Problems with new D-Link DIR-645

[pop80_uk]

Hey all
I purchased a DIR-645 in December 2011 and have had a couple of big problems with it:

1) The Wi-fi coverage is terrible, the signal drops completely in the downstairs of our house (the router is installed upstairs) and we live in a 3 bedroom house. Our old D-link router covered the whole house with no drop offs. Is this poor performance to be expected?

2) We have connected a USB printer to the router, which is normally turned off. When turned on in order to use it we have to unplug it from the router and plug it back in or Shareport plus and the router can not see the router. Surely your device does not need to be on permanently for the router to be able to use it? Is this normal?

Ive tried to register here:
http://forums.dlink.com/
But it will not let me
Thank you

[thenry]

thats a strange looking "router" 'shivers' reviews seem positive via google, you may have a dodgy unit...

have you contacted D-Link support? get it replaced or try get an upgrade, the thing looks weird, obviously not stating you want it upgraded because it looks weird. tell them your troubles.

not sure why you can't register, I've just done it and got the confirmation email. password should be 8 charaters long, confirm the spam question, are you human or robot etc. tick the two boxes, age requirement and terms and cons...

[m8internet]

What was the old D-Link router?
What channel number was it using?
Did you use the same channel number on the new router?
On the new router was Auto Enable Channel Scan on?

How many walls are there between the router and device, before you lose coverage?

Are there any other devices nearby (including neighbours) that could interfere?

The issue with the USB device
It is easier if it is always on, however this is not always possible
As it is being switched on after the router is already on, it will NOT be recognised, with no device connected the port becomes disabled
See page 7
"The router is designed for use with the Ethernet port on your broadband modem. If you were using the USB connection before using the router, you must turn off your modem and disconnect the USB cable. Connect an Ethernet cable to the WAN/Internet port on the router, and then turn the modem back on"
However, if the USB device connects via wireless or port (LAN) it will be recognised
Check to see if this device can be connected via LAN
Sadly my previous printer did not work with a USB - wireless convertor, so I simply replaced it with one capable of WiFi

However this router can be used to view media files, through the USB port
Therefore follow the instructions on page 84, which should keep the USB port active

[pop80_uk]

Originally Posted by m8internet

What was the old D-Link - DIR-685D-Link router?

What channel number was it using?
Multi channel (auto)

Did you use the same channel number on the new router?
Yup

On the new router was Auto Enable Channel Scan on?
It is yes

How many walls are there between the router and device, before you lose coverage?
3 walls

Are there any other devices nearby (including neighbours) that could interfere?
Lots of wifi devices in the area, yup.

The issue with the USB device
It is easier if it is always on, however this is not always possible
As it is being switched on after the router is already on, it will NOT be recognised, with no device connected the port becomes disabled
See page 7
"The router is designed for use with the Ethernet port on your broadband modem. If you were using the USB connection before using the router, you must turn off your modem and disconnect the USB cable. Connect an Ethernet cable to the WAN/Internet port on the router, and then turn the modem back on"
However, if the USB device connects via wireless or port (LAN) it will be recognised
Check to see if this device can be connected via LAN
Sadly my previous printer did not work with a USB - wireless convertor, so I simply replaced it with one capable of WiFi

However this router can be used to view media files, through the USB port
Therefore follow the instructions on page 84, which should keep the USB port active

[thenry]

download inSSider on a wireless capable laptop, run the program and let it search for networks within reach. look at the channel numbers each uses, they will range from 1-13.. then your one router to use a channel that isn't in use.

[pop80_uk]

Originally Posted by thenry

download inSSider on a wireless capable laptop, run the program and let it search for networks within reach. look at the channel numbers each uses, they will range from 1-13.. then your one router to use a channel that isn't in use.

Thanks,
Ive moved it to channel 8 as that was clear, getting 72 RSSI now.

D-link have been useless, and have not responded to emails or calls.

Im looking at maybe buying this to improve my coverage:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/linksys-e420...-router-511796

[thenry]

hold on a second mate. where did you buy the router from? can you not take it back with you literally just getting it? if no then still pursue D-Link, you have the manufacturers warranty and law on the your side of the device not functioning.

with regards to a new router. Linksys is the daddy but consider TP-Link too, their upcoming router is a beast. thing is it isn't released yet but should be this year.

TP Links 2 new models/range..

TL-WR2543ND - dual band but can only operate 1 band at a time - on the market
TL-WR2843ND - dual bands able to simultaneously function together - coming sometime this year

---------- Post added at 20:08 ---------- Previous post was at 20:02 ----------

D Link support > http://www.dlink.co.uk/cs/Satellite?...GB%2FDLWrapper

from what I've read its a long process, stick in their and get it replaced. if they long it out to your dissatisfaction then get a goodwill upgrade out of them for toying you about.

you'll get some form of RMA, pre paid label to put ontop of your wrapped up faulty unit to send via Royal Mail or some other carrier. note your RMA number etc. so you can track it via .....

http://rma.dlink.com/

[pop80_uk]

Originally Posted by thenry

hold on a second mate. where did you buy the router from? can you not take it back with you literally just getting it? if no then still pursue D-Link, you have the manufacturers warranty and law on the your side of the device not functioning.

with regards to a new router. Linksys is the daddy but consider TP-Link too, their upcoming router is a beast. thing is it isn't released yet but should be this year.

