Router issue - techy people requested

[_Paul]

Woke up this morning and the router I've been using for years is not connecting to the internet. It's a Netgear wireless - the power light comes on and the wireless light does after that. The DSL light flashes green a few times then stops. This repeats.

So I plugged in my old Netgear (not wireless) router to check, and I'm getting an internet connection OK.

Does this mean my wireless router has broken itself? Should I chuck it and buy a new one?

[Ji-L87]

Just a simple check, have tried you leaving it unplugged for about a 20 seconds or so before you plug it back in? I have a d-link that now and again just loses all will to connect to the internet (or just loses the ability to do wireless). This simple procedure usually solves that.

If that doesn't work, well, hopefully someone more technically inclined have some good ideas...

[_Paul]

Yeah, I've unplugged it a few times now and left it off for ages. Still nothing.

[Bernie]

I had a Netgear router do me that way before.  I ended up doing a factory reset on it, which fixed the issue.  May or may not be your issue.  I am assuming you have logged into your router, and checked all the settings there?

[_Paul]

Settings are all fine as far as I can see.

[_Paul]

Just tried the factory reset. Setup wizard couldn't run because it couldn't fin the DSL connection. I'm guessing something internal connected to the phone socket is fried.

[Bernie]

Yeah, sounds like its toast.  May have had some sort of surge or something.  Doesn't take much on those things.  I had one crap out on me after a bad storm that knocked the power out.  Never connected again, so I connected it to the trash can.  Good thing they aren't too expensive anymore.

[BigusSchmuck]

I suggest getting something high end like this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122435
I have been using it for 2 years without any problems or if you want to go the cheap route:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122461 the refurbished one is $40 bucks with free shipping.

[Bernie]

I suggest getting something high end like this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122435
I have been using it for 2 years without any problems or if you want to go the cheap route:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122461 the refurbished one is $40 bucks with free shipping.

Unless he is running TONS of data, there is no reason for a router such as that one.  lol.  I have this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122320 and have no issues.  That's streaming video, music, and file sharing.  I use anywhere between 250 gig to 1100 gig a month, and this router handles that with no issues.  Been using it for aprox 2 years now, and never had problems. 

[_Paul]

I've got really slow broadband so I don't need a monster router. I'm looking at this, it's about the price range I've paid in the past for Netgears.

[Bernie]

I've got really slow broadband so I don't need a monster router. I'm looking at this, it's about the price range I've paid in the past for Netgears.

Yeah, with DSL, that should do ya just fine.    Run your stuff through a surge protector, for those just in case kinda deals.  I learned that one the hard way..  ugh..

[spenoza]

The best router I've owned so far has been an SMC. They do a lot of the OEM designs that other companies, like D-Link, re-brand as their own, but they also have their own name plate. If you can find an affordable SMC, I recommend it.

[_Paul]

Hmm, I think I have a spare Netgear at work I could pinch. I'll try that first before shelling out for a new one.

[Arkhan Asylum]

I had a netgear do this (the silver one that looks like some Art Nouveau bullshit)

the solution was to smash it and buy a Linksys.  that was 8 years ago and it still works.

It probably overheated and popped something inside.  Those netgears are little heat-whores that don't vent well.

[_Paul]

I had a netgear do this (the silver one that looks like some Art Nouveau bullshit)

the solution was to smash it and buy a Linksys.  that was 8 years ago and it still works.

It probably overheated and popped something inside.  Those netgears are little heat-whores that don't vent well.

My standard Netgear (the one that still works) never really heats up, but you could fry an egg on my wireless router sometimes.

[Bernie]

Strange, my Netgear doesnt get hot at all.  Warm, yes.  But nothing to be alarmed about.

[thesteve]

i have been running this http://www.amazon.com/Netgear-RT314-Internet-Access-Router/dp/B00005219A for about 8 years.
the wireless died recently on it, but i hardwire, so no matter

[Bernie]

i have been running this http://www.amazon.com/Netgear-RT314-Internet-Access-Router/dp/B00005219A for about 8 years.
the wireless died recently on it, but i hardwire, so no matter

Those are tough little bitches there.  Nice to use in place of a switch box, and they normally have built in firewall.

[thesteve]

this http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Express-Scalable-Switch-510T/dp/B00004ZA6Q does all my in house data

[Opethian]

lol netgear get a linksys

[thesteve]

have a linksys, dont use it

[spenoza]

I can't recommend Linksys. The old WRT classics used to have all sorts of trouble when there were too many connections through it. Maybe they're better now, but I don't really care. My brand loyalties have shifted!

