Router loses connectivity

Hi,

About three months ago my router (US Robotics USR8003) started losing connectivity, while my cable modem remained online. My PC is running Windows XP - Service Pack 2; I believe the problem started when I installed Service Pack 2.

So, whenever the router gets disconnected (the status light always remains green, though) and I restart my computer, the problem remains; I can't access the router's settings page (192.168.123.254) because the device is no longer available (that's the error message I get when I try to invoke the router) and can't access Internet either. If I try to renew the IP, I get an error message, too.

The only way I can restablish connectivity is by unplugging the router from the power outlet and plugging it back. I upgraded my router to the newest version of the firmware, rolled back the firmware upgrades, reset my router to the factory defaults, but nothing seems to solve the problem. I did a test and connected my computer directly to my cable modem and it worked just fine, which was expected, since the modem was always online when the router got disconnected.

The router gets disconnected twice or three times a day and it is really annoying.

I hope somebody will be able to give me a hand with this!!

Thanks a lot!!

Jeremy

 

It really sounds like a hardware failure - maybe a power surge fried something.

Since you can replace it for under $30, that might be the best option rather than spending a lot of time and energy trying for a fix of that device.

 

There is another possibility other than a defective router.

Since you said the problem started after installed SP2, take a look at this sticky post in this Network forum.

If you don't have the system tray connection icon and/or the "notify me" option enabled, you won't get the "limited or no connectivity" message but it could very well be the problem.

I was having the same trouble and thought it was the router, too. I used the fix referred to in the above post and things have been fine since.

 

Thanks Miz. I think your idea is more likely to be the problem than mine.

 

Hi Jeremy,
I was having a similar problem.
I have a Linksys cable modem and a D-Link 604 router using ethernet connections.
When I connected to the Internet, I could stay on for about 5 to 10 minutes and then I would get the message "cannot find server ".
Adelphia advised removing router and connect directly with cable modem and this worked fine. So adelphia blamed the router for the problem.
I contacted D-link and they advised that the router was doing what it was supposed to, but eventually I would lose my connection.
It was strange because at times I would lose IE but I could still get mail on OE and also chat with Adelphia Tech Service.
D-Link corrected my problem by changing Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties from "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "obtain DNS server address automatically" to manual settings.
You may want to talk to your Router supplier.
Good luck.

 

Get what I think would be a better Router.

I had the disconecting problems when I TRIED a D-Link Router.

I went back to my Linksys BEFSR41 Router which contains a 4 port Switch and DHCP, dumped everything back to Auto and have had absolutely no problems since. ( or before either )

Do not ask me why I attempted to change as I do not know.

I can ( so far ) plug in any machine that has a NIC in it and GO.

I have had several Venders tell me that Linksys is the better Router.

If that is actually true then that Router would be hitting the street. QUICKLY.

I have left this machine online for HOURS ( not a good idea but I have done it ) and have as yet to be disconnected.

BillyBob