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The Graveyard - Products No Longer Supported => Routers / COVR => DIR-601 => Topic started by: nullit on May 25, 2014, 05:30:17 PM

Title: Asking Too Much of the DIR-601
Post by: nullit on May 25, 2014, 05:30:17 PM

So, I'm on a 15/1 ADSL plan and using my good old DIR-601 router for my LAN. However, I've noticed for quite a while, a year or so, speed dropping periodically to only some 10% of nominal, or worse, - along with a number of other other weird behaviors (e.g. one PC able to link to a URL, another cannot).
 I've begun to suspect that I'm asking too much of the DIR-601. I've tried to take it out of the picture (linked with the ISP-provided modem only) for a few days. Service is then rock-solid steady at 15/1.
But when I put the old DIR-601 back on (h/w A1, f/w 1.04NA) the trouble resumes, and even when I replaced it for a new DIR-601, h/w B1, updated f/w to 2.01NA, the same erratic speed problem reoccurs. Also, after a reboot, and while operation seems nominal, the Internet LED may continue to glow orange
So I'm wondering if I am asking too much of this low-budget router. It now supports one desktop (Ethernet), often 3 laptops simultaneously (wireless), three cams (2x DCS-90L, 1x DCS-920) that may be viewed live (Java) by five client worldwide at any time, and which upload (FTP) images to my private cloud every 30 seconds.

Am I really asking too much of the DIR-601, - and what other D-Link router might be a better option ??

Thanks,

...


Title: Re: Asking Too Much of the DIR-601
Post by: FurryNutz on May 27, 2014, 10:41:35 AM
The 601 should work well for what you have. I've had mine on for a short time to test it out and have many devices online.

Maybe a configuration and or environment being an issue here:

FW Update Process (http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=42457.0)

Internet Service Provider and Modem Configurations

I recommend that you have your ISP check the cabling going to the ISP modem, check signal levels going to the ISP modem. For DSL or Fiber service lines, ensure that the ISP is using good working phone or cable lines to the DSL modem and that the phone lines are filtered correctly. For cable Internet, RG-6 coaxial cable is needed, not RG-59. Check for t.v. line splitters and remove them as they can introduce noise on the line and lower the signal going to the ISP modem. I recommend having the ISP service physically check the lines going from the out side to the ISP modem. Connecting to the ISP modem could result in a false positive as the signal to the modem could be just enough to that point then adding on a router, could see problems. The router operation is dependent upon getting good data flow from the ISP modem and the modem is dependent upon getting good signal from the ISP Service.

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.

Title: Re: Asking Too Much of the DIR-601
Post by: nullit on May 30, 2014, 07:56:10 PM

 
I'm now on a brand  new DIR-600L router, h/w Ax, f/w 1.14, and seeing the same erratic speed phenomenon. I have noticed, however, that the drop in down-and upload speeds occur when the cams are being viewed simultaneously for extended periods of time by multiple remote location PCs.
So, I do suspect either my modest 15/1 ADSL service is to blame, or that a low-budget router cannot handle this traffic. Interesting, though, that my download speed should be affected by the high upload demand on the cams.

Have reduced the cam count to one for the next little while. Will keep you posted !

Still, any recommendation as to a better router would be appreciated.

....
Title: Re: Asking Too Much of the DIR-601
Post by: FurryNutz on May 30, 2014, 08:01:17 PM
If you can answer some of the questions, we can get a better idea of the situation and offer you better feedback and suggestions...
Title: Re: Asking Too Much of the DIR-601
Post by: nullit on June 17, 2014, 07:53:26 PM

Ok, while I can't exclude one or both of my DIR-601 are defective (the newest w. h/w B1 acquired via Amazon.com 15 months ago as a so-called Factory Refurbished unit), I'm beginning to suspect problems with my exterior wiring. The phone line has been spiced twice underground in the last few years, and perhaps spring and fall temperature changes are ultimately to blame.
Could be a coincidence but the problem did go away after I reduced the number of cams that could be viewed simultaneously, but I've now had all cams back on for over a week, and my internet speed hasn't blinked once.

Meanwhile, here are replies to your questions, and do let me know if you see something fishy.

Q : Was a Factory Reset performed before and after any firmware updates then set up from scratch?

A : Can't say categorically for either of the DIR-601s, but I might try your process later to determine if the routers are defective which is what I suspect at this point. My new DIR-600L has performed fine since I reduced (temporarily) the cam count and also for a good week now with full cam and other LAN load. However, don't know if I have the patience to continue to troubleshoot once I've found a setup that seems to  work :-)

ISP Service is DSL, as indicated in my initial post.
ISP Modem is NetVito, 5300 series.
ISP Modem is bridged, viz. routers receive dynamic DNS from ISP.
Cable Modem to Router was CAT5, now "D-Link VERIFIED (UL) CAT5e", supplied with DIR-600L !!
ISP MTU requirements = router setting = 1492
Router connection set at "Always".
 
