NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Hello all..I have a linksys BEFSR41 router linked up with my NTL STBox, connected to 2 computers via cable.

Trouble is every day or two the connection stops..i have the router set-up by cloning the Mac Address to my NIC card..

I think the connection drops when NTL renew the ip addresses, although i am no expert!

Any help would be appreciated..this has me flummoxed!

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I hardly ever dropped the internet at the router it was always the STB or SACM that needed areboot.

Which version have you got and what firmware have you on it?

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

hi...its a V3 router and using 1.04.12 firmware..

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

:welcome: to the forum, roorooroo

it sounds like problems with the DHCP lease - have you got it set to 'obtain IP automatically' & 'DHCP server enabled?

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Almost all users had this problem with that firmware. Update your firmware by downloading 1.04.17 (or higher) from http://www.linksys.com/.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

hmm im using same router with 1.04.8 and its working fine, i dont really wanna upgrade my firmware as well "if it aint broke..."

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

hi yes i have ip address automatic..and dhcp enabled..

maybe i should try the suggestion to upgrade my firmware..

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Make sure you follow all instruction very carefuly. If you stuff the router it wont get replaced under warrenty !

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Thanks..will try the firmware upgrade tomorrow when i am wide awake!

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I get this sometimes on my BEFSR11 (fw 1.44.2z) - I usually find rebooting the STB is needed to fix it - I just assmed it was an NTL problem...

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I've seen this discussed many times. I have the same problem with my BEFSR41 (v.1) and it was not solved by updating to the latest firmware. In fact the problem got worse. Instead of dropping the connection once a day it now drops every time I leave the CM and PC off for a few hours.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

If its not working properly, then its unfit for the purpose it was sold for, if a f/w upgrade is required to fix the problem then, 1a linksys's excellent uk support :Yikes: :Yikes: shud sort that for you, if upgrading f/w is so risky, b, you do it and if the f/w upgrade goes bad then thats yet another reason why the product is unfit for the purpose.

Moral: Dont buy from dodgy traders, Research your products before you buy, including the support set up in your country by both the retailer AND the equipment manufacturer.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

True - But his contract is not with Linksys, Its with the retailer he purchased the unit from. I only warned him of this as I used to work for a large Etailer and I can asure you that they would no see a botched firmware flash as a waranty issue.....

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

A manufacturers warranty is a contract with the manufacturer, the retailer generally is responsible to supply support for the first year of a warranty, if the warranty is larger than 1 year then you will in general need to go DIRECT to the manufacturer, after the first year, In this case I dont believe linksys have over a year on their products, which compared to most other GOOD networking producers for the home and domestic market supply a 5 year/lifetime limited warranty. Last time I checked Linksys have no UK support except via email.

Etailers have a very low reputation, and in general as they are the other end of the phone, will try and fob you off with mis information and all too often blame the end user, Also to buy from an Etailer then you really had better make sure the manufacturer of your product has a Good country support setup.

Best bet is to buy as local as you can, its worth even paying a bit more to buy local, or travel to the next city town, at least then you have a shop near by that has to answer to you. Not sum message system Press 1 for X press 2 for XX. Its also a lot easier on you to take a more local supplier to court and WIN.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Valid point, but I would add a few bits... ;)

firstly - I have a BEFSR41, have had it for a couple of years, and had no problems with it whatsoever - I upgraded the firmware about a year ago for a security fix, and have not touched it since (I leave the CM and the router on 24x7).

Some Etailers have poor service, but it would be unfair to say that they are all poor...
as an example, If I was to go to a nice italian restaurant and have a poor meal, does that mean that I should avoid all such places, or just that particular one.. (personally I would just avoid that one).
I have used the support line of a couple of Etailers, and never really had a problem...
I did find that a number of them will refer you direct to the manufacturer, even in the first year...... (eg Dabs will refer you to netgear for their equipment), but this did not cause an issue, as the manufacturers support was quick and efficient.

