighbour on Ch.4, you choose Ch.6 or Ch.2 etc. If the client software on the laptop doesn't give you adjacent WiFi channel usage, something like Netstumbler will maybe help.

Some older cordless phones have been known to cause issues with 2.4GHz WiFi. If you think you have one, separate phone and base station as far away as possible from the router. Similarly, microwave ovens produce strong signals on 2.4GHz - don't position the router in the kitchen!

Some TV sets throw out a huge amount of interference over a wide spectrum, even when they're on standby. Try moving the router well away from TV sets, digital boxes and satellite receivers, which is why RCLARK250 mentioned that point.

What about your mains electricity supply. Is it stable, or do you get 'brown-outs', 'black-outs' or surges, spikes etc? These could all play a part in disrupting the router.

If you had a problem with a router firmware upgrade, it suggests you got given the wrong software. Get the router manufacturer to clearly confirm you're trying the correct upgrade, and question them as to why it produces the symptoms you're experiencing.

ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[Borvik]

Well, we just moved - so I'd say I was 90% confident that it's stable.

We have a total of 3 LCD tvs - only two of which are hooked up, neither of which are near the router. The router is in the basement and _should_ be well away from signal causing equipment as we don't have a home phone line (though there are phones for it, none of them are wireless).

I'll lookup netstumbler tonight and check the neighbors WiFi channels.

Thanks.

 

[rclarke250]

There are a number of things that can cause electrical interference, fans,washers,electric hot water heaters,furnace,air conditioner,dryer. Look at it this way....if it has a cord, it can produce interference.

 

[Borvik]

Well, it's still not near anything (except a cheap shredder - which doesn't get used much).

After checking all of the surrounding channels I found that we were running on channel 6 (it was set to auto) and so was a neighbor.

I have changed the channel to one that is one clear of any of the neighbors - so we shall see how long that lasts.

 

[Borvik]

Everything still seems to be going ok. It seems to me that it was the channel.

Thanks to all for the advice.

 

[messere]

Try to update the firmware

http://sarnico.info