PARENTAL CONTROL = Off
Unicasting : Not sure, probably left at default = On, on both DIR-601s
DNS Relay = On
DHCP reservation IP addresses set for all non-visitor LAN devices.
All LAN devices set to obtain IP from routers.
IPv6 : Not sure, probably left at default = "Link-local only"
Firewall settings : Not sure, were probably left at defaults, TCP = Port And Address Restricted, UDP = Address Restricted.
UPnP and Multicast Streams = Enabled
WISH, and WPS : On a DIR-601 ??
WAN Port Speed : On a DIR-601 ??
Time Zone, Date and Time : NTP Server Used = ntp1.dlink.com
 
SSID name were changed.
802.11 Mode : Mixed n, g, b
Channel Width : Auto 20/40 MHz
Channel : Auto Channel Scan enabled
Security mode : Auto (WPA or WPA2)
2.4Ghz or 5Ghz cordless phones : Yes, within 10',  but  trouble same whether off, on, or in-use, and whether VTech.T2326 replaced for Uniden DECT1560 w. 1.9GHz band technology.
Other WiFi routers in area : Yes, three, but max. one bar on WinXP laptop.

Router placement : Within 3' of desktop but, as mentioned, new DIR-600L works fine from same location.


Cheers,

....
Title: Re: Asking Too Much of the DIR-601
Post by: FurryNutz on June 19, 2014, 12:45:48 PM
Ok, while I can't exclude one or both of my DIR-601 are defective (the newest w. h/w B1 acquired via Amazon.com 15 months ago as a so-called Factory Refurbished unit), I'm beginning to suspect problems with my exterior wiring. The phone line has been spiced twice underground in the last few years, and perhaps spring and fall temperature changes are ultimately to blame.
Could be a coincidence but the problem did go away after I reduced the number of cams that could be viewed simultaneously, but I've now had all cams back on for over a week, and my internet speed hasn't blinked once.

Meanwhile, here are replies to your questions, and do let me know if you see something fishy.

Q : Was a Factory Reset performed before and after any firmware updates then set up from scratch?

A : Can't say categorically for either of the DIR-601s, but I might try your process later to determine if the routers are defective which is what I suspect at this point. My new DIR-600L has performed fine since I reduced (temporarily) the cam count and also for a good week now with full cam and other LAN load. However, don't know if I have the patience to continue to troubleshoot once I've found a setup that seems to  work :-)
At some point, I'd factory reset, reload FW code using IE or FF, factory reset again then set up from scratch both 601s.

ISP Service is DSL, as indicated in my initial post.
ISP Modem is NetVito, 5300 series.
ISP Modem is bridged, viz. routers receive dynamic DNS from ISP.
Cable Modem to Router was CAT5, now "D-Link VERIFIED (UL) CAT5e", supplied with DIR-600L !!
ISP MTU requirements = router setting = 1492
Router connection set at "Always".
 I recommend upgrading to CAT6 with new cabling where you can. I tend not to give in box cabling much credence as sometimes I found defective cables the box.

PARENTAL CONTROL = Off
Unicasting : Not sure, probably left at default = On, on both DIR-601s
DNS Relay = On
DHCP reservation IP addresses set for all non-visitor LAN devices.
All LAN devices set to obtain IP from routers.
I recommend set a Reserved IP address for ALL permanent LAN devices ON the router instead of using Dynamic DHCP addressing.

IPv6 : Not sure, probably left at default = "Link-local only"
Firewall settings : Not sure, were probably left at defaults, TCP = Port And Address Restricted, UDP = Address Restricted.
Try using EndPoint Independent for this setting. Been known to help in some cases.

UPnP and Multicast Streams = Enabled
WISH, and WPS : On a DIR-601 ?? Yes, Wish might not be seen on the 601s.
WAN Port Speed : On a DIR-601 ?? Try setting 100Mb.

Time Zone, Date and Time : NTP Server Used = ntp1.dlink.com
 
SSID name were changed.
802.11 Mode : Mixed n, g, b
Change from mixed mode to single mode G or N. No need to broadcast modes that you don't need or use.

Channel Width : Auto 20/40 MHz
Channel : Auto Channel Scan enabled
Security mode : Auto (WPA or WPA2)
Try using WPA2 only. Test with AES only if all of your devices can support AES only, if not, use both.

2.4Ghz or 5Ghz cordless phones : Yes, within 10',  but  trouble same whether off, on, or in-use, and whether VTech.T2326 replaced for Uniden DECT1560 w. 1.9GHz band technology.
Other WiFi routers in area : Yes, three, but max. one bar on WinXP laptop.

Router placement : Within 3' of desktop but, as mentioned, new DIR-600L works fine from same location.


Glad you got the 600L working.