Cable Connection Problem

[thomas1028]

Hi, I have a cable connection that once in a while slows down to unusable speeds. The unplug/plug method usually works. I have a linksys WRT54G wireless router and connected through wifi. Is there any way to mimic the unplug/plug method without actually doing it, like a program that does the same thing? Or better yet, how can I fix it so that it doesn't become super slow at all?

 

[WebMattR]

A couple questions, to get us on our way.

1) How old is the router? If it's 3+ years, it may be worth it to just get a new one.
2) When you say unplug/plug, are you referring to the cable connection, the power cord on the router, turning on/off your wifi?
3) Is this problem consistent? Can you clock that, after rebooting the router (assuming that's what you've been restarting), it happens in a certain time window of the day/time within reconnection? It might just be a room-mate/child/etc. torrenting/gaming/skyping.

Sorry for bombarding you with questions, but it's best to know what I'm diving into before bouncing off the spring board.

 

[thomas1028]

Hi WebMattR, my router is over 3+ years old. It works fine for now. Its not that big of a deal that would make me wanna get a new router, just a little annoyance thats all. When I say unplug/plug, I just turn off the power for the router and cable modem (they're on the same surge protector). And no, it happens randomly.

 

[WebMattR]

Alright. Thank you for the information.

Well, updating the firmware to the newest version may help you. Another simple trick I'd like you to try, if you haven't already, is to flip the wireless on your laptop on and off again the next time this happens.

 

[thomas1028]

Ok I'll try doing those 2 things. But is there a program that mimics that unplug/plug method? I hate getting up all the time and going outside just to do that when I'm laying down watching a movie lol

 

[WebMattR]

Not that I'm aware of on the market, at present. I've heard of one in testing that lets you remotely reset things, but it's $122/power strip...

 

[thomas1028]

Too rich for my blood lol thanks anyway!

 

[MikeS104]

Not that I'm aware of on the market, at present. I've heard of one in testing that lets you remotely reset things, but it's $122/power strip...

They are all an "iBoot". I would just get a simple AC outlet timer and set it to leave the power on except for about 5 mins once a week on a day and time you know you or anyone else will need the network connection. So, something like turn it off every Sunday at 0430 and back on at 0435.