Buying local can be an advantage, but does not guarantee good service, and I would suggest that if you are thinking about taking them to court, it is proof that you chose the wrong shop....

ok - back to the initial issue :

Just to try a theory, what happens if you leave the router on - even when not in use...
If you are having issues when you try to renew your IP, then leaving the router on will prove that the connection is stable when no dhcp refresh is required.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

There is a number of companies, linksys being one of them, where the warranty is with the manufactuer - quite often if you take it back to the shop, all they can do is send it back to the manurfacturer, so quite often you're best off just speaking to them directly - this is also the case for a lot of printers.

A similar thing happened with a Sansung printer and a Netgear router that I had, basically, if it's not DOA, thien often it is back to the manufacturer - If the distributer for the company you bought it off only support it for 30 days.

Netgear definitly do an advance replacement service, and I think Linksys do too...

As said in previous post, if you get a netgear router from dabs, they refer you to netgear...

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Thanks for all the helpful replies..

I haven't updated the firmware yet as the connection hasn't dropped again since Friday(Monday now) so i guess i will wait until it happens again..

Btw..i've very rarely had a connection drop from NTL and STB before installing the router..

So i will see what happens..keep you posted

Cheers all

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I think it's an NTL problem, as I've found that the need to reboot (usually first thing in the morning, then fine all day) seems to come and go - sometimes it's every day of the week, sometimes it goes several weeks with no problem.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Thanks..reboot the set-top box or the router?

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

STB usually, although I usually reset both as its a bit of a walk back to the PC. I haven't done any systematic testing - it hasn;t happenned for a week or two, touch wood...

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Its not nessecarily an ntl problem and unlikely to be if its a known problem with a hardware unit of which theres a firmware update to fix the issue, (note not all issues affect everyone who has the same product).
My SMC had occasional freeze problems and needed a reboot generally at the point of lease renewal from NTL, It was fixed by a firmware update and I havnt had to reboot it in months, the modem locks now every so often and needs a reset.
Anyway wait a while see if you continually suffer the issue, if you do you will have to take the plunge and download a file, unzip it, usually to a .bin file then either login to you router page and use the f/w update, do this from a hard wired computer only, or use the firmware flash utility if there is one, also from a hardwired computer.

with reference to my point about dodgy traders etc:
All I was merely pointing out was if a product is failing its 1 either defective or 2 the product is unfit for the purpose it was intended, if the manufacturer has supplied a firmware update that fixes the problem, then for sure the firmware update done by the user is at none other than the manufacturers risk.
what can go wrong with a firmware update
1: power loss, that would really suck to have a power outage during a 20second or so operation, manufacturer should recover the flash rom which may incur a small fee
2: the user flashes with firmware for a different product, ouch really :o well maybe the manufacturer will reflash at small fee to the correct firmware if it hasnt killed the unit
3: its the right firmware but it fails and the unit will no longer boot up, defective unit and unfit for its purpose, when software and hardware goes gold (retail) its no more than a beta on sale, the uk office of netgear has a smaller network than my home or that was the case a year or so ago, my point here is in house testing is very limited hence why many products are flashable, Personally ive never seen a flash upgrade fail, but that doesnt mean it never fails.

As for Not all Etailers are bad, I really do not know of a good one to exist in the computer industry, Etailer Retailer or mailorder if they do not know you they in general do not treat you with anything other than disregard, I certainly would not recomend my 2 very good local suppliers, like most they have a very low rating and i do see them treat people very badly, how ever im fairly well known at both and so is my back ground so they just do not mess me about.
As for Dabs, I bought from them once in a while and stopped when they became the biggest mail order joke in the country ;) with their sudden attitude change of no advice we dont know we just sell, buy it try it, if it dont fit dont contact us :o

Im with NTL and have been since they took over my local franchise and had cable modem for over 3 years, the odd occasion I.v had a problem its been sorted eventually, a polite and courteous policy will allways have a better effect and you can still be firm in manner, Iv had several hundred ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£ÃƒÆ ’‚£'s in rebates the majority of which was for the dial up cd that was in short supply at launch, they agreed to refund all isp call charges till I got my CD. However I know many people local too me who have had nothing but problems and left them, therefore I could not recomend them to anyone either.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

If your having STB problems that it needs rebooting insist on a modem thats seperate.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I can live with the occasional reboot - don't want to risk a change messing things up any further, and life's too short to try getting through to anyone at NTL with more than half a brain....