TP Links 2 new models/range..

TL-WR2543ND - dual band but can only operate 1 band at a time - on the market
TL-WR2843ND - dual bands able to simultaneously function together - coming sometime this year

Yup got it from Scan computers online but they have said I can not return it as its not faulty they just said that its to be expected of wireless routers

When will that new router be on the market?

Is the other Linksys not very good?

Im really gutted, this D-link was meant to be cutting edge and had got great reviews

[thenry]

Linksys is good, the daddy but theres loads of alternatives. Im personally pointing people in the direction of TPlink but the next man will say something else.

that unit you've got has got good reviews, i was actually surprised. Scan are fobbing you off. you need to tell these companies not politely stating your issues or you'll be left with nothing but a receipt reminding you that you've wasted money.

btw maplin love getting a couple more pennys out of you like pc world etc.

that linksys on amazon is 130£ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cisco-Linksy...6572098&sr=8-1

[pop80_uk]

Originally Posted by thenry

Linksys is good, the daddy but theres loads of alternatives. Im personally pointing people in the direction of TPlink but the next man will say something else.

that unit you've got has got good reviews, i was actually surprised. Scan are fobbing you off. you need to tell these companies not politely stating your issues or you'll be left with nothing but a receipt reminding you that you've wasted money.

btw maplin love getting a couple more pennys out of you like pc world etc.

that linksys on amazon is 130£ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cisco-Linksy...6572098&sr=8-1

Never heard of TP Link before, but will have a look at those routers.

Do you rate the business grade Linksys routers?

---------- Post added at 20:30 ---------- Previous post was at 20:26 ----------

This seems to be ticking alot of boxes, again, never heard of them but seems good:

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...roductID=10386

[thenry]

if you go for a TP-Link router then get the TL-WR2843ND or don't bother.. you'll have to wait though until its released.

That Linksys E4200.. just looked at the Linksys site and theres a V2 version out that support 2.4 GHz-450 / 5 GHz-450 > http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/Rou...VVviewprod.htm

its in the US only though, can't see it on the UK/EU site only the standard E4200.. thats a draw back considering your willing to buy a high end router.

---------- Post added at 20:41 ---------- Previous post was at 20:35 ----------

Originally Posted by pop80_uk

This seems to be ticking alot of boxes, again, never heard of them but seems good:

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...roductID=10386

yup, take a look here for reviews > http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/

http://www.testfreaks.com/routers-switches/

[pop80_uk]

Originally Posted by thenry

if you go for a TP-Link router then get the TL-WR2843ND or don't bother.. you'll have to wait though until its released.

That Linksys E4200.. just looked at the Linksys site and theres a V2 version out that support 2.4 GHz-450 / 5 GHz-450 > http://homestore.cisco.com/en-us/Rou...VVviewprod.htm

its in the US only though, can't see it on the UK/EU site only the standard E4200.. thats a draw back considering your willing to buy a high end router.

---------- Post added at 20:41 ---------- Previous post was at 20:35 ----------





yup, take a look here for reviews > http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/

http://www.testfreaks.com/routers-switches/

Thank you!

Ive narrowed it down to:

Draytek Vigor 2110n
OR
ASUS RT-N56U
OR
Linksys E4200

Just working out which is best! Tricky!

[thenry]

Draytek Vigor 2110n > no 5 GHz ?

ASUS RT-N56U > decent

Linksys E4200 > with v2 released in the US.. and the TP Link...

I don't know man, if you need one asap then ASUS looks decent. you could possibly get a cheap Linksys E4200 v1 .. with the v2, it got more support (future proof) and although firmware could possibly aid v1, not sure whwther you'll get it now v2 is being pushed. plus v2 seems to have had a decent make over under the bonnet/hood sotospeak.

wait for more opinions mate and make sure you get your d link sorted.

[m8internet]

Originally Posted by pop80_uk

1) The Wi-fi coverage is terrible, the signal drops completely in the downstairs of our house (the router is installed upstairs) and we live in a 3 bedroom house. Our old D-link router covered the whole house with no drop offs. Is this poor performance to be expected?

Do you still have the old router?
What model is it?
Have you compared both?
Reset the old one to the same channel as the new one

If so, perform an analysis take the wireless device to the limit of the range on the new router
Now swap over to the old router and compare

I do agree though about support from D-LINK
I have a DWL-5100 and they advised me to simply return it to the retailer for exchange
The replacement was much better, I suspected the aerial contact was at fault as my DWL-2100AP range was excellent in comparison
However the retailer is the point of contact and the product would be deemed as "unfit for purpose" if the above test confirms the range is lower on the new router

[qasdfdsaq]

Originally Posted by pop80_uk

Thanks,
Ive moved it to channel 8 as that was clear, getting 72 RSSI now.

From where? In the same room as the router you should be getting between -20 and -50. -72 indicates it is faulty. I've seen a few quality control issues on DIR-615's that have come with the antennas loose or disconnected...