In desperate need of some help!

Routers can also go bad after a while, and the only solution is to replace it.
If you take this path, and your family does not transfer large files wirelessly between computers, then suggest going with a router that has an 801.g spec, and not the newest 801.n. Also, suggest getting one with an external antenna for a stable signal over long distances.

alphanumeric said:

One very simple procedure I do when my network acts up is as follows. Power down everything. Then power up your cable or DSL modem and let it run for a couple of minutes. Then power up your router and let it run for a couple of minutes. Now power up each PC one at a time and see if things improve. Check your network cables while doing this to make sure they are firmly connected. If you have a spare you might swap the one that goes from your modem to your router. Do you know how to log into your routers status page? In your case typing http://192.168.1.1/ should get you there. You might have to log in to see whats happening.

Other things you can try are connecting your PC directly to your Cable or DSL modem with a network cable. If you are problem free for a while you can probably assume the modem is OK. If you are still having connection issues call your ISP.

Now plug your modem back into your router and try a cable connection from your PC to the router. If the problem re-appears it's likely a problem with the router or cable. reseting the router might fix it, but you would have to set it all back up again after doing that. If it works fine move on to a wireless connection and see how that goes.

There are a lot of things that can interfere with your wireless connection. Cordless phones, microwaves, other wireless routers, etc. I had to go to DICT 6 phones here at home. Every time the phone rang my wireless would quit and I'd have to reboot the router to get it back. Are you getting a good signal on your wireless connection? If you want to see whats going on, on the wireless side you could try this little app. inSSIDer | MetaGeek

Thankyou very much for your reply, i need as much help as i can get! The cold boot of the modem seems to have done the trick at this stage, but as i said the problem may return, who knows.

Thanks for your suggestion, If it happens again after the cold boot I will show my father your post. I do no how to log into but I feel like an idiot saying this, what would my login or password be i dont remember setting any password related to that..

Hmm I never thought about the cordless phone or microwave. Thats the strange thing, I have an EXCELLENT signal strength! This is really sh**ing me up the wall.

ski said:

Routers can also go bad after a while, and the only solution is to replace it.
If you take this path, and your family does not transfer large files wirelessly between computers, then suggest going with a router that has an 801.g spec, and not the newest 801.n. Also, suggest getting one with an external antenna for a stable signal over long distances.

Do you mean the netgear wireless router? We literally only got it a few months ago so it should be fine. We do not transfer files wireleslsy between the PC and the laptops.
Thanks for your suggestion.

Do you think it is worth getting calling someone out to take a look at the issue such as Computer Repairs | Geeks2U Same Day Onsite PC Repair Australia-wide

Thankyou again everyone

sarrrrraaaaa said:

Thankyou very much for your reply, i need as much help as i can get! The cold boot of the modem seems to have done the trick at this stage, but as i said the problem may return, who knows.

Thanks for your suggestion, If it happens again after the cold boot I will show my father your post. I do no how to log into but I feel like an idiot saying this, what would my login or password be i dont remember setting any password related to that..

Hmm I never thought about the cordless phone or microwave. Thats the strange thing, I have an EXCELLENT signal strength! This is really sh**ing me up the wall.

The default password is likely no password. If you haven't changed it or set one you should. You should also set a good password for your wireless if you haven't already. If you don't someone may be able to connect to your wireless and then access your router settings. WPA2 encryption would be my recommendation.

kegobeer said:

I know you mean 802.11, but why do you suggest going with G over N? There's no reason to do that.

Cost, range, stability, and reliability.

G routers are not only far less expensive than N models, but they are also generally more reliable according to user feedback ratings at various suppliers' websites.
Plus, G models from one manufacturer also have excellent range and stability.

On the other hand, N routers that are rated reliable and stable, and have excellent range, are on the expensive side($150+). The inexpensive ones(less than $100) are far more problematic.

sarrrrraaaaa said:

Do you mean the netgear wireless router? We literally only got it a few months ago so it should be fine. We do not transfer files wireleslsy between the PC and the laptops.
Thanks for your suggestion.

Do you think it is worth getting calling someone out to take a look at the issue such as Computer Repairs | Geeks2U Same Day Onsite PC Repair Australia-wide

Thankyou again everyone

You're welcome.

User feedback ratings at different suppliers' websites indicate routers going bad in only a few days or weeks.

kegobeer said:

Cost, maybe, but the other three reasons aren't really valid. I've never had any problem with range, stability, or reliability on either of my "N" routers (DIR-655 or E3000). Range is a factor with the frequency of the signal and placement of the router. My WRT-54G, DIR-655, and E3000 all cover my house with no dead spots, so range isn't really something that is a problem. Stability and reliability is due to poor manufacturing, not being an 802.11n router. There are certain router manufacturers that produce crappy products, and that's why I don't buy from them. Usually any stability issues that crop up can be solved by a firmware release.

Although some may consider cost a factor, I don't I got my E3000 for under $100, because it was on sale. As with all new technologies, price will come down as more units are purchased and research and development costs are recouped. Personally I wouldn't spend $50 on a G router and then later buy a more expensive N router; that's akin to throwing away money. Save up and buy a decent N router.

I'm glad your N routers are serving you well.
However, thorough research of user feedback on multitudes of N routers at numerous supplier websites definitely indicates the majority of currently available inexpensive N routers are inconsistent with regards to reliability, stability, and range.
There's no need for me to save up for an expensive N router, because a G router satisfies all of my needs.

Thankyou so much everyone, no problems whatsoever since the cold boot of the modem!!!
I am so happy I was so frustrated before but it is such a relief. You can mark this as solved if you wish!