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I just thought I would post one of those, annoying, 'I have a linksys router' & have no problems, messages.

- version 2 firmware 1.45.7, Jul 31 2003 :pp

:D

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

hi all, just like to agree with homealone, linksys with no problems. I have had to reboot the stb on occasion usually during very big downloads. I assumed ntl were monitor the downloads and crashing my stb to make me reset(in theory if i don't reset then i put less of a strain on the system).

anyway this idea is probably a load of crap( or just over imagination) and Iv'e not had to reset too much recently.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just thought I would post one of those, annoying, 'I have a linksys router' & have no problems, messages.

- version 2 firmware 1.45.7, Jul 31 2003

i have the same as you but i get problems every other month or so so it must be a local thing when i cant connect to the net if i check my ip i find it has changed so something is causein it cant pinpoint it tho :shrug::banghead:

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Every time you do what? Why on earth would you want to turn OFF a broadband connection? By sitting behind a router you are protected from the outside world, so you leave both switched on.

Even if you weren't, never any reason to switch off the cable modem.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Best get your facts right next time.

Linksys - 0870 739 3939

On a leaflet with the BEFSX41 I bought this week.

Oh yes, you are aware who Linksys really are don't you? There is NO larger or better.

Try going to support.linksys.com and click on the button that says "live chat", I did last night, got my problem solved in under 10 minutes.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Putting the router in the system shouldn't make any difference to the connection, after all the router is AFTER the STB isn't it. I have a CM not an STB and my setup is

NTL----CM---ROUTER/FIREWALL----SWITCH----lot's of pc's

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Mmmm..20 days of connection and yep you guessed it..connection lost again..seemed to happen when NTL updates the IP as they frequently do..any ideas anyone..would be appreciated..cheers

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

You may find that the router is not letting dhcp acks in through the firewall. When the NTL DHCP server sends a packet via the ubr it gets nuked so the DHCP server thinks that you are not online anymore !!

You may be able to configure the firewall to let the packets in. You need to allow icmp ping and dhcp in from the UBR and DHCP server addreses.....

HTH

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Thanks for the reply Stewart..

I am more than a bit of a novice and i wonder if you could show me the details on how to do all that?

Cheers.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

NP.... Sorry my bad - I tend to go into tech mode a lot :D

Can you post the make and model of your router + the firmware version you are running. I can research this for you with this info.

Thanks

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Remember that, in this case, the router itself is the DHCP client for the NTL servers, and it is not necessary for ICMP or DHCP procotols to get through to the LAN PCs. In fact, it would be an error if they did. So reconfiguring the router is unlikely to help.

In this reported case, a single drop after 20 days of service, we don't have enough information to ascertain whether it was a router problem at all. It might just have been a drop of the NTL service.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Sorry - Maybe I was not very clear. It was my intention to investigate the possibility of allowing DHCP packets to the routers interface and not the pc's interface. I am not sure that this is possible hence my requesting information on the make and model of the router.

Could be a service drop - Seems a bit regular though !

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Thanks..

My model is BEFSR41-UK V3

Firmware is 1.04.12

many thanks for your efforts

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

O.K. As rdhw sugested it must be a service outage. The default configuration will allow these packets into the router.

Are you using a set top box or a cable modem ?

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Set top box here..

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

O.K. I am not sure how you would check your signal levels on an STB...

We will have to hang on for a passing NTL tech for a bit more info...

When the connection goes down do you just reboot the router or do you re-start the set top box ?

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

i reset the set top box and router and resave all my settings for the router..eventaully the connection reappears..

my connection is solid as a rock when not using the router..in fact when the connection goes down i try connecting the pc just to the STB and its perfect..only when using the router do i get these problems..


thanks for the help!

