Wireless connection, there but not.

[4W4K3]

This is a constant problem for me.

I have a wireless router, and 2 laptops. They both connect to it, and do so perfectly 99% of the time. However, if you reset the router, you lose the connection forever.

I had this happen 2 weeks ago and couldn't figure it out. My cable company came out, fiddled with it and simply replaced my router. They gave me no explanation, jsut that the router "broke" and they will give me a new one.

Well, 2 nights ago my new router got disconnected due to a power outage. I am trying to get the laptops back online now, and they will not connect.

I can see the SSID broadcast on both machines. I enter my WEP key and it accepts and "connects". After thinking for a few minutes, it tells me there is limited to no connectivity.

If I plug into the router via a wire, I can get on the internet just fine. It's how I am on the forums right now. But wireless is a no go, it will not get me on the internet at all.

I can log in to the router, reset it, disable wireless, enable it again...and same symptoms.

Anyone have ideas?

 

[The_Other_One]

Check the firmware and upgrade if possible. I've had similar problems with routers and it's usually software related. Maybe invest in a UPS? Haha... joking, but it is cool to have the router and modem going during a power outtage so you can still use your laptop

 

[4W4K3]

Well I hope it is software related, otherwise my cable company will jsut replace my router again. And it would mean I can never, for any reason, ever unplug my router without having to call them, schedule a service call, pay them $20 to come out, and then repalce it again.

That's not how routers work, I've never had one do this before. But I also do not usually purcahse NetGear products. Ah well. I'll try a firmware update and post back.

 

[4W4K3]

OK that was a quick failure.

It's not a commercially available router. The NetGear site lists, "These models must use the firmware from the vendor. Do not use other firmware."

There is no support for it other than through my cable company, and they will more than likely not do anything but swap it out with another one. UGH!

 

[johnb35]

Give them back the router and go buy one of your own. I'm sure you are leasing the one you have now and paying money for it anyway.

 

[4W4K3]

I don't think they will let me just cancel my router lease and use my own. I signed up for service under a contract, that router is under the contract.

When I renew I will probably just sign up for wired (a few bucks cheaper) and than get my own wireless router.