PC Pals Forum
Technical Help & Discussion => Broadband, Networking, PC Security, Internet & ISPs => Topic started by: Clive on May 08, 2010, 16:00
-
Several times during the past few days I have failed to get a BB connection despite all the router lights claiming that all is well. It affects all computers and all browsers. If I pull out the router plug for a minute or so (just switching off is not good enough) then my connection is restored. I'm using the Netgear router. ???
-
Two possibilities, Clive. A stale session, where BT thinks you are connected but you're not, and a fritzed router. Have you got a spare you can try?
-
I haven't but this router is still under warranty. What sort of track record do these routers have?
-
What is a stale session? The problem only occurs after startup. Usually both router and computer are booted up at the same time but I then leave the router on until bedtime. Today I had turned the computer off for a few hours while I was out.
-
I think a stale session is where the BT software thinks you are still connected, so won't allow you to connect again, Clive. I think powering off the router for a given period (which Rik will give ;D ) usually solves this.
Is this the router supplied by IDNet?
-
Netgear's are generally reliable, Clive, but can be easily damaged by power surges or thunderstorms - the same is true for all routers.
A stale session is when the router is in sync, but can't create a PPP session because BT thinks that one already exists. The usual cure is to power off the router for 15-30 minutes. I can't ask support to look at what's happened at the weekend, but will do on Monday if the problem persists. Don't boot the router and computer at the same time, either leave the router on 24/7 or power it up and let it connect before you start the computer. Doing them simultaneously can result in the router being interrogated by Windows, and not being ready to respond.
-
Yes, it's the one IDNet supplied. I've been using the router since mid January and it's only during the past week I have had this problem. Surely I would have had stale sessions from the outset? And also, this is the 5th router I have owned (1 x Draytek and 3 x BT Home Hubs.) Why did it not happen with any of those? :dunno:
-
Don't boot the router and computer at the same time, either leave the router on 24/7 or power it up and let it connect before you start the computer. Doing them simultaneously can result in the router being interrogated by Windows, and not being ready to respond.
OK, I'll take that in board. Turning the router off each night has proved very successful at keeping a fast connection so I am loathe to stop that habit. But I can always boot up the computer a few minutes later. Thanks for the advice! 8-)
-
I can't give you a simple answer, Clive, until I've got access to support - and maybe not even then. Try booting the router before the computer, then if you still don't have a connection, go into the router log and see what that says.
-
It's happened 4 times since Monday which is why I've flagged it up. Once the connection is lost it won't return without a "plug -out" . :D
-
Your line does seem something of an anomaly, Clive. :-\
-
<nods head knowingly> ;D
-
It's happened 4 times since Monday which is why I've flagged it up. Once the connection is lost it won't return without a "plug -out" . :D
Telephone socket or mains?
-
Oh mains only Rik.
-
A power recycle of short duration would make me suspect poor quality mains supply to the router, Clive.
-
I can plug it into a Belkin Surgemaster socket which should take care of that Rik. I have a spare one for sure. 8-)
-
That won't necessarily help, Clive, surge suppressors often make things worse, but it's worth a try.
-
I had the same problem this morning and it took a great deal of effort to get a connection established. However, it may be nothing at all to do with the router! My PC is connected by a USB wireless adaptor and I now remember that my son, who has a similar device often has to reseat the device to get a connection. I have had to do that myself when using his computer. Next time it happens I shall try that first. The laptop may not have connected because it might well have been out of range at the time owing to repositioning of the router just before I went to London.
-
So, the (desktop?) PC is using a USB dongle, Clive? If so, you might be better off getting a proper internal wireless network card installed. My friend had one of those USB adaptors, and also had trouble with it after a few months of use. He now has a wireless network card, and no connection issues. They are cheap to buy, and easy to install.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/MBPS-Wireless-Adapter-Card-802-11G/dp/B002OEGWIO/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273399441&sr=8-7
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edimax-EW-7128G-Wireless-802-11b-Ralink/dp/B000KLNRBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1273399441&sr=8-1
-
I'll second that.
-
Well it's certainly something I shall have to consider if the problem persists. That is not much more than I paid for the dongle!
-
I'm sure it would be worthwhile, Clive.
-
I concur.
-
That's twice in one day! ;D
-
Worrying, isn't it. ;D
-
Almost frightening. ;D
-
So I have followed my strict regime of unplugging the router overnight and booting it back up again before switching my computer on. For nearly a month, all has been well. This morning, despite my best efforts, the wireless light was glowing on the router but I could not get a connection using my dongle. I tried the laptop which was well within range and still zilch. In desperation I used an ethernet cable and all was well. This afternoon I had a little more time to fiddle around so I tried the laptop again and Windows 7 claimed I had an excellent signal from the Netgear. But it said there was no connection and offered to troubleshoot the problem and sort it out for me. I thought it wise to take up the very generous offer which eventually entailed rebooting the router. I was highly skeptical by this time because I had already rebooted it several times during the morning. My skepticism was well founded because still there was no connection. Howeever, it then said Windows 7 had detected another fault, and would I like it fixed? "Of course" I shouted and off it went again on a troubleshootting spree. "Problem, solved, would you like to connect to the internet now?" "Yes". And behold- it worked! Very excited by now I tore the ethernet cable from my PC and imagine my surprise to find that my dongle had sprang back to life again! I have no idea what the problem was or what Win 7 did to solve it.
-
Sounds like a driver issue, Clive.
-
With the Netgear?
-
With the wireless adaptors, Clive.
-
The laptop has wireless inbuilt but the dongle grabbed a driver from the internet. Surely they can't be the same driver for both devices? Stand by for another thrilling installment. ;D
-
Can't wait! ;D
-
What details do you get for the two devices, Clive.
-
D..d..d..details? Whadyamean? :dunno:
-
How does device manager identify them?
-
The dongle is identified by Device Manager as a network adaptor IS89C35 802.11bg WLAN USB Adaptor. All was well this morning. 8-)
-
How about the laptop?
-
It's a Realtek PCLe GBE family Controller. Listed as Network Adaptor.
-
So no common link, ie drivers. I really don't know how to explain what happened then, Clive.
-
All I can say is well done Windows 7. :laugh:
-
Not next Tuesday you won't. :devil:
-
Patch Tuesday? It downloaded a patch yesterday. I really should disable automatic updates on that machine.
-
Ten to come next week, Clive.
-
:bawl: What could possibly go wrong? I definitely need to turn off auto updates!
-
Let me put it this way. Before I allow an update, I image the OS drive in case it causes problems. :)
-
Paranoid? Who said that? ;D
-
Clive, repeatedly. ;D
-
Pardon?
-
;D
-
That's a really good idea Rik. Which imaging software do you use?
-
Acronis True Image, Clive.
-
Thanks Rik.