Resolved Is my router not good enough for multiple connections?

I have this router: https://www.linksys.com/us/p/P-E1200/ and in the last year, have had problems where the all the devices in the entire house will get knocked offline, including a desktop that is connected to the router via a cable. In this last year, we have had more and more devices connecting at the same time---the desktop, my laptop, and at times 2 or more additional laptops, phones, tablets, our TV via amazon firestick--you name it.

I have linked a pic of the settings for my modem. From an earlier thread that I started, I understand that these settings are within the acceptable range for a cable signal, so I don't think it is the modem or the signal coming from the cable company.

I posted in a linksys forum, and it was suggested to me that perhaps the issue is that this router was not built to accomodate signals to too many devices, and that I should buy a new modem that has the AC technology.

I am a bit disappointed at needing a new router after 3 years, but then again, I cheaped out and paid $33 for it, so for $11 a year its really not that bad. But my next router, I'd willingly go higher if I felt that I could keep it more than 3 years. I'm a bit disappointed that if the wikipedia article is correct, the AC wireless standard was published in 2013; I bought this router in December 2015, but it still wasn't compatible.

I just did a speed test right now and my internet d/l speed is 16.6 megs/second, with 2 other devices connected. Troubleshooting might save some money here, but if the problem is a router that is being asked to do too much, then I'm really better off just buying a new one.

So my questions:
1. Is my current router capable of handling several signals at the same time?

2. Is AC the latest spec? If I shop for a router like this one (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/linksys-ac1750-dual-band-wi-fi-router-black/5972600.p?skuId=5972600), am I just setting myself up for a similar problem 3 years from now? I really don't want any features other than longevity & ability to split a signal among 4-6 different devices at the same time. I was one of those lucky ones that was given a
WRT54xxx router back in the day, and I look at that router like I do my first microwave--why can't they all last that long?

 

In this earlier thread that I was thinking of above, Bill made a comment about newer routers being more capable of handling multiple devices.https://www.windowsbbs.com/threads/do-routers-have-problems-with-more-up-to-date-oses.112132/ His comment is the second one, right after the OP.

 

I did call them before, and they did a test and measured it to be, as you've said, acceptable. I'll call them again and see if they can send a guy out.

 

I just called and the support rep told me they were seeing some things in the modem that they don't like to see, so I have an appt for someone to come out and look at it here, tomorrow. I'll post any updates here.

 

Guy came out, just got through installing new cable. He said the problem was our old cable was barely connected to the line from the pole. He said it was rg59, and the cable he installed was rg6. I did a speed test and it is about the same speed, the modem settings had a slightly higher power level (an increase from a range of -7 to -12 db, to a higher range, from -1 to -5). He also recommended that I buy a new router, with 5G & AC technology. Well at least if there is no longer a connectivity problem, this alone will be an improvement.

 

No problems yet. I'm glad Tony, you recommended that I call the cable company. I called them last time I started a thread, but this time it has worked solidly, for these 5 days since the guy came out last week.

 

Yes, that is the plan. I'm too cheap to want to pay for a new router if the old one is working. They did give us a new cable modem, saying it was better. Only problem there is that it doesn't provide a browser interface, but if there aren't any connection problems I don't suppose I'll need to see that.

 

That was the IP for my old modem. I went online, and others were complaining about the lack of web/browser interface for this new modem, so evidently it doesn't have one.

 

Where can I find the IP address of my modem?
Click the Windows Start or search button, type "cmd" in the Search box and press "Enter" to open the Command Prompt. Type "ipconfig /all" in the Command Prompt and press "Enter" to run the command. Locate the "Default Gateway" line. The IP listed on the Default Gateway line is the IP address of your modem.

 

Thanks, but that IP takes me to my router, not my modem.
When I set up my router, because I have a router, modem, & wireless printer hooked up, I very well might have altered the IP of one or more of them. I remember doing a bit of tinkering to get each bit of hardware bookmarked (i.e., with a different IP), so I could access each one via a browser.

EDIT: I did the command prompt, and the Default gateway was 192.168.1.1. FWIW, the very next line, DCHP Server, also had the exact same IP.

 

Hitron is the brand, E31N2V1 is the model number.

We have cable internet through Charter/Spectrum.

 

Tony, thanks for all your help. I was told by the tech who came out that our max speed (with our ISP) is 15 megs so it looks like no other modem would get us any better.

Yeah I can live without a browser interface. I used it much much less for the modem anyways, than for the printer or router.