no operation can be performed while it has its media disconnected?

Question

Periodically I lose my wireless connection on both my wired and wireless computers. I don't know a whole lot about wireless networking so forgive me if I say something dumb. I hit ipconfig on my wireless computer and it says the message about media being disconnected. I hit ipconfig on my wired computer and I get the ip address, but neither computer can surf the web. I power cycle both my modem and my router and right away the net is back up on both pcs. Until it happens again. I thought it was the router at first so i exchanged the first one for a new one. I thought it might be the ethernet cables so I replaced them. At least twice a day I still lose my connection on both computers. I don't want to keep having to cycle the modem and the router because it's getting annoying. Tech supp is no help they just have me restore router and reset everything. Anybody have a clue on what's going on with my network and how to fix it? I'm at the end of my rope with wireless.

Answer 1

Instead of power cycling both the modem and the router, power cycle one only. This should isolate the offending equipment.

However, since you're getting the media disconnected message, my money is on the router. Check the manufacturer's website for a firmware upgrade that may correct the problem.

You may also have power problems that are causing the router to lock up. A very quick "blip" in the power may not be enough to even make the lights flicker noticeably, but may be enough to cause the router to lock up. Pick up a cheap UPS -- a 300 VA model should work nicely and will cost less than $50.00 or so -- and hook the router and modem up to it.

If that doesn't help, try a different brand of router.