Linksys wireless router WRT54G Problem: Can't connect more than one computer to the router simultaneously.

Question

Here's my predicament:

I have a Linksys wireless router model WRT54G.

My laptop will connect wirelessly to the router and I can use the internet. However, when I try to connect with another computer at the same time, the new computer will disconnect the laptop from the internet, and I can use the internet with the new computer.

So, comp A connects. Then B connects and disconnects A. When I try to connect A again, B will disconnect.

This is a problem if my wife wants to use the laptop while I'm playing an online game with my PS3 wirelessly.

I would like to be able to connect wirelessly with two or more computers to the router.

I know it's possible. Can anyone help me?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks. I checked the leases, and I have it set at 50. But, I did setup WPA security when I installed the router today.

I know it's not being used by others.

Are there any other reasons this may be occurring?

Answer 1

I have had this issue with Linksys before. In may case upgrading the firmware fixed it. Your router will have a page to accomplish this and you should check it.
Go to http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Content_C1&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416835852&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=3585290855B02
download the newest firmware and try reloading your router.
Even if your router shows the newest version just reload it!

If that doesn't work, you may simply have a bad router! We have five laptops in our place connected to the WRT54G.

I loaded the DD-WRT software on ours just for the fun of it and found I really liked the additional features.
http://www.dd-wrt.com

Answer 2

Check that ALL your machines are set to obtain their tcp/ip settings automatically. Then check how many leases are available in the router configuration dhcp section. You need at least 2 or 3 more than you have machines. If there are more leases taken up than you have machines you are probably not encrypted, and someone is probably stealing bandwidth.