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The Graveyard - Products No Longer Supported => Routers / COVR => DIR-601 => Topic started by: bradliff on June 05, 2015, 09:10:07 AM

Title: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 05, 2015, 09:10:07 AM
I have a DIR-601 (H/W: A1, F/W: 1.04NA).  The connection will drop from time to time with no rhyme or reason.  When it drops, devices will lose internet for about 20-30 seconds... and this will happen - when it's at its worst - every 10 minutes, give or take a few.  It's terribly annoying to say the least.  I took the router out of the mix for a while the other night - running an ethernet straight from the modem to the desktop - and scrolled through Facebook for a while and then watched a few things on Netflix with no hang-ups.  Which leads me to believe it's the router.  But I'm no tech expert so I can't be sure.  Any help you can provide before I go buy another router would be great.  If the 601 should still be fine these days, I'd obviously rather not have to buy a new one.  Here's info requested of another user in a previous thread:

Internet Service Provider and Modem Configurations

    What ISP Service do you have? Cable or DSL?  --Cable
    What ISP Modem Mfr. and model # do you have?  --D-Link DCM-202
    Is ISP Modem/Service using Dynamic or Static WAN IP addressing?  --Don't know??
    Check cable between Modem and Router, swap out to be sure. Link> Cat6 is recommended.  --Labeling says it's CAT-5e
    Check ISP MTU requirements, Cable is usually 1500, DSL is around 1492 down to 1472. Call the ISP and ask. Link>Checking MTU Values  --Don't know??
    For DSL/PPPoE connections on the router, ensure that "Always ON" option is enabled.  --Looked for this and couldn't find it.

BTW, it's not a constant problem.  Like right now, I'm streaming Netflix in the background as I type all of this with no problems.  Frustrating.  Help.
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 05, 2015, 09:30:18 AM
Link>Welcome! (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=48135.0)


Router and Wired Configurations
Some things to try: - Log into the routers web page at 192.168.0.1. Use IE, Opera or FF to manage the router. Besure to log into the Admin account on the router.

 
Wireless Configurations
Links>Wireless Installation Considerations (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=48327.0) and Managing Signal Congestion (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=53228.0) and Good Neighbour Policy (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=10634.0)

Router Placement
Forum User - "Well I feel really dumb. After moving the router away from other electronic devices my speeds are back to normal. Just a heads up for anyone experiencing slow speeds, you might want to move it away from other electronics and see if that helps."
3-6' feet minimum safe distance between devices.
Placement on main level floor and central in the building and WELL ventilated is preferred. Not in basements or closets as building materials, or near by electronics devices could interfere or hinder good signal propagation.
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-basics/31083-smallnetbuilders-wireless-faq-the-essentials (http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/wireless/wireless-basics/31083-smallnetbuilders-wireless-faq-the-essentials)
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 05, 2015, 09:54:23 AM
I answered 3 of your 4 initial questions in my original post above.

