Wii-Fi Dropout

Dale Gray · From: Colorado, USA

Has anyone had their router drop out and lose connections? Mine does and have to unplug it then replug it to get it to work. It is a new Linksys. Dale
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Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

Yes, but usually it is the fault of the wireless card on the computer, not the router.

Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

I have had that happen on two Linksys WRT54G wireless routers. They seem to go insane, for no apparent reason, and only power-cycling them restores their sanity. Aside from 2.4 GHz interference (see last paragraph for details), I don't know why this happens, or how to prevent it from (re)occurring. It possibly has to do with heat build-up, but I don't know that for certain.

Not all wireless cards are 100% compatible with this router. If your wireless card keeps dropping the connection to the Linksys router, and you can get a-hold of another brand of plug-in card, try it out. I find that a NetGear WG511T network card works better in my laptop than the Linksys WPC54G card I first bought for it. The signal strength is much higher at any distance and I get few, if any dropouts, using the NetGear NIC.

There are some things to do that may minimize this problem, including keeping the router in a well-ventilated location, ensuring that the top and bottom vents are not obstructed and blowing or vacuuming dust from the vents.

2.4 GHz Interference

Since this wireless device uses the same frequency as many home phones or gadgets (2.4 GHz), you should try to keep it away from wireless phones, microwave ovens, or any other device that operates in the 2.4 GHz range. Furthermore, I recommend changing the broadcast channel to something higher than the default, which is channel 6. I found that by moving my router to broadcast on channel 11 - I could have it on the same desk as my 2.4 GHz wireless phone base unit. Otherwise, the nearby phone caused constant disruptions to the wireless signal.
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Dale Gray · From: Colorado, USA

I will try changing channels, as I dont have any other equipment operating R.F. Dale
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Jeff Agnew · From: Dallas, TX

This has been a consistent problem in some Linksys routers for years, going back to their "b" protocol models. But it seems to be more common with the 54G series. Some folks never see the problem, others always do. Google the topic for a lot of confusing advice and opinions.

Certainly the suggestions Wiz mentioned are worth a try but if you've got one of these rogue models it won't help.

I've run tests with these routers using multiple devices connecting via different wireless cards from multiple vendors. Macs, PCs, TiVos, laptops, desktops. Nothing changed in the environment or hardware between tests but the router itself. The Linksys was the only one that would drop the connection. It usually took several days or a week but it always happened. The other routers were rock-solid. I finally just pulled all the Linksys models off the network.

If you're still within the return period for the Linksys you might consider getting another brand and avoiding the headaches.

Dale Gray · From: Colorado, USA

If it keeps up, and it probably will I will return it. Thanks for the info. Dale
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GFI SD10.Vegas 400, Oblong pedal, Rocket Scientist.

winston · From: Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

I have used Linksys wireless routers and cards for over 5 years and have not experienced any of these problems. Lucky I guess. Winston May

Wiz Feinberg · From: Mid-Michigan, USA

Dale;
Just a thought:
How close are you to your nearest neighbor? Is there any chance they also have a Linksys wireless G router? If so, the routers may be fighting over which one is the master of your domain. I have read cases where people with connection problems found out that they were actually logging into somebody else's router. If you are running your Linksys in default configuration, without requiring a private security key, it is possible that you are connecting and dropping out of a different router than your own!
_________________
"Wiz" Feinberg, Moderator SGF Computers Forum
Security Consultant
Twitter: @Wizcrafts
Main web pages: Wiztunes Steel Guitar website | Wiz's Security Blog | My Webmaster Services | Wiz's Security Blog

Randy Phelps · From: California, USA

You might also be getting interference from another device or an open circuit.

If your access point is near sound equipment, an older television set, microwave oven, mixers etc etc... the stray rf can wreak havoc on wireless signals especially in that band.

I have had to troubleshoot wireless problems that were the result of being in specific flight paths as well if you are near a municipal airport. There are just lots and lots of things in that spectrum (and in the B spectrum) that can be problematic not the least of which is the incredibly thoughtlessly deployed 2wire systems from local cable companies.

Jerry Gleason · From: Eugene, Oregon, USA

I have had this problem with a Netgear router also. The current Netgear model I have is working fine, thankfully.

Interference is getting to be more of a concern as more people get these things. When I'm at home, my laptop can see as many as six wireless routers from nearby neighbors.

Dale Gray · From: Colorado, USA

My laptop doesn't see any other routers, and it isnt close to any other sources of rf, not near any airport, so probably return it soon. Dale
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