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Resolved Question

May need a new router. What do you recommend?

May 15, 2019 7:32PM PDT

I may need to replace the router in my home. I run my laptop, tablet, printer, home security cameras, Google Home, and cell phone on wi-fi. My desktop computer is hard wired, plugged into the router. It is a small home so I don't want / need anything real expensive. Under $100 I am thinking. What router would best fit my needs?

My present router is a Belkin AC1800 that has woked fine for several years. Today, my wireless network is down and no longer showing up on any of my devices or computers. The only place I can even see my router is on my tablet. It says my network is not in range. I am inside the house. Lately I have noticed that once in awhile calls will drop when I am home.

Could my router be bad?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

Post was last edited on May 15, 2019 8:01 PM PDT

Discussion is locked

fmitchelltx01 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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Can you get to the router control panel?
May 17, 2019 11:57PM PDT

After you've followed Bob's advice, can your Ethernet wired Desktop get to your router's control panel? If so, go there and check the router's WiFi settings, in case some glitch has turned of the transceiver. We had a situation here Australia), similar to yours, WiFi dead but wired ports working. Turned out that NBN/Telstra (!#$@#!!) had been doing scheduled maintenance and had managed to turn off all the radios in Telstra's provided modem/router (Technicolor). Worrying that they can do that remotely but that's another issue.

If you decide the router is dead, don't forget to check your Belkin warranty. I used to use their networking kit and had an Access point power supply fail after about 4 years. The manual for the AP said it had a lifetime warranty. I contacted Belkin and they shipped a complete replacement (upgraded AP and PU) free of charge. I don't know if they still do that.

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Bought a new router
May 20, 2019 9:59PM PDT

I ended up buying a new router. I am okay now it looks like. Thanks for all of your help

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Answer
Before you replace.
May 15, 2019 9:44PM PDT

Be sure to update its firmware then do a factory reset, set it up and be sure the channels are appropriate for your country.

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Answer
try a power cycle
May 16, 2019 1:25AM PDT

pull the power from modem and router. unplug the power cable for a 20 count. do not use on/off switch. plug in the modem and wait for it to cycle on. once it is completely on, plug in the router.

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Could my router be bad?
May 16, 2019 10:28AM PDT

I have unplugged it waited about a minute and plugged it back in. I still have no wireless connection showing up on any of my devices. I have done this many times with no result. My wireless connections are not even showing up on any of my devices any longer. They were fine yesterday morning but are not today.

Does this sound like my router is bad?

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I'd complete the steps I noted as well.
May 16, 2019 12:07PM PDT

I've lost track how many times a firmware update and factory reset has brought back a "bad" router.

Let me be clear. Right now your router is bad. There is no question about that. But how bad is it? Only by doing these last two things can we be sure.