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[bookie56]

Hi folks

Come for a bit of a ***** at D-link!
Situation:
I had a customer the other day who needed help installing with his router after coming back off his holiday and no internet connection. He tried all the usual before contacting me, so I took a router with me.
I didn't have a new one I could sell him, but he could borrow my test one until a new one was available.....

As it turned out the old one was a DIR-615 and my test one was the same...even same hardware D3 and firmware  4.00 as his old one....he was up and running in ten minutes tops...

I showed him how to set up the router and he said he would have a go when he had had the time to buy a new one...

Two days later I get a call...can't it working....so I went to see what had happened....nothing wrong with the computer or router....just that the computer couldn't see it.. I eventually got it working, but it stopped as soon as it had started....

I tried everything and in the end reconnected the test one and all was well with the world again!

The DIR-615 he had bought had the newer hardware H1 and Firmware 8.00..I checked at D-link...they haven't got as far as adding that on the website yet....?!

The strange thing is when I got home I tested it on my system and no problems...so something in the new hardware and firmware doesn't play ball with his computer...Acer Aspire 3020.

Now my winge is this....I can appreciate that D-link want to improve hardware and firmware, but doesn't that mean it isn't phsyically the same model if most of the guts have been changed?

OK! I returned the router and bought a new one....just to make sure...nada his computer wouldn't connect to a model that he has had for several years because d-link saw fit to change everything....?!

I bought a DIR-635 at the same time in case of problems and installed that one without problems.....had the old hardware B.....

Can someone explain  to me what the changes were from D hardware to H and firmware 4 to 8?

My customer is happy now but this escapade has cost him more than it should have....and it doesn't do my reputation any good either...

Sorry, for *****ing....just a bit narked at the mo...

bookie56

[FurryNutz]

Is it possible that the problem was between the ISP modem and the Router? Or at the ISP modem? How about cables between router and devices?

When the ISP modems go down, most everyone always assumes its the router? Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. You have to do a bit more trouble shooting to make sure the ISP cables/phone likes are in good working order up to the ISP Modem. Then make sure the ISP modems is working correctly as well. Check the ISP Modem logs for any disconnections. You said you took the 1st router back to your place and it worked so this tells me that there could be an issue at your customers place.

What ISP Service do you have? Cable or DSL?
What ISP Modem do you have? Stand Alone or built in router?
What ISP Modem make and model do you have?
If this modem has a built in router, it's best to bridge the modem. Having 2 routers on the same line can cause connection problems.

Ensure DNS IP addresses are being filled in under Setup/Internet/Manual?
Turn off QoS options.
Turn off Advanced DNS Services if you have this option.
Turn on DNS Relay under Setup/Networking.
Setup DHCP reserved IP addresses for all devices on the router.
Ensure devices are set to auto obtain an IP address.
Set Firewall settings to Endpoint Independent for TCP and UDP.

What wireless modes are you using?
Try single mode G or mixed G and N?
What security mode are you using? WEP, WPA or WPA2? Preferred is WPA2. Auto TPIK and AES.
What wireless devices do you have connected?
Any cordless house phones?
Any other WiFi routers in the area?

Turn off all anti virus and firewall programs on PC while testing.
Turn off all devices accept for one wired PC while testing.

Check cable between Modem and Router and devices, swap out to be sure. Cat6 or 5e recommended.

[bookie56]

Hi FurryNutz 

I see what you are saying.....wow!

OK! somethings I haven't checked because the customer doesn't want to pay....During the whole of this episode the things that were constant....the power supply, the network cables and the positioning of router.... The router stood exactly to the left of the computer and this aplied to the old router, my test router, and the new one. I used the same setup for each and that is WPA2. Auto TPIK and AES.

The rest was pretty much as you have stated and I agree that there must be something with his computer that is the problem, BUT it is just strange that a DIR-635 worked without problem and my test one was found without problem...I swapped them several times to test this and the same thing occured...the H1 hardware and 8.00 Firmware wouldn't be seen buy his computer....

In an ideal situation I would love to have tested everything listed in your post...but the customer sees the bill going up and gets worried...LOL.

I never changed any basic settings on any of the routers....

I do appreciate your comments!!

Thanks for taking the time to reply...

bookie56

[FurryNutz]

I would do some testing with his PC at your place and all the routers involved including testing of your router(s). It's possible that the MAC address on his PC is not working well with the DLink routers. Had some people say this before. I would put in a new NIC on his PC and test it out with the 1st router as well.

[bookie56]

Hi agin!
Now that is an interesting idea...I will put it to the customer and see what he says...I would certainly like to know one way or another.....hate unfinished business

Thanks so much for your time and info!

bookie56

[FurryNutz]

Keep us posted on what happends.

[bookie56]

Hi again!
Just a quick updtate...my customer is happy with things as they are and doesn't want to worry about what caused the problem...
Thanks anyway!

bookie56

[FurryNutz]

Good to hear man. At least it's working. Remember this in future for reference in case you run into something like this again. 

[bookie56]

Hi again!
Appreciate your help and will remember......I hope

bookie56