Keep having to reset Modem/Router, Why?

[95thrifles]

Hi guys, any help advice would be greatly appreciated
I recently got new Virgin broadband (ADSL), and have gone wireless for first time, I'm just using the modem/router they provided at the moment, and bought a similar card for my computer. Anyway as the title suggests I find I'm having to keep resetting my modem and router (turn off leave for 1 minute and turn back on). It never loses connection whilst I'm online, but if I turn my computer off and come back it won't connect til I reset the M+R, this isnt every time its random btw. When its up and running its great, but this is just starting to get annoying now. Anyone know what the problem is? Is it the router? or the modem? or both? or something else? If it'll fix it I'm happy to buy new/better hardware, I just dont want to waste my money if its something else.

 

[Duke]

What modem/router do they supply?

I would remove wireless out of the equation first of all. Can you run a network cable to the computer temporarily and see how that goes?

 

[95thrifles]

Modem is Virgins own model 255, in fact this says its a cable modem, its not coming through a TV set top box, so I assumed it was ADSL, guess Im kinda noob to this
Router is Netgear WGR614
Card is Netgear WG311 54Mbps
I figured same make would have less chance of any conflict issues, hmm
No a wired connection is not really feasible, it'd have to be 20+ metres long, PC is at other side of house and on different floor

 

[Duke]

Yep you're on Cable rather than ADSL It doesn't need to come out of the set top box, the coaxial cable will just come out of a junction box in a room.

Hmm its a bit hard to know how to help really. As the kit is supplied by Virgin Media, I would probably give them a call first, so they can check the logs and may just send out a replacement router.

If it was me trying to fix it, I would try the following (not recommended unless you're happy doing some of these ):

Make sure both the cable modem and router aren't overheating, as this can cause them to lock up. Is there something on top of them for example?

Try and connect to the router config page (most likely http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1). If this times out, it is more likely to be a problem with the router. If you can get in, try the below:

Connect to the modem (http://192.168.100.1) whilst it is 'frozen'. Again if you get into the router but not the modem page, the problem is there.

It could be the wireless card (physically or a software issue). I would disable any power management options on the card (device manager -> properties on the card). Also go to the Netgear site and download the latest drivers. Put the card in another slot and re-install with the new drivers. Don't install the Netgear software, only the driver - let XP/Vista control the wireless.

Try flashing the Netgear router to the latest firmware. You will need to go to the Netgear site to retrieve this. Once downloaded, plug the router into the computer directly (doesn't need to be connected to the modem). Go into router config page and update firmware.

 

[95thrifles]

OK thanks for the advice duke, I'll have a look at trying them shortly
Has anyone else here on Virgin had similar issues pls? if so what did you do?