Hardware: A1
Firmware: 1.04NA
Region: if you mean physical location, I live in Elgin, IL
Wired/Wireless: I'm normally experiencing it when wireless.  I does not seem to happen when I went wired to the modem.  I believe I recall trying to go wired to the router a while back and had the same periodical drops.
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 05, 2015, 09:56:54 AM
Please give feedback on the wireless questions presented...possible wireless or environment issue that needs to be narrowed down.
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 05, 2015, 10:24:36 AM
    Ensure the default (dlink) SSID name is changed. Ensure that different SSID names are used between each WiFi 2.4/5Ghz radios. Can be anything and not something that's already in use by any neighbouring WiFi routers. Under Setup/Wireless/Manual.  --Has been changed
    What wireless modes are you using?  --Not EXACTLY sure what you mean by this-802.11 Mode:11gn, Security Mode:AUTO (WPA or WPA2) - PSK
    2.4Ghz Routers only: Try single mode G or N or mixed G and N?
    Channel Width set for Auto 20/40Mhz  --20
    Try setting a manual Channel to a open or unused channel. 1, 6 or 11. 11 for single mode N if the channel is clear. 13 for EU regions.
    What security mode are you using? Preferred security is WPA-Personal. WPA2/AES Only. Some WiFi adapters don't support AES, so you might want to try TPIK only or Auto TPIK and AES.  --AUTO (WPA or WPA2) - PSK
    What wireless devices do you have connected?  --iMac, iPhone(x2), iPad, Vizio Smart LED TV, Sony Blu Ray Player (not all at the same time, of course)
    Ensure any devices with WiFi adapter drivers are updated.  --Yes
    Any 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz cordless house phones or WiFi APs near by that maybe causing interferences?  --No
    Any other WiFi routers in the area that maybe causing interferences? Link> Use InSSIDer to find out. How many? Use v3, its free.  --We live in a townehome neighborhood so my computer sees about 8 or 9 other wifi signals
    If you have any of these options, Try turning OFF or ON Short GI, WLAN Partition, Extra Wireless Protection and HT 20/40 Co-existence if you have it. Also testing with HT20/40Mhz Co-existence enabled will impact results as well. I prefer to use this option OFF. Recommended settings are default. Under Advanced/Advanced Wireless.  --Advanced settings should all be default as I set it up simply under the 'wizard'
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 05, 2015, 11:07:15 AM
    Ensure the default (dlink) SSID name is changed. Ensure that different SSID names are used between each WiFi 2.4/5Ghz radios. Can be anything and not something that's already in use by any neighbouring WiFi routers. Under Setup/Wireless/Manual.  --Has been changed
    What wireless modes are you using?  --Not EXACTLY sure what you mean by this-802.11 Mode:11gn, Security Mode:AUTO (WPA or WPA2) - PSK <Try WPA2 only.
    2.4Ghz Routers only: Try single mode G or N or mixed G and N?
    Channel Width set for Auto 20/40Mhz  --20 <Set for Auto 20/40Mhz
    Try setting a manual Channel to a open or unused channel. 1, 6 or 11. 11 for single mode N if the channel is clear. 13 for EU regions. <You'll need to adjust the router to a channel thats not being used, hopefully 1, 6 or 11.
    What security mode are you using? Preferred security is WPA-Personal. WPA2/AES Only. Some WiFi adapters don't support AES, so you might want to try TPIK only or Auto TPIK and AES.  --AUTO (WPA or WPA2) - PSK
    What wireless devices do you have connected?  --iMac, iPhone(x2), iPad, Vizio Smart LED TV, Sony Blu Ray Player (not all at the same time, of course)
    Ensure any devices with WiFi adapter drivers are updated.  --Yes
    Any 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz cordless house phones or WiFi APs near by that maybe causing interferences?  --No
    Any other WiFi routers in the area that maybe causing interferences? Link> Use InSSIDer to find out. How many? Use v3, its free.  --We live in a townehome neighborhood so my computer sees about 8 or 9 other wifi signals <This could be the source of your disconnections. What channels are the neighboring WiFi using? You'll need to adjust the router to a channel thats not being used, hopefully 1, 6 or 11.

    If you have any of these options, Try turning OFF or ON Short GI, WLAN Partition, Extra Wireless Protection and HT 20/40 Co-existence if you have it. Also testing with HT20/40Mhz Co-existence enabled will impact results as well. I prefer to use this option OFF. Recommended settings are default. Under Advanced/Advanced Wireless.  --Advanced settings should all be default as I set it up simply under the 'wizard'
[/quote]
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 05, 2015, 01:02:43 PM
I've changed the settings you suggested in your last post. I'll monitor it for a couple of days and see if the problem is still there. Thanks for the help so far.
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 05, 2015, 01:10:45 PM
Let us know how it goes...  ;)
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 05, 2015, 03:03:39 PM
With those changes made earlier in the day, it just dropped connection 3 times in the last 15 minutes. :/
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 05, 2015, 03:38:18 PM
What channel did u chg to?
Can u post a picture of the InSSIDer results please
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 05, 2015, 08:22:49 PM
Changed the channel to 11.

InSSIDer won't work.  I have OSx 10.6.8 and it says it's compatible starting with 10.8.
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 06, 2015, 10:57:43 AM
I'm leaning toward getting a new router.  It's cutting out all the time now.  And the 601 doesn't have great range in our house as it is.   :-\
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 06, 2015, 11:11:33 AM
One last thing to try:

I'm thinking that your surroundings are wifi congested and this model router can't handle it.

I recommend getting into a DIR-655, 636, 820L, 826L or if you can afford one, DIR-868L. I really like the 868L and has good power handling on the WiFi.
Please check the D-Link store for some some routers.
http://store.digitalriver.com/store/dlink/en_US/DisplayCategoryProductListPage/ThemeID.684500/categoryID.17936100 (http://store.digitalriver.com/store/dlink/en_US/DisplayCategoryProductListPage/ThemeID.684500/categoryID.17936100)
I see that nothing is listed. I'll find out why there isn't anything. There was some earlier this week.  :-\

If you need some help in finding a router, please ask questions. We hope we can help you find a good one.

Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 06, 2015, 11:28:06 AM
Recommendations for good range? If want capable coverage for 3 floors of a townehouse. Don't need huge abilities for gaming or tons of devices right now. Small family that streams online video and normal browsing. Thanks.
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 06, 2015, 11:45:13 AM
if you have 2-3 floors you may need the DIR-868L. If you can place the unit on the center or main floor, you should get good coverage thru out.
What is the sq footage of this place?
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 06, 2015, 12:00:10 PM
I think approx. 2000 sq. ft. Wasn't looking to spend quite that much. Right now I have our router placement on the main floor (basement below, bedrooms above).
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 06, 2015, 12:02:06 PM
What is your price point?
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 06, 2015, 12:07:20 PM
$70-$80 if I can get good coverage with that. I'd even go for a good solid middle of the road, up to date router that's less expensive... and then get something that boosts range. Don't know if that's an option... Right now, the 601 - until it stopped being reliable - worked well for our bandwidth needs but the Enders of the house were sketchy range-wise... And we don't have a huge house.
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 06, 2015, 12:11:10 PM
Well if you think you can get into a DIR-868L you could find one on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00C9VB318/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1433617359&sr=8-1&keywords=DIR-868L&condition=used (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00C9VB318/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1433617359&sr=8-1&keywords=DIR-868L&condition=used)

I did find the new D-Link store and some refurbs if your interested as well:
http://shop.us.dlink.com/store/shop-oulet/certified-refurbished.html (http://shop.us.dlink.com/store/shop-oulet/certified-refurbished.html)

Middle of the road could be the DIR-850L. IT would be on the cheap if you got a refurb. If you can stretch it, I recommend the DIR-868L though.  ;)
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: bradliff on June 06, 2015, 07:22:36 PM
What are the main differences between 850L and 868L?
Title: Re: Connection periodically dropping
Post by: FurryNutz on June 06, 2015, 08:25:19 PM
850L:
    Next Generation 11AC Wi-Fi:  Up to 300 + 867Mbps
    Simultaneous Dual Band:  Delivers faster Wi-Fi speeds and less interference for maximum throughput
    Your Personal Cloud:  Access your content – anywhere, anytime, on almost any device – with mydlink SharePort
    Gigabit Wired:  Delivers wired performance 10x faster than traditional Fast Ethernet
    Compatibility:  Works with existing and future Wi-Fi devices


868L:
    Next Generation 11AC Wi-Fi:  Up to 450 + 1300Mbps
    Simultaneous Dual Band:  Delivers faster Wi-Fi speeds and less interference for maximum throughput
    AC SmartBeam:  Provides stronger, clearer and faster Wi-Fi by locating and focusing bandwidth to your devices
    Your Personal Cloud:  Access your content – anywhere, anytime, on almost any device – with mydlink SharePort
    Gigabit Ethernet:  Delivers wired performance 10x faster than traditional Fast Ethernet
    USB 3.0:  Up to 10x faster than USB 2.0
    Compatibility:  Works with existing and future Wi-Fi devices