Spec me a network! N00b wireless

  • Thread starter Thread starter GJM
  • Start date Start date

GJM

GJM

GJM

Associate
Joined
31 Oct 2011
Posts
216
Location
Cheshire
Hey folks,

I'm a bit of a n00b when it comes to networks so bare with me.

I live in the attic of a big old house with thick brick walls, so have always relied on wireless networks.

We're on ADSL, im getting a connection of about 1.6 mbps peak times and 2mbps offpeak download, and about 0.30mbps upload.



This suggests i'm with talktalk, i'm not, we're with AOL....dont laugh i'm hoping to change this spring.

I've always used Netgear routers, currently using an ancient DG834G v2

I've always struggled to keep a decent connection despite usualy having 3/5 bars 'good' connection. It will drop out randomly quite frequently and I have to unplug the router for 30 seconds which fixes the problem for another 24 hours before I have to go through the process again.

I've had this problem for years. At one stage a purchased a new Netgear DGNB2100 which worked better for a short while before it got fried in a thunder storm.

I've recently built a new PC and am trying to play BF3 but am constantly getting 'Timed out from server' or 'Disconnected from EA' which Google tells me is to do with old routers and UPNP.

I've disconnected upnp on the PC to no avial but cant get at the setting on the Netgear router.

So, i'm looking to refresh my network.

I've heard lots about Homeplugs etc, however it seems you still need a decent quality router before thinking about the plugs. Surely if going to the expense of buying a decent Wireless Router I may as well stick to wireless?

So, any reccommendations on what router to go for or alternative setups?
 
First things first, test the connection whilst physically connected to the router.

Just to see if it's the wireless causing your issues or the internet connection itself.

If wireless is causing the majority of your problems, home plugs are going to be the way to go. If you're getting a lot of interference with the wireless on the current router, a new one might make no difference at all.
 
Here is the test from my mothers computer which is connected direct to the router.

 
You could try the those homeplugs, as they will come in handy with any router you are using, as you are in the Attic and quite far away.

But does sound like its your Netgear Router, I have had lots of issues with those in the past.

How far are you from your exchange?
 
It looks like there is no issue with your wireless by the look of things since the speed is barely faster and could just be the speed test servers.

Can you log in to the router and post some stats from the "router status" > "show stats" page.

With that netgear you can get the DG-team firmware and it will give you many more features and the option to tune your line and hopefully you will gain some speed.

out of interest what does BT recon your speed should be?

Personally I would not change your router having used a number of routers in the past including ciscos and I currently have my parents internet business running on 2x dg834 v3's another office running a dg843 v2 and my own house using a dgn2000 all of which are pretty much the same router, cannot fault them really. (they all are running the DGteam custom firmware.

If you want to improve your wireless might be worth looking into some of the TP-link wireless APs you can use a pair of them as a wireless bridge and the signal on some of them is pretty strong + you can get high gain aerials to improve the signal more.

Also I should confirm that your issue is the internet and ISP opposed to the wireless I would expect.
 
Thanks for the advice so far chaps.

One of my problems is that i'm struggling to get into the Netgear.

I'm going to http://192.168.0.1

Username should be 'admin' and pw 'password' but its not letting me in. I used to be able to get in there, i'm wondering if I changed passwords at some point?

I've reset the router to factory via the reset button but thats not changed anything. I am missing something?

I'll try and find the original CD, see if it will let me in through there.
 
if you cant find it you will need reset the router however it will loose your ISP settings and you might not be able to get back online... (this might be too late!)

the process to reset it to factory defaults is:

while powered on:
Press and hold the reset button for 10 seconds.
while holding the reset button remove power jack.
after further 10seconds (still holding reset button)
plug power jack back in continue to hold for 10 seconds.

Done!
 
Thanks kerrgreg, thats reset the username and pw, and i'm in!

What do you guys want to know from the settings to see if my connection can be improved any or to see if theres a fundamental problem somewhere?
 
ots3go said:
home plugs are going to be the way to go
Click to expand...


Cannot recomemnd these enough, especially in your circumstances. Obviously depends on your wiring etc but if they work it should be a much more stable connection.

Have you tried the faceplate that removes the bell wire form the masterplug to see if you can eek anymore out of it? Assuming its an old bt installation? Check here
 
Hi chaps.

I just wanted to raise another queary.

I'm still have disconnection issues (going to get some home plugs) mainly playing Battlefield 3. Vut I want to asertain if the problem is mainly with my internet connection / network etc or with my connection to BF3.

How can I test my connection over a period of time to see if its dropping out without me noticing or if it is just happening with BF3??
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom