Long shot - anyone repaired a netgear router?

Retrovertigo · 18-01-2012, 19:47

My Netgear router has been playing up - resetting itself randomly or under load (downloading at maximum speed)

I'm in the process of getting VM to sort me with a new router but I'm rather fond of this Netgear one.

Noticed something interesting this evening. When I unplugged the Netgear, after plugging it back in, it took a few minutes before any lights came on. I'm tempted to think it is a capacitor issue because of that.

Has anyone stripped one of these down (haven't had a chance to do mine yet as I'm still using it) and done any similar repairs? If I can find the culprit I can solder a new one in for sure.

I know this is along shot, but if I'm right it should be relatively easy to fix this. Thanks.

Hom3r · 18-01-2012, 19:54

Messing with a router could bugger up what you may be getting.

Retrovertigo · 18-01-2012, 19:57

I think you misunderstand. The router is basically on its last legs so VM are supplying a replacement for me.

But I would like to get this Netgear one back up and running properly as I prefer it to what I've seen of the D-Link replacements.

Not to mention this Netgear one is actually mine - I bought it from VM a couple of years ago.

Kymmy · 18-01-2012, 20:27

Most modern day electronics are multilayered SMD boards.. Easy enough to replace a cap or two but unless you've done a lot of smd work you can very easily mess it all up..

With the current costs I personally wouldn't bother and I have been trained in SMD level repair..

Retrovertigo · 18-01-2012, 20:47

Yeah I just figured I had nothing to lose with it being on its last legs anyway. just trying to avoid spending money on a decent router as I have just had to buy a new TV. Thanks for the advice

Kymmy · 18-01-2012, 20:52

Which router is it?

Retrovertigo · 18-01-2012, 21:03

Its the Netgear WNR2000 - really do like it a lot.

I have noticed straightaway with a D-Link that the signal is far weaker than the Netgear which is another reason I'd have liked to have had a go at fixing it. I'm pretty handy with a soldering iron so will give anything a bash.

Once I get a working D-Link from VM (the one they sent is faulty) I think I'll rip this Netgear open. They are only Â£30 on Amazon - but at the minute Â£30 is Â£30 more than I'd like to spend

Waldo Pepper · 19-01-2012, 14:21

It could be nothing to do with the router, but the power supply.

See if you can borrow a simlar PSU (Netgear all seem to use a similar PSU) and try that.

It may also be a heat issue since you are experiencing problems when dowloading at full pelt. Ensure all vents are clear by using a vacuum hose over them and making sure they are not blocked by something close.

It appears to be a common problem although I have one that gets hammered and is fine.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Netg...-DG834G-and-s/

I agree with Kymmy. Soldering/resoldering/replacing surface mount components could lead to worse problems if you are not upto it. I am also trained in doing it and it's alot different to changing leaded components.

If you think you are upto it then you need some of this.

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/solder...ables/3143469/

and a good soldering iron.

Kymmy · 19-01-2012, 14:35

People though don't realise that a good soldering iron for SMD can sometimes mean the smallest one possible

Oh and some decent solder paste, some rework flux to mix with it..

Retrovertigo · 19-01-2012, 20:37

Got a great soldering iron from my old car hi-fi days - its actually a variable temp one from RS.

Not too fussed if I mess it up anymore than it is as it is on its last legs anyway.

I did think about the power supply, but with the only meter I have at the moment (a cheapo one) it seems to be giving out the correct output, although I haven't tested it under load.

I did actually notice that the router has been running a lot colder than usual - which is the opposite of what I would have expected. In fact you'd be forgiven for thinking it wasn't switched on. Whereas usually it is warm (not too warm) to the touch.

qasdfdsaq · 20-01-2012, 19:25

I wouldn't bother myself, but then I far prefer the DIR-615 over anything else in the same class.

Retrovertigo · 21-01-2012, 08:21

Well as I mentioned in my other post, signal range is very poor (around 2/3rds - dropping to 1/2 at times - of the Netgear, which was always showing full strength signal in the bedroom) on the D-Link. Wireless speed isn't as good either. I could get around 35meg of my 50 meg on the Netgear. No matter what channel I try with the D-Link I can only get around 20meg, maybe slightly more.

That plus my PS3 and Xbox worked with no issues and had open NAT. I have already had to mess around to get an open NAT on this D-Link and from experience with Belkin, I know that having to open ports and whatnot usually means the connection isn't as good as when you have just plug and played.

It will be interesting to see how well I can keep a connection/join games on the D-Link compared to the Netgear.