We have DSL, Wireless and 2 VPNs to 2 different companies, and continually get dropped from DSL. WHY?

Question

In our hourse we have DSL, connected to a wireless Router (Linksys WRK58G). I connect to the wireless router through an ethernet cable. My boyfriend connects using a wireless card. We both work from home, we both use VPN software (different vendors) to connect to our company networks. Both computers are configured to use DHCP.

We are continually getting dropped from the DSL connection. We've been told it's because both our computers are continaully swapping and requesting the same IP address.

Is this true? Is there anyway to fix this, aside from getting another DSL line?

More Details:

When I work at home alone, and am the only connection to the DSL I don't get dropped very often, if at all.

The DSL connection it new, and the last telephone repairman that was here (for another problem) said the wiring inside the house was done very poorly ("ameturish" was the word he used). I've wondered if this might be the problem.

I'll have to look and see if we have the option to have a static IP address with our ISP.

Thanks for the feedback....

More questions:

Would one static IP address resolve the problem (leaving one DHCP address)?

Is there another way to manage to problem?

Or, are we just SOL unless we get a 2nd DSL line?

Answer 1

I agree with IOckm your two VPN's are the most likely issue. When you connect to a VPN you get another non routable IP within the VPN assigned range. If that happens to be the same as your local network you have even more issues!

There are routers out that allow mulitple VPNs Linksys really is only set to do ONE. so you will have IP issues. Check what IPs are being issued for each of your VPNs (it will show on the connector) and be sure your local network is somewhere else! Then once that all is done,, you probably will have to upgrade your router.

One other way to fix this would be to get two public IP's issued (will cost a little) then assign one each to each computer and your problem would be gone.

Answer 2

If you have an IP conflict, you would see a popup warning indicating the conflict. Your DSL connection is most likely the real problem. Let's deal with the simple troubleshooting first.... Do you have DSL filters on every phone line in the house? That includes any alarm system you may have. The only line that should be unfiltered in the line going to your DSL modem.

At that point, I'd call your ISP. Ask about your line statics and see if the line is clean. They'll be looking for near and far end errors on the line. If the problem isn't resolved, ask for a technican to check the NID (network interface device) outside your home. If the NID tests fine and there are still errors on the line, that could indicate damaged phone lines within your house. Fortunately that's a last resort type problem.

Answer 3

Is your dsl brand new ,do you drop connected by your self,do you drop when you bypass the router? Im not a huge fan of linksys.If you have att/dsl request the 2wire wireless modem they provide.Also make sure your dsl does not go through a home alarm.If it does it will need to be split off of it.

Answer 4

l0ckm4 is close, your VPN connection is using the same PORT, on your host. IPSec accepts a connection back while setting up a tunnel, so with only one global IP address like most home users have, only one host can be connected at a time.

Answer 5

Manually configure your ip addresses. Are you sure it's not the router dropping the connection?

Answer 6

two vpn connections is probably causing the problem. VPN uses IPSEC protocol and although you and your bf use different vendors for your vpn software both will be using IPSEC. try not to use one for an evening and see if the problem gets solved. if not then sorry!