Huge wireless problems! Tried 4 routers so far!

rmwebs · 21-09-2008, 23:59

Hi all,

We've always had a problem with our wireless. Basically we're on the 10meg VM plan, and currently use a Netgear WGR614v7 router. Prior to this I have had a 2 Belkin 54g's and a D-Link 802.11n router.

The problem we have always had is that for no apparent reason, the router will loose its VM issued external IP, and it will change to 0.0.0.0. It then changes to a local 192.168 address (this is always a different address).

This sometimes happens about 30 times a day, sometimes once. I thought it was problems with the routers however surely I cant have had 4 bad routers.

On our network we have:
1 x XP Laptop
1 x XP Desktop
1 x Vista Desktop
2 x Mac Desktop
1 x Mac Laptop
2 x iPhone
1 x Xbox

Obviously they are not always on together.

Anyone had this problem or know what the heck's going on? I'm really getting annoyed to the point of almost ripping the router to bits!

Any help appreciated

Thanks for your time.

Rick

Dai · 22-09-2008, 08:00

What cable modem are you using?

Graham M · 22-09-2008, 08:21

It sounds to me like your Cable Modem is dropping its IP address this is probably due to signal level problems, please can you visit http://192.168.100.1 and log in with the username/password: root and post your signal levels but please do not post any IP addresses or MAC addresses.

rmwebs · 22-09-2008, 10:18

Thanks for the replies guys.

As requested:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modem Configuration

Type : Ambit ETH/USB Combo Cable Modem
Cable modem : Ambit Cable Modem
Downstream Receive Power Level : -6.78 dBmv
Downstream SNR : 32.63 dB
Upstream Transmit Power Level : 41.50 dBmv

Quote:

Originally Posted by Operation Configuration

Network Access : Enabled
Maximum Downstream Data Rate : 10240000 bps
Maximum Upstream Data Rate : 512000 bps
Maximum Number of CPEs : 1
Software Upgrade File Name : ntlhm120_ntl0004.cpr
Software Upgrade AdminStatus : allowProvisioningUpgrade
Software Upgrade OperStatus : completeFromProvisioning

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downstream Status

Downstream Lock : Locked
Downstream Frequency : 331000000 Hz
Downstream Modulation : 256 QAM
Downstream Receive Power Level : -6.75 dBmv
Downstream SNR : 32.68 dB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Upstream Status

Upstream Frequency : 41000000 Hz
Upstream Transmit Power Level : 41.50 dBmv

Thats all the info I think. I've posted all of it just in case its needed!

Thanks,

Rick

rmwebs · 22-09-2008, 18:15

bump

Cobbydaler · 22-09-2008, 23:26

Moved to VM Internet Services as requested by OP

Axegrinder · 22-09-2008, 23:37

Your downstream power level is too low, ideally should be as close to 0 as possible.

rmwebs · 22-09-2008, 23:40

just checked it again, Downstream is now this:

Quote:

Downstream Lock : Locked
Downstream Frequency : 331000000 Hz
Downstream Modulation : 256 QAM
Downstream Receive Power Level : -7.20 dBmv
Downstream SNR : 32.63 dB

Its gone even lower!

Nedkelly · 23-09-2008, 07:26

You will need a tech out to change these levels also i would get the modem replaced as there was some prolems with the 120 with higher speeds wich we found out in this area when 10 meg was launched

CVD · 23-09-2008, 16:28

I've been having similar problems, can only seem to get a steady, consistent connection using a direct connection (after going through 3 routers this week).

Right after the connection goes down I checked the Event Log and got these error messages:

Quote:

Tue Sep 23 14:02:43 2008 Critical (3) DHCP WARNING - Non-critical field invalid in response.
Tue Sep 23 14:02:22 2008 Critical (3) No Ranging Response received - T3 time-out
Tue Sep 23 14:02:21 2008 Critical (3) No Ranging Response received - T3 time-out
Tue Sep 23 13:28:23 2008 Critical (3) DHCP WARNING - Non-critical field invalid in response.
Tue Sep 23 13:28:13 2008 Critical (3) No Ranging Response received - T3 time-out

Spoiler:

Can anyone shed any light?

Cheers

Axegrinder · 23-09-2008, 16:47

Your downstream power is a little high. Other than that fine.

EDIT My downstream power is at 7.7dbmv, but i dont sem to be having problems.

rmwebs · 24-09-2008, 12:35

I phoned yesterday and they are sending out a new modem. IT is 6 years old, and has been on 24/7/365 so its probably just burning out in its old age.

Hopefully I'll be getting a decent one as we're looking at getting the VIP package which will take us from 10meg to 20meg!

Will post back once the modems up and running!

jonnyd · 24-09-2008, 13:35

hi,

Ive had a new one sent out an N256, the latest. My wireless router worked fine for a time then this morning no internet access and dhcp does not work.

I read that downstream signal streangth maybe a problem, mine is -9.8 dBmV

Can anyone confirm this?

thanks,

John

---------- Post added at 12:35 ---------- Previous post was at 11:44 ----------

Vm say its the wireless manufacture, can both routers be faulty?
they say they wont send a technician round.

the routers work for a while then drop off.

I dont see any problems when i connect directly to the cablemodem.

this is so terrible.
can anyone help me out there?

any advise?

Richy99 · 24-09-2008, 14:51

if you dont get issues plugged dirtectly to the modem then it is indicating something with the router is faulty, is the cable between the routers the same? might be worth trying a different ethernet cable between modem and router