Failing Wireless Modem/Router?

Note to moderators, please move if this should be in a different forum (hardware?)

I have a Belkin Pre-N wireless modem/router - model F5D8630. It is few years old now.

Recently downloads in progress on one PC have been failing after almost exactly eleven minutes so thay need re-starting (I use a download manager so re-starts are not an issue per se).  That PC uses a TPLink TPLWN821N to connect to the wireless network

On another PC the wireless link drops regularly. That machine is connected by a Belkin F5D8010.

My question do you have any troubleshooting tips to determine where the problem lies in the network? My suspiscions are that the modem/router may be failing but how do I determine that? I know that a replacement modem/router isn't too expensive but if I don't want to buy one if that isn't the source of the problem.

As usual, thanks in advance.

I can't really help with this but one thought is have you checked with your ISP in case the problem is theirs.

It could also be a fault on the line that provides the service.

I think there can be many causes for network problems and hopefully the experts here will be able to give you some hints on what you can try.
Sorry I couldn't help.

Joan Archer
http://crossstitcher.webs.com/

Thanks for the input, JoanA. I have 'jumped through the ISPs hoops' and am as certain as I can be that the problem lies with my hardware.

OK. Managed to lay hands on a different wireless modem/router. So far (two hours) the network has been flawless and a monster (test) download is still running with no restarts.

So the 'finger of suspiscion' definitely pointing at the old modem/router. Replacement candidates are the Netgear DGN2000 and the Belkin N+.

Comments/recommendations/alternatives to consider appreciated.

Maybe I should think about changing my log-in name to "Becoming less confused"

Well the 'finger of suspiscion' was right. As I wasn't too familiar with the second modem/router I couldn't work out how to apply security to the device so I reverted back to the trusty, long serving Belkin. But on re-connection it simply refused to work.

So as a very temporary and unsecured solution, the borrowed modem is now back in service (unsecured) and the replacement will be here tomorrow.

I plumped for the Netgear DGN200.

That's great.  Nice solution to your problem.   It's tough to diagnose when hardware partially works.  Replacing possible defective pieces of hardware with know working devices is the way to go after it.

Well done.   Consider yourself "Unconfused"  

Best Regards,
Manny Carvalho
MS-MVP Windows 

Your donation to this site is greatly appreciated!

Glad to see you managed to sort out the problem, as Manny stated you are now losing your Confused status  

Joan Archer
http://crossstitcher.webs.com/

Well the Netgear DGN2000 arrived the day after I ordered it and, just my luck, it was DOA. I have installed dozens of Netgear devices and this is the first time I have had one of these.

So still running on the borrowed modem/router but have now applied security so those of you who may have been planning to steal some of my bandwidth by parking outside my house.......

PS. Re my user name, I chose 'Confused' as a joke - I have worked in IT since it was called DP

I looked on the web for reports on the Netgear DNG2000 and it seems that I am not the only one to have had problems. Seems like there may be a quality control issue. Shame, as I have been a fan of Netgear equipment for some time.

My now dead modem/router was a Belkin Pre N which was about five or maybe more years old so it had paid its way. I decided to go Belkin again after the DOA Netgear and settled on the Belkin F5D8635. Slightly more expensive than the Netgear but if it lasts as long as my previous Belkin then I won't be too unhappy.

Obviously I may have been unlucky with the DGN2000 but if anyone else is looking for a new wireless modem/router I hope this might help them.

DP, Data Processing.  Yes, I remember those days!  That was a long time ago!  ;)

Patty MacDuffie
Computer Haven Admin 

Live Long and Prosper
Mr. Spock