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General discussion

a DIFFERENT Linksys problem

Mar 12, 2005 6:04PM PST

I am having issues with connectivity through my Linksys BEFW11S4 router, and the router seems to be fine. Specifically almost any standalone software client I run that connects to a remote server disconnects frequently, after a few minutes. Downloads tend to freeze in the middle. My instant messenger software has trouble staying online, and it disconnects and reconnects me every time I send a message. Web pages take ridiculously long times to load.

When I connect my computer directly to the cable modem, all of these problems go away. This points to a router issue, you would think, right? I have upgraded my firmware, with no effect. I have replaced the cat 5 cable that runs from the cable modem to the linksys router with no effect. Just today I borrowed a friend's IDENTICAL Linksys BEFW11S4 that is confirmed to be in working condition. There was a slightly noticeable improvement, but I'm still getting all the same problems. I also upgraded his firmware as well. Most recently, I've tried having my router clone my computer's mac address, but that doesn't help either.

My question is: Is there some kind of setting in the router management screen that I can/should change? Could this be a comcast problem in some way? I'm very frustrated that I can only use my internet service when my roomate is not home, if anyone has any ideas I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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SInce 2 units fail.
Mar 12, 2005 11:26PM PST

You want to exchange it for another model or make if Linksys doesn't offer a fix. I haven't seen this issue so I have no cure.

Bob

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Maybe its an IP conflict
Mar 13, 2005 2:48AM PST

I quote:
'I'm very frustrated that I can only use my internet service when my roomate is not home,'

What happened if you use it alone.. and what happened if both of you using it...

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It doesn't work through the router no matter who is using it
Mar 13, 2005 6:39AM PST

What I meant by that was- when my roomate is away, I can unplug from the router and plug my computer directly into the cable modem. We both have the same problems through the router whether or not the other person is using it.

So the consensus seems to be I just need a different brand, or at least model, of router? That would basically mean I'd have to buy an entire new one, because this router is a hand me down from a friend who no longer needs it. I'm very poor, so if there's any other possible solution, I'll try it. Happy Thanks!

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in addition
Mar 13, 2005 6:43AM PST

one more thing: the original router was a hand me down from my brother, who also uses comcast cable internet, and has the same model cable modem as me, but he had no trouble at all, so I don't think it's a conflict between the router and the modem. Thanks.

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change MTU.
Mar 13, 2005 7:15AM PST

Have you try to change the MTU (to 1400) in the router?

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what is an MTU?
Mar 16, 2005 5:08PM PST

what is an MTU?

It seems to help when I put my computer in the DMZ temporarily. I guess I have some kind of port issue?