[thesteve]

i know my old linksys has issues
the netgear has always been solid
both older

[Opethian]

WRT? I use an E2500 and its solid no antennea heh

[_Paul]

I'm more familiar with the Netgear setup so I'll probably stick with them.

[Digi.k]

whats that micro thingy called? The one that connects to the telephone line..
 
Maybe replace that first ?

EDIT

Micro filter

[soop]

My $0.2; I started with a Netgear (the one I got free with the Broadband), then bought a lynksis, but I had VERY annoying problems with the connection dropping out.  I ended up getting an Apple Airport Extreme specifically because it never drops, and it never does.  Mind you, despite my best attempts at tuning, I live in a flat surrounded by other WiFi routers, so you may not need to spend so much.  But it's a solid router that one.

[_Paul]

Hmm, new netgear arrived today. It's exhibiting exactly the same symptoms as my old wireless router - Cannot see the DSL line.
I switch the cables back into my very old wired router and it connects perfectly fine.

Getting annoyed now.

[BigusSchmuck]

Hmm, new netgear arrived today. It's exhibiting exactly the same symptoms as my old wireless router - Cannot see the DSL line.
I switch the cables back into my very old wired router and it connects perfectly fine.

Getting annoyed now.

Thats why you spend some cash on one instead of just a 20-30 cheap of the mill router.

[Nazi NecroPhile]

Getting annoyed now.

* punches a squirrel to make Paul feel better *

[DragonmasterDan]

In about 10 years I've gone through 4 or so wireless routers. At a certain point they overheat, the wireless radio on them fails (but worked fine when wired) or other issues. They're inexpensive enough to where you can cheaply replace them. I actually have a cheap spare in case the one I currently have in use ever dies.

They're cheap consumer products that aren't made to last.

[DragonmasterDan]

Hmm, new netgear arrived today. It's exhibiting exactly the same symptoms as my old wireless router - Cannot see the DSL line.
I switch the cables back into my very old wired router and it connects perfectly fine.

Getting annoyed now.

Just on a side note, it might be acting strangely due to the switch in Mac address. If you have a cable or DSL modem, unplug it for five minutes. Plug it back in, then plug it into the router. Mine (a cheap motorola) won't give an IP address to a different MAC address unless you unplug it for a few minutes.

[_Paul]

Problem solved.

I switched my existing filter with the filter that came with the new router (although it looks identical) and now I can get a connection on both my new wireless router and my old wireless router that stopped working all of a sudden. So I didn't really need to buy a new router after all.

Still, I have 2 spares now.

[Arkhan Asylum]

Problem solved.

I switched my existing filter with the filter that came with the new router (although it looks identical) and now I can get a connection on both my new wireless router and my old wireless router that stopped working all of a sudden. So I didn't really need to buy a new router after all.

Still, I have 2 spares now.

Oh, maybe the DSL filter blew out and stopped being able to filter out the noise.   ?

[_Paul]

Problem solved.

I switched my existing filter with the filter that came with the new router (although it looks identical) and now I can get a connection on both my new wireless router and my old wireless router that stopped working all of a sudden. So I didn't really need to buy a new router after all.

Still, I have 2 spares now.

Oh, maybe the DSL filter blew out and stopped being able to filter out the noise.   ?

No because it still works with my wired router. Very strange.

[Arkhan Asylum]

Oh. In that case, it's magic and hoojoo.

It's possible the router that doesn't work is turning into a weakass piece of crap and can't catch the signal as good as your router that does work. 

[CPTRAVE]

Same thing happened to a friend of mine, he ended up getting a new router.

[_Paul]

What the hell is going on with technology!?!

I've been out of internet for about 24 hours now. The new router I bought in June is just flashing that it cannot get an ADSL signal. I tried my older wireless router and that failed as well. So I plug in my very old non-wireless router and it gets a signal and internet connection.

WTF is going on?

Does any of this make sense at all?

[Drakon]

Did you shut off both the router and the modem for 5 minutes then turn them both back on?

[_Paul]

It's a modem/router. And yes...however...it seems to be a problem with my second telephone socket, which isn't connected to the router, only my home phones. I unplugged it and the signal comes back. Tried a new filter, but same problem.
Odd thing is, nothing has changed.