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Hmmmm.. Have you spoken about any of this with Linksys ???

P.S. Are you using the same cable from the stb to the router as the one from the stb to the pc ?

When you loose the connection can you get into the web interface of the router ?

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Firmware 1.04.17 is available by download from http://www.linksys.com

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

yep i tried to speak to one of the techies on the linksys live chat site..they hadny a clue what i was talking about..lol..so i gave up on that idea..

i am using all the usual cabling needed..

I can always get to the routers seup up screen and check settings when the connection goes down..

ps I was going to upgrade my firmware but someone on this thread said it makes no difference to the problem..

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

When you have a connection failure, does the middle LED of the STB go out or flicker? If so, this would indicate an NTL signal level problem.The difference with the v3 router over earlier ones, is that it has an auto-negotiating WAN port, capable of 100Mbps and full-duplex, but the STB is I think only 10Mbps and half-duplex. Does this router have any configuration options for the WAN port? If so, use them to configure 10Mbps half-duplex, rather than allowing auto-negotiation.

If not, this is a very long shot: send your browser to http://192.168.1.1/auto_nego.htm to see if there is a hidden configuration page there.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

thanks for that..

i will try that later if i can find the setting..

also give that link a go later after work..

btw..the middle light on the STB doesnt flash or flicker when the connection drops..im convinced its the router thats the problem somewhere..

will check back for more replies later after work..thanks to you all that are helping

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I'll just recyle this thread...

I have a WRT54G-EU Wired/Wireless BB Router.

Plugged and played. Fantastic...

But when I try to access http://192.168.1.1 i get a connection refused. It does not even ask for the userid.

Help, how do I configure it otherwise?

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Hmm - all users have admin rights, I logged on as Mrs H and could access the setup interface. Sorted.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Maybe you have a web proxy configured. If so, you need to use the Adavnced button to configure a proxy exclusion rule for 192.168.*

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I do - thanks.
Now to read Stuarts - how to's to make it secure.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Where did I say fact Linksys have no uk support, please read a post if your going to comment on it". my line read "last time I checked lynksys have no uk support" If the company has changed or added something as often happens in the technology industry, and you need up to date information on a point check it out.
As for there is no larger or better how am I supposed to take that,
Because they are the largest they are the best? Im Sure this would allways be up for dispute
Because they make good proffesional equipment there domestic market is the best? again disputable. probably on both counts
And as in any hardware software technology consumer product
what is best will be what a consumer has tried and felt comfortable with, it is working as it should be, and is giving no problems. And if a consumer has had a problem with a product or brand then its unlikely he would recomend it, big little.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Can someone explain how NTL get away with charging £99.99 for a router you can get from dabs.com for under 40 quid?

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

If people are prepared to pay for it then they can get away with it. The people who will buy one through untl will not be aware of websites such as dabs and ebuyer. IMO if people want to pay ntl £100 for one then that is upto them!

EDIT: just noticed it was your first post, :welcome: to the site! :D

MB :monkey:

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Hmm... just checked the www.linksys.com/ntl site, and wondered where you get your info from. If you go to the ready to buy/product catalogue link it takes you to simply computers site, nothing to do with ntl... Linksys BEFSX41 47.99. :confused:

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

slightly off topic does anyone know what yhe latest firmware is for
linksys BEFSR 41v2 i have it down as 1.45.7 july 2003
i have emailed linksys to enquire last thurs but as of yet no reply
thanks as their is a ver 3 out i am a bit confused as to what firmware their is
thanks tia

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I had the same problem last night / this morning. Last night I assumed it was NTL, but then it was still bad this morning. THe connection was fine for a little while, but then started to chug.. and eventually I couldn't do anything at all on the net.

