Solved Unusual Wireless Internet Problem with Multiple Devices

[kathy025]

Hi guys,

Our ISP has recently changed our router from Prolink H6300G to Prolink H5004N.
Our Prolink H5004N is wired to the phone line.
All devices connect to the internet via WLAN.
No devices are attached to the router via LAN.

The unusual problem is, some wireless devices connect to the internet just fine, others connect intermittently.
Below are the list of devices:

ASUS Notebook PCs x 2 (connect)
MSI Notebook PC (connect)
Apple iPad2 (connect)
LG LED SmartTV (connect)
Sony PlayStation 3 Slim (connect)
RedFox Netbook (intermittent)
Samsung Tablet PC (intermittent)
Sony XPERIA Smartphones x 3 (intermittent)

It is not that the red devices could not connect, they do so, but a very irregular and on/off internet connection.

I am stumped by the variety of devices that constantly connect and those that do not.

Does changing from G to N may in any way cause this?

 

[Kaktussoft]

All devices you listed are connected WIRELESS to the same Prolink H5004N?

Try to move these devices closer to the wireless Access Point (built in router). Just for a test
RedFox Netbook (intermittent)
Samsung Tablet PC (intermittent)
Sony XPERIA Smartphones x 3 (intermittent)

Does that fix anything?

 

[kathy025]

Right now, I only have the RedFox and the 2 XPERIAs with me.

I will shutdown all green devices (apart from this ASUS) to make sure nothing else interferes and move the intermittent devices near the router. I will report back.

And yes, all devices (green and red) are connected WIRELESS to H5004N.

 

[kathy025]

<< UPDATE >>
All green devices powered off.
I have moved the RedFox and the 2 XPERIAs within a 1m distance from the H5004N with no obstacles.
One XPERIA was online for like 5secs and it was gone.

 

[Kaktussoft]

I can't believe so many (but not all) devices have problems. It almost sure must be router telated problem... but what?!
Try to change the router wireless channel

 

[kathy025]

Yes, I'm quite stumped too, I couldn't find anything common among the green or red devices.

By "router wireless channel", might you mean the "Channel Number" dropdown menu below:

It has numbers 5 to 11. Which would you suggest?

 

[Kaktussoft]

I'm not experienced in that arrea. Maybe clicking "Scan Channel Usage" shows how busy it is on some channels

 

[kathy025]

Here are the scan results:

It says "select channel 1", but the dropdown menu only has "Auto" and 5-11 in it.

 

[Kaktussoft]

I found this:

Note that option 'htmode' should be set to either HT40+ (for channels 1-7) or HT40- (for channels 5-11). You have to use WPA2 encryption with AES.

It looks you're using HT40- .... whatever that may be. But try 5 or 11... so first or last (and reset router). Later maybe in between. If nothing helps... put back to "auto".

Post results

 

[kathy025]

Luckily, the router interface has a Backup/Restore feature which allows the user to save the settings to a *.cfg file. I will do that first before I make any changes, then proceed with your suggestion.

Results to follow. Thanks.

 

[kathy025]

<< UPDATE >>
Before trying to make changes, I made a simple last attempt to simply turn off the router for a few minutes and back on again...

The red devices connected! :shock:

I'm currently waiting for the Samsung Tablet and the other XPERIA phone to get home. For now, I'll monitor the consistency along with the other green devices and post results. I won't be marking the thread solved as of yet.

So far, no changes to the router settings has been made. I'll see if it holds up when the other devices arrive. Thanks!

 

[Kaktussoft]

Is it still working?

 

[andrew129260]

<< UPDATE >>
Before trying to make changes, I made a simple last attempt to simply turn off the router for a few minutes and back on again...

Always the first thing to do when having router issues.
If it constantly happens more and more, the router is dying.

 

[kathy025]

@Kaktussoft:
The other devices arrived last night and they are still online until this afternoon (1:32pm here). I'm monitoring for the entire day today before I conclude. Internet stability always takes longer, but don't worry, I haven't forgotten about this thread.

@andrew129260:
True, I couldn't really believe all 3 smartphones are defective at the same time.

 

[andrew129260]

Yeah, 99% of the time its not the device that has the issue, its the router.

 

[Britton30]

A good power cycle can do wonders at times.

 

[kathy025]

A good power cycle can do wonders at times.

Very true, Britton. *wine glass toast

Seeing as how the previously red devices are still online 10hrs later, I am now marking this thread solved.
Thank you everyone for your attention.