Networking issues

[Michael B. Ross]

I recently have developed a recurring network problem. We have cable broadband, and I use a linksys 802.11b router. Both my wife and I have Toshiba laptops with 802.11b cards.

Both laptops have been losing their IP addresses. The desktop with the router is is not affected. Sometimes only one laptop, sometimes both laptops, show a strong signal, but will not connect to the internet or to networked desktop files because of loss of IP address. When I do a repair, it will not automatically assign the address even though I have the settings for it to automtically do so.

The only thing that will fix it is for me to disconnect the router for a few seconds. I reconnect, and both laptops find the address and do fine. Later that day or the next, it will all happen again.

I am wondering if my router is going bad. Do any of you have any insights?

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

Interesting that you should ask that. I am getting ready to replace a similar bit of gear for KJIC because of IP problems.

Maybe they are in cahoots together!

[Marsha Lynn]

I don't know if this will help or not.

My laptop has a static IP for our home network. In motels I often have to dump my IP number in order to use their wireless network. However, at the library it happily joins the network with the static IP still intact (and shares all its shared files with anyone who happens past :( ). On the other hand, the school-owned laptops we have there sometimes lose contact with the network. The solution seems to be to unplug the power from the router and plug it back in. Those laptops are too tied down by security for me to do any trouble-shooting at the system level, but I wonder if I'm not having a similar problem.

You may need a new router, but you could try assigning static IPs of the 192.168.1.xxx variety to see if that improves anything.

Marsha

[Steve Reece]

You'd think having a strong signal would mean a good connection. 'Taint so.

Have you tried moving the router? It may be near a source of interference. I had similar problems and they cleared when I moved my router. In fact, I my case I only had to move the router about 1 foot (3,232.4 KM :basic05).

If you have any personal firewall software running, you might try disabling it to see if that changes anything. If it does, then you can focus on your firewall settings.

[Keith Isley]

I have read that Linksys routers have this problem sometimes. It's possible you might be able to download a flash ROM upgrade that will solve this problem. I'd suggest going to www.linksys.com and see what the support area says for the router you own.

[Dave McClung]

I have had the same problem several times. I am not sure, but I concluded the problem was related to my firewall, because when I disable the firewall, I no longer have the problem. Once I reestablish the IP Connection, I can then enable the firewall again and the problem doesn't reoccur for a while.

[Adam Spriggs]

Cordless phone have been known to interfere with wireless connectivity.

Here's some more info: http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/2191241