Solution to wireless router problem?

Question

In my office, I have a modem linked to a wireless router and usually connect to the internet through that on my laptop. The connection suddenly died though I haven't changed anything, but get perfectly good connection when I link my laptop to the modem via ethernet.

Now, something is obviously wrong with the router, but I don't know how to change its settings. Any proposed solution is welcome. Also, if I need to replace the router will any one do or are modems compatible with only a certain model?

Answer 1

Well before you go replacing it when you connect to IT with ethernet cable does it work?

If not try resetting.
1. Try a "soft reset" -- unplug it from AC power for 2 minutes then reconnect and wait for it to settle into operation mode (usually about 1-2 minutes) and try it again.
If that fails
2. Do a Hard Reset (if its linksys or Dlink) there will be a small hole on the back that says reset. Just push it down with a pen or pencil tip for 15-30 seconds release. This will return the router to factory settings and require a complete resetup of the router. Once reset see if you can log into it. If you can just setup the connection again and you are back in business.

If neither of those work (they usually do) you may need to refresh the firmware. Nearly all manufacturers have support sites to cover this event (not normally used but is some).

If all of these fail,, you need a new router. Routers are generally compatible however some work better than others and some are easier to setup. All of the name brands are farily good. Dlink, Linksys, Netgear, Buffalo are all good -- I personnally like the Buffalo units but that is a preferrence (I like the fact they have good firmware and good power for the wireless!)

Answer 2

It sounds like either the router died, the power supply for the router is failing, your wireless card failed somehow, or someone hacked your router and locked you out.

If you never setup secutiry on the router, changed the ID and password, etc... then the chances are that someone took over your router. Lookup your router model on the internet and read the manual on how to set it up.

The first thing to try is to do a reset to default on the router and see if you can get it working again. Setup encryption if you did not do that previously and do the things from this thread also:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070702134508AAxjW7s&r=w#TbJuIETHNFXFrJx3sASr

If you work in a big office with an IT department, don't ask them for help or they WILL get really worked up over this issue. Especially if you have an unauthorized router and no security - they may slap you.

It sounds like you might be fine with just adding a $20 WIRED hub or switch, like a 5-port and connecting both computers to it eliminating the wireless risk from the equation.

Answer 3

For a start if you have not changed any settings on the router and it still works with a cable it is unlikely to be the router. Check that you wireless card is not switched off. There is a tiny slide switch or a button to control it.

Answer 4

except you desire to objective a instantaneous selection extender that have terrible comments using actuality that they decrease speed in price for selection, then moving your router is a feasable decision. pass and ahve your cable/internet employer deploy a clean line it particularly is closer to the midsection of your place. You router is interior the basement, it particularly is a terrible region for a instantaneous gadget for optimum insurance. attempt moving your modem to your internet as much as the 1st or 2d floor, or another subject you're able to do is communicate inclusive of your internet provider approximately getting a 2d modem for the internet. i comprehend for in case you have DSL, this incorporates getting a clean telephone line put in so as which you dont have competing alerts on the comparable telephone line using bandwidth regulations yet for TWC, Comcast, Broadcom, and different cable or fios companies, that would desire to be an fairly possibl3e and feasable option to take so a great way as getting a 2d internet connection presented. yet another subject you will be able to desire to objective is have somebody from a protection employer or pc tech employer and run an ethernet cable to a distinctive factor interior the dwelling house, which you will plug into your instantaneous router downstairs and right into a 2d router upstiars you are able to place and configure after the line has been run and put in. this will not be a low priced decision, even though it provides you with the flexibility to get entry to the internet at finished speed, without the internet offering employer popping out, and can provide administration over your community. continuously think approximately, some factors on your place won't be in a position to be put in to, no rely what you will be able to ask, installers have constrained places they might placed new lines.