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[areoh]

I'm using the old school 1.02 on my 4500 A1.  I guess I'm just wondering if there's any benefits on going to 1.15 or higher.

For the most part, everything's working fine on our end.  However, I'd like to boost the wireless a bit and it's not clear if a firmware update will help.  From what I've read, there's some significant issues using the newer firmware - because of this, I've been holding back.

I have the following:

• Two PC's hooked via hardwire
• one media streamer hooked via hardwire (popcorn hour)
• one XBOX 360 hooked via hardwire
• one Wii connected via WiFi  (doesn't get much use)
• and one WD HDTV Live steaming device connected via a D-Link DWA-140 (hardwireing this is not an option)

My main concern is to boost the WD HDTV Live setup a bit if possible.  It will steam standard video and HD video files fine... but, I'll get intermittent connectivity drops from time to time.   Part of this issue is the distance from the device and the router, I'm sure... but, I'd like to know if updating the firmware could help.  Also, any other significant improvements over 1.02?

What would you do?  Would you try 1.15?  How about going past the firmware that's not downgrade-able?  Also, can you please post the FTP URL with all the old/new firmware files?

Thanks!

[FurryNutz]

http://forