WRT54G - Strange Wireless Behavior 2

[goombawaho]

Customer has a Linksys WRT54G v.6 and she said "laptop is not connecting". Ok, so I check the wireless settings and it's WEP, so I figure I'll change it to WPA2 for more security. But before that I decide to update the firmware, which I do to the latest available on the linksys site (1.02.5) No problems updating the firmware.

Then I set up WPA2 security and set password and configure the laptop. It connects to the router and gets an IP address. BUT no internet connectivity. When I try to ping the router from the laptop command prompt, I get a reply on the FIRST try and then nothing after that.

Other wired clients continue to work no problem
Wired on the laptop in question works
I took the laptop home to my house - wireless works fine

So, what could be wrong with the router or is it just dieing . Any suggestions??? Reset to factory defaults and try again??

 

[jeffrick59]

I have seen this before and what worked for me was to:
1. Unplug the power to the cable or dsl modem and the router.
2. Plug the modem back in and wait for it to sync up.
3. Then power the router back on.
4. Open the windows wireless connection for it and repair the connection.

Hope this helps.
Jeff

 

[DallasBPF]

Also, if you are NOT broadcasting the SSID, then you will need to make sure it is inputed properly (ran across it this past week on a PS3). Also, for your passphrase for the encryption... Just for the sake of trying it, put something in very easy like (password) in all lower case, just so you make sure that you get the right pass phrase inputted, if it works after that, then go and change it to something else a little bit more difficult and see what happens.

------------------------------------
Dallas, Texas
Telecommunications Tech
CCVP, CCNA, Net+

CCNP in the works

 

[goombawaho]

You guys are missing the point. The laptop connects to the access point no problem and gets an ip address. It just cannot access the internet or ping the router.

I confirmed this behavior with another laptop with wireless. I think the router is just starting to die on the wireless side of things.

 

[silverhairb]

Goomba,

How may wireless clients are you talking about connecting in to this little wireless router? Could it be that the number if clients has exceeded its capacity?

Also, it might be a problem with the client's computer. Some don't support WPA correctly. TO help troubleshoot, you might want to go back to WEP until the problem is identified.

[the other] Bill

 

[SYQUEST]

After updating the firmware in the router did you verify all the parameters and options?

Even if you made a backup of the configuration, you need to default and reprogram your the router after doing a firmware update. From my experience with Linksys Routers whatever config is left after doing an update may be no good or cause problems. So it is a good idea to print or write down all your parameters BEFORE updating firmware.

Can you ping the laptop from another computer? Does it show a DNS in the IPconfig? Can you connect to that computer? Does it show up in the Work Group?

....JIM....

 

[goombawaho]

Only 2 wired clients and 1 wireless client.

I checked all parameters. The symptoms are all the same from before the router firmware upgrade vs. after.

No, you cannot ping the laptop from one of the wired computers
It shows the same DNS as the other computers.

You can ping the router from the wired desktops. It's not like a firewall issue.

I think I've already moved past troubleshooting this and the client is considering replacing the routers. It's just not normal behavior for a router.

 

[DallasBPF]

If it is a Linksys wireless router, sometimes it is best just to throw it out and spend the ~80$ for a new one...

------------------------------------
Dallas, Texas
Telecommunications Tech
CCVP, CCNA, Net+

CCNP in the works

 

[silverhairb]

Rather than get another future problem, it might be better to replace that Linksys with something like a Cisco 851W or 871W, or to go with separates like a Cisco 831 or 851 and a wireless access point like a Cisco 1121G. An 831 / 1121G will cost a little more than a Linksys but will provide more reliable service and last a lot longer than Linksys consumer electronic junk.

[the other] Bill

 

[goombawaho]

This is just a residential (small business) install, so I'm sure a Netgear or another Linksys would be sufficient. I'm closing this thread now. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[silverhairb]

I'm only in a non-business residential use. We're using a Cisco 877 and 1121G now, an 831 with a 1121G before. Never a reset, very stable, sitting on a small APC UPS. Changed because we converted from cable to DSL and were having trouble with the DSL modem. Rock solid and fast

Just because its Cisco doesn't mean its large, complex and expensive.

So its up to you: Plan on future problems every few months or so, or fix the problems before they begin. (Pay me now or pay me later.)

[the other] Bill

 

[SYQUEST]

One would think since Cisco has owned Linksys for a few years that they would have cleaned up the terrible firmware crap they foist on the public even though these are low end boxes. But noooo, it is the same old crap with just as many updates, even if it is a $200.00 Linksys with VPN!!!

If you really want reliability and functionality look else where... (or pay me again and again)

....JIM....

 

[silverhairb]

Amen to that!! Linksys is still consumer-grade junk, their management isn't going to change that. Its all about profits. Consumers are used to expecting their equipment to only last a short time (Linksys/D-Link/Netgear, Microsoft, CPUs, monitors, etc.) Its a mentality that says "Just get whatever will last a little while because it will be obsolete next year."

Cisco occupies a different market niche. They are still releasing software for platforms that they stopped selling six years ago. And a lot of those platforms are still good for todays needs (and are CHEAP on eBay).

[the other] Bill

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Bill,

You make a good point about shifting up to a Cisco product!

Funny how people will experience this trouble again and again and again - and keep going back and getting another low end home networking device like Linksys or D-Link that might last several months or even a year or 2.

But that is why Linksys, Netgear and D-Link are out there - cheap, throw-away equipment, if it lasts more than 6 months then they are happy

I wonder how these products will change as Cisco now seems to be shifting more of the Linksys "brand" over to Cisco only !!!

E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[silverhairb]

Gene,

Its hard to say. But Linksys still seems to be aiming their marketing efforts at the same demographic groups. Introducing more expensive products seems to mean more features, but I wonder whether the design, engineering and parts quality will be significantly better than their cheaper products. I don't hear many people singing their praise. I'm skeptical. Time will tell.

BTW, 3Com also has their budget line that is similar in quality and reliability. Its not just Linksys price-point management.

Bill

[the other] Bill