I have powered off / on my CM and things seem to be better so far *crossess fingers* ... I have a BEFSR81 Linksys as well, but if things go awry again I'll mess with the firmware. I just tried looked at Linksys' site, but the firmware page wasn't working! :monkey:

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

1.45.7 is the latest firmware for v2. there was v3 firmware released in january, but this is a different kettle of fish.

hth

MB

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

thanks monkey
i thought i had the latest version firmware but was not sure
thanks again :waving:

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

The best one is PC World who are charging more than double Amazon for the 54G router -

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/sto...m=null&tm=null

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...416444-0606005

Needless to say I bought it at PC World...or not!

Also...for those talking of firmware - there are different versions according to the location. US firmware may be more up to date, but their wireless specs operate on a lesser number of channels. If you bought your router in the UK, make sure you're going to http://www.linksys.com/uk and follow the links to your versions from there.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I think that there is a problem with Linksys website.

I have V2 and wanted to look at whether I had the latest firmware.

I went to www.linksys.com/uk and followed the products link. I then chose the "Access Points, Routers and gateways" link and then the BEFW11S4 link. Choosing firmware from the menu on the right seems to assume that you have version 3 of the BEFW11S4.

Firmware Date : 2/12/2004
Firmware File Size : 292 KB
Firmware Version : 1.50.11

Going through www.linksys.com the same way gives you another screen that asks you what router you have via a drop down box.

Anyone else get this?

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I just bought 2 of these, one for me, one for a mate, installing them was a dream, I just shut every thing down, connected the cables, booted my sacm, then the router, then my pc's & I was online with both pc's.:D

It was the same with my mates pc's.:)

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&pro duct_uid=52897

why waste money on the branded routers when this one rawks for under £30;)

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

delsdog: if it's worked this long then it probably won't change - at least that's my conclusion after a lot of Googling trying to troubleshoot one! They either work fine, or they're a problem from new.

My first BEFSR41 is somewhere in Royal Mail's hands, winging (or crawling) it's way back to Amazon. I'm hoping the replacement will work, but...
Anyway, I'm one of those ppl for whom it works perfectly for a time (in my case, about 10 minutes), but then refuses to display any webpages, including the router's set-up pages. But I could still email, and ping both router and any site I cared to try. :shrug:
For the record, linksys uk took just over a week to reply to my email, to then say "very starnge (sic), update the firmware" :rolleyes:
Fortunately their phone tech help was slightly more use, although I struggled to understand the accent of the person, they did confirm I'd tried everything & should return the router.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I had real problems with the latest firmware for my BEFSR41v2, dropping back to a previous version solved all my problems.
I had the "working perfectly for 10 mins" problem and it was again solved by the firmware.

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

You ever heard of Cisco? (give you a clue, they bought out a company called L*nksys...)

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

has anyone got the last firmware update handy Please for BEFSR41 v2
not this one befsr41v2.1-v1.45.11_code
if so can you email it to me please i would be most gratefull as this new firmware is dropin the connection at random version required is ( firmware 1.45.7, Jul 31 2003) :bigcry:worked purrfik untill i upgraded to the latest firmware listed above TIA

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

I guess this is the one you want:-

ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pub/befsr41/befsr_fw_1457.zip

Worked fine for a while but recently kept having momentary disconnects (script hacking I understand).

I'm back to the old faithfull:-

ftp://ftp.linksys.com/pub/befsr41/befsr-fw-1442.zip

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Thank U thank U Thank U Once Again I THANK U :kiss:
hope i can be of assistance one day again

Re: NTL Linksys Router Connection Problem
 

Since I started with cable with a stand alone modem I have had three routers a Belkin router that had a US uplink port, a SMC that worked fine for two years and was exchanged under their lifetime warranty (it went wrong after a firmware upgrade) but I could not wait so I got a Linksys BEFSR81 with only one years warranty and out of the three itâ₠¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚¢s the best yet with default settings. It was easy to set-up and gives you the relevant info. Reading the posts and how my STbox keeps locking up I would say the problem is with dear old NTL and not your router. Do you have a mate that has the same router that you could do a swap for a few weeks to see if you have the same problem, then you could rule out the router. You could also arrange for a visit from NTL to check your Stbox single strength, if thatââ‚ ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s wrong it will do lots of strange things. ;)