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General discussion

My internet connection keeps going up and down

Aug 24, 2007 4:11AM PDT

I've been having trouble for the past several weeks where my internet connection keeps going up and down. I will be working and all of a sudden can't get to the next website. It is becomming to be a bit of an annoyance for me.

Everytime I call Roadrunner they say there isn't a problem. Unlike in the past when I have the problem where my internet connection is lost, I just reset the network and it will be fine. But this happens several times an hour and will fix itself without me having to reset the network.

Does this sound like a problem with my router or more like a problem with Roadrunner?

I'm using a Linksys router, I can get the model number if needed. And my internet provider is Roadrunner.


I've been using Roadrunner for years, while they have their problems I do like their service, but if this is the type problems I'm going to be having a may have to switch.


If anyone has suggestions or ideas that would be great.... I think I will try connect directly to the cable modem when I can to see if it holds the connection better. For about an hour or so now I haven't had any problems, but all morning it will go up and down several times an hour.


Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Did you try
Aug 24, 2007 4:16AM PDT

updating the firmware in the Linksys router

Broadcast SSID
Use WPA Personal Security

Don't use anything else.


Rick

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No, I have not tried that
Aug 24, 2007 4:46AM PDT

I've never updated the firmware for it. I can try that though, didn't think of it.

Thanks

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Broadcast SSID? Hmmmmm. . .
Aug 24, 2007 9:31PM PDT

When you broadcast the SSID it tells the world you're out there. Not good. Yes, broadcast the SSID when setting up the wireless connection so the wireless PC can find it. Set it up, then turn SSID off. The PC will still connect but you're not letting everyone know you're there.

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This is why we use WPA today.
Aug 25, 2007 1:14AM PDT

Your advise of not broadcasting SSID has a big downside. There are too many laptops and devices that suffer limited connectivity with it disabled. If you are willing to supply a fix for this that would be great.

So here's what we find works-> Broadcast the SSID and turn on WPA.

Bob

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Nope. . .
Aug 25, 2007 5:18AM PDT

When I or you turn on a laptop (or desktop with a wireless NIC) it searches for wireless networks. SSID broadcasts show up. That's fine for most people. On my network at home I have it turned off. Reason being is that with SSID turned on everyone can see me. I can see at least five neighbors. If I were so inclined I could try to hack into them. But after I set up a laptop for my system by turning SSID on so the laptop can find it, I turn SSID off.

My brother came to visit and wanted to go on line with his laptop. I said go for it. After a few minutes he told me my network was not working. I said sure it is. I turned on SSID, he found it, I gave him the WPA key, he logged on, I turned SSID off. He still logs on and so do I with my laptops.

SSID is a big flag telling the world, "HERE I AM!"

Limited connectivity? Yep, that's the plan. The unwanted desktop or laptop cannot find a valid signal. Fine by me, it keeps hackers out of my system.

Make sense?

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Yup. Failed implementation.
Aug 25, 2007 5:26AM PDT
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When I open my
Aug 25, 2007 7:13AM PDT

Intel ProSet wireless, I have it look for wireless connections. It finds all the connections in the neighborhood, It might say SSID not broadcast but I can still see that it's there. So what is the purpose to hide the SSID if I can still see the connection?


Rick