Router weirdness…
Riddle me this:
I’ve had a Linksys Wireless Router (WRT54G) for about a year now. Everything’s worked perfectly, until the last several days. Now, it seems that after a short period of inactivity, my router dies. The only solutions I’ve discovered so far are:
1) Periodically unplug and replug said router (a pain in the you-know-what)
2) Launch the Terminal and constantly ‘ping’ the router (doesn’t work)
I’ve set up WPA security on my router and limited the address table to the MAC addresses of the machines on my network. I’m running two Macs with 10.5.1. I’ve searched around on the Intertubes and it seems that there are oodles of other folk on the web having the same exact problem. Unfortunately, finding a concrete solution by narrowing my search parameters has been something of a challenge. Perhaps someone can shed light on this?
-Krishna
Update: The problem, from what I’ve been able to discern, has something to do with WPA protection. Switching to WEP (the less secure of the two) seems to have fixed the problem. I also unplugged and ‘reset’ the router by hitting the button on the back of the unit. Alas, I’ve spoken too soon. The problem still exists.
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Tell me what you think!
Jason
January 2, 2008 at 11:53 pmIf you are feeling brave, you could flash the router with the DD-WRT firmware. Because that particular router has a nice open system, a very nice, and more capable firmware was written for it. I use it on several of these routers in different scenarios and have had no problems. It could be the router itself or it could just need a good update.
http://www.dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv2/ddwrt.php
krishna
January 3, 2008 at 11:03 amThanks Jason. I took a look at the site – not sure where to start. The router appears to be dying – as the frequency with which it stays ‘on’ is greatly reduced with each subsequent reset. So, I’m off to the store to get a replacement. :(
Kevin Smith
January 4, 2008 at 2:46 amI HIGHLY recommend flashing it with DD-WRT. Even the replacement one.
The stability and features that DD-WRT has over the stock firmware is incredible. The process isn’t too difficult, and it’s not as risky as it seems. I havn’t bricked a single router yet, and I used to work for a local IT company that got me to flash every router we sold, because it makes future troubleshooting and management THAT much easier.
Piero Timpano
January 8, 2008 at 1:43 amHey Krishna, First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR! Love the new look!
I have EXACTLY the same problem! only difference mine is the WRV54G. . I ditched it! LOL