What's wrong with my wireless router?

[smokey982]

I have a Linksys WRT54G wireless router that's worked flawlessly for several years now. But for some reason tonight I've having some wifi issues. I have a mac hardwired from the router as well as a couple other things and they all work fine. But the wifi is not working. Both my iphone and ipad show my network and both show the little wifi symbol in the top of the screen. But it's not actually working. I can't get any web pages to load and none of my apps that require a network are working. I've tried unplugging the power cord for 30 seconds which usually fixes this issue. But not tonight. Any ideas?

 

[jimdandyvi]

The radio has probably failed. I have had two 54Gs and after several years of service their radios wear out. Router function is usually independent of radios so you can continue to use the 54G as a router.

Time to replace the router and or buy an AP to connect to your 54G. To maximize radio life be sure your router or AP is in an area where it won't over heat. I keep my router and modem plugged into a small UPS so my internet stays on when the power goes out. The UPS isolates the router from power fluctuations which hopefully increases its life.

With your new router, if the software permits, set up your router to turn off the radio automatically at times of day when you won't be needing them. Also adjust the radio's power setting to be no more than you actually need for reliable service.

 

[smokey982]

Well it's back(at least for now). Last night before bed it eventually started working for a short period then it would quit again. And so far this morning it's working again. If I do have to replace are there any recommendations on a new one? This one has worked well over the years. We built a screened in porch last year and it's done a good job of providing a strong wifi connection out to the porch. Although its really only about 30' or so away if you draw a straight line through walls to the porch.

 

[LER]

I have a Cisco E4200v1. I'd recommend the v2 or the E4500 (strong, dual band, nice).

 

[Teehar]

Netgear has some nice ones.Had mine for about 3 yrs and haven't had any issues.

 

[avg1joe]

I've had networking issues in the past that were fixed by replacing the power adapter. Its about $8 on ebay.

 

[rockymtnhigh]

Yeah, I am thinking your radio died too. OR is dying...

 

[Neutron]

I vouch for anything in the Linksys/Cisco line. If you really want to tinker with it usually you can flash the firmware with the DD-WRT stuff.

In fact, try flashing your current router with DD-WRT if you are comfortable. You will be able to see what signal your radio is putting out and determine if it indeed is on the fritz.

 

[navychop]

I hate to become an Apple fanboy, but I must recommend the Apple Airport Extreme. Not cheap, but it is full time simultaneous dual band. And it just works. And it will help heat your house in the winter. Most, indeed almost all, so called "dual band" routers work on either band - not both at the same time. When I bought my Extreme, I found only one other true full time dual band router, and it actually cost more than the Apple.

 

[rockymtnhigh]

I hate to become an Apple fanboy, but I must recommend the Apple Airport Extreme. Not cheap, but it is full time simultaneous dual band. And it just works. And it will help heat your house in the winter. Most, indeed almost all, so called "dual band" routers work on either band - not both at the same time. When I bought my Extreme, I found only one other true full time dual band router, and it actually cost more than the Apple.

Its just rock solid.

 

[digiblur]

I hate to become an Apple fanboy, but I must recommend the Apple Airport Extreme. Not cheap, but it is full time simultaneous dual band. And it just works. And it will help heat your house in the winter. Most, indeed almost all, so called "dual band" routers work on either band - not both at the same time. When I bought my Extreme, I found only one other true full time dual band router, and it actually cost more than the Apple.

All the dual band routers I have run into that people have me install at their home have been dual band at the same time types.

I am kinda of partial though, I think all the wireless radios in your regular home router are absolute garbage. After experiencing a real 600mw with ability to go to 1000mw radio it just spoils you. I do have a broad com based router, Asus, that actually does the routing.. My high power ubiquiti ap is just an ap. The Asus runs Tomato and has a few things. 3 VLANS, one for wired and my personal devices on the ubiquiti. Kids wireless on the Asus on separate vlan. And guests wireless ssid that I give the guest's wpa2 key to on another vlan. Everybody is separated for virus and security reasons. It also runs my VPN service that I use when I am using my phone on public wifi. I will never ever send or receive data on a public wifi unless it is 100% encrypted after seeing how easy sit is to sniff and do other attacks. Very cool router for cheap.

Sent from my C64 w/Epyx FastLoad cartridge