Wireless router does not respond

[hiyou]

I run a WinXP laptop, up-do-date (software/drivers etc).

I'm connected to a linksys wireless router. Generally it works ok.
But, every 10-15 minutes the connection dies --- I can't connect to the internet, even though the laptop is still connected to the wireless router (signal is strong). I go to the wireless network connections and it shows i am connected with a very strong signal (still no internet).
When I disconnect and try to reconnect, i get the "waiting for the network..." message forever, and it does not connect.
I have to unplug the router to reset it, then it works again, but only for a while until this problem repeats.

I have no idea what the problem is or what is causing it.

[Aegis]

What model Linksys router?  How old is it?

[hiyou]

oops, i was confused.
it's a NETGEAR WGT624, about 4 years old.

[Aegis]

I should have also asked, when did this all start to happen?  Had any changes been made to the computer or the network?  (A Windows update, etc.?)

[Geek-9pm]

NET GEAR WGT624

Many things change in just four years.
You can either upgrade the firmware.
http://www.wardrive.net/firmware/netgear
- OR -
Just buy a new router. A Links wireless now goes for near $30 and performs about the same as what you got. Just Google 'Cheap Wireless Routers'
(Net-gear is still kind of pricey.)

Now my wild guess.
My best guess is the power supply is overheating. Try to keep it cool and see if it runs longer. Put an ice cube on it. The power supply, not the router.

[computerhelpmaryland]

Many things change in just four years.
You can either upgrade the firmware.
http://www.wardrive.net/firmware/netgear
- OR -
Just buy a new router. A Links wireless now goes for near $30 and performs about the same as what you got. Just Google 'Cheap Wireless Routers'
(Net-gear is still kind of pricey.)

Now my wild guess.
My best guess is the power supply is overheating. Try to keep it cool and see if it runs longer. Put an ice cube on it. The power supply, not the router.

Yes, I would have guessed the same thing. Power supply or the broadcom chip inside.

[Quantos]

Now my wild guess.
My best guess is the power supply is overheating. Try to keep it cool and see if it runs longer. Put an ice cube on it. The power supply, not the router.

DON'T do this, electricity and water are a bad combination.
Worst idea ever award.

[Allan]

What happens when you bypass the router and connect directly to the modem - does everything work okay?

And as mentioned above, ignore the suggestion to put ice on ANYTHING electronic.

[Geek-9pm]

What happens when you bypass the router and connect directly to the modem - does everything work okay?

And as mentioned above, ignore the suggestion to put ice on ANYTHING electronic.

Use forensic quality laboratory certified 100% pure ice in a clean room. Wear mask and gloves at all times. And a hair net.

[Aegis]

Yes, good call, Allan -- I should've suggested that from my own experience.  Tell us about your connection quality when you run directly from the modem to the computer, bypassing the router.  If the connection is then good, it tells us the problem is in the router.

[hiyou]

I connected to the modem directly and it worked fine. But I wasn't convinced. I waited until the connection failed again (although all parameters were seemingly normal --> ipconfig showed ip address, gateway, etc, signal was very good ---> except no packets being received).

Once the internet failed again, i connected directly to the modem, and still no internet connection. This would mean that it's the modem or cable service that is messing up.

I reconnected the router to the modem, refreshed the router (plug out/plug in), and the internet was back. Why/how could the router have such an effect on the modem? I don't understand the situation. I'll call the service provides to see if they can replace the modem.