Repeated connection drops

qbawl · 10-10-2008, 02:10 AM

My router is a Belkin Wireless G Plus F5D 7231-4 which is probably about two - three years old. The computer I used to set up the router and network has long since died, plus we moved to a new house. When we moved into the new place just about a year ago, we connected the router to the modem without changing any settings. Two desktops are plugged directedly into the router via ethernet and work fine. One other desktop and two laptops use the network wirelessly, but never all at the same time (not sure if that makes a difference). Also, if plugged into the router with ethernet, the laptops also work fine.

When I set the network up in the new house, it just worked even without the old "base" computer. The original WPA passwords worked as always. Lately, though, within just the past few weeks, the connections have begun to repeatedly drop. So, my question: Can I update the router firmware and/'or change the channel without resetting the router? During the move I managed to lose the router manual and can't find instructions at the Belkin site (it's late and I'm tired - that doesn't help!), and only vaguely remember how to do any of this. I've only set up a network once. I remember that it was pretty easy, but not having the original "base" computer (that's probably not what it's really called, so hope this post is coherent enough to understand) or manual makes this tougher than it should be. I know how to reset the router, but am hoping it's not necessary because I do not remember much else. lol

Another point: all of the wireless machines are within about 30 feet of the router with only one wall between them. There are no metal objects which interfere, and my phone isn't close to either the router or the computers.

BTW, if the stability and reliability of the router is fading away due to age, would I be better off just buying a new one? Do routers have relatively short life-spans? I know now that Belkins are probably not the cream of the crop; if I should buy another, any recommendations?

Forgot to ask: should I also ugrade the wireless card drivers? I don't really think that's the issue. The laptopls work fine if I connect to other networks at friends' homes. Any advice will be appreciated.

**johnwill** · 10-10-2008, 11:50 AM

It's not a good plan to upgrade the firmware without resetting and reconfiguring. New firmware frequently changes how it stores parameters, as well as the content of the stored parameters.

Some things you can try here.

For wireless connections, change the channel on the router, I like channels 1, 6, and 11 in the US.
For wireless connections, try moving either the wireless router/AP or the wireless computer. Even a couple of feet will sometimes make a big difference.
Update the firmware to the latest version available on the manufacturer's site.
Reset the router to factory defaults and reconfigure.

Many times these measures will resolve a lot of intermittent issues.

qbawl · 10-10-2008, 02:10 PM

Ok, thanks for the reply. I think I'll just buy a new router, set it up and then follow your advice for firmware upgrades and setting of channels.

10-10-2008, 02:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
qbawl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 435 OS: OSX/Linux/XP	Repeated connection drops My router is a Belkin Wireless G Plus F5D 7231-4 which is probably about two - three years old. The computer I used to set up the router and network has long since died, plus we moved to a new house. When we moved into the new place just about a year ago, we connected the router to the modem without changing any settings. Two desktops are plugged directedly into the router via ethernet and work fine. One other desktop and two laptops use the network wirelessly, but never all at the same time (not sure if that makes a difference). Also, if plugged into the router with ethernet, the laptops also work fine. When I set the network up in the new house, it just worked even without the old "base" computer. The original WPA passwords worked as always. Lately, though, within just the past few weeks, the connections have begun to repeatedly drop. So, my question: Can I update the router firmware and/'or change the channel without resetting the router? During the move I managed to lose the router manual and can't find instructions at the Belkin site (it's late and I'm tired - that doesn't help!), and only vaguely remember how to do any of this. I've only set up a network once. I remember that it was pretty easy, but not having the original "base" computer (that's probably not what it's really called, so hope this post is coherent enough to understand) or manual makes this tougher than it should be. I know how to reset the router, but am hoping it's not necessary because I do not remember much else. lol Another point: all of the wireless machines are within about 30 feet of the router with only one wall between them. There are no metal objects which interfere, and my phone isn't close to either the router or the computers. BTW, if the stability and reliability of the router is fading away due to age, would I be better off just buying a new one? Do routers have relatively short life-spans? I know now that Belkins are probably not the cream of the crop; if I should buy another, any recommendations? Forgot to ask: should I also ugrade the wireless card drivers? I don't really think that's the issue. The laptopls work fine if I connect to other networks at friends' homes. Any advice will be appreciated.

10-10-2008, 11:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,874 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Repeated connection drops It's not a good plan to upgrade the firmware without resetting and reconfiguring. New firmware frequently changes how it stores parameters, as well as the content of the stored parameters. Some things you can try here. For wireless connections, change the channel on the router, I like channels 1, 6, and 11 in the US. For wireless connections, try moving either the wireless router/AP or the wireless computer. Even a couple of feet will sometimes make a big difference. Update the firmware to the latest version available on the manufacturer's site. Reset the router to factory defaults and reconfigure. Many times these measures will resolve a lot of intermittent issues. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

10-10-2008, 02:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
qbawl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 435 OS: OSX/Linux/XP	Re: Repeated connection drops Ok, thanks for the reply. I think I'll just buy a new router, set it up and then follow your advice for firmware upgrades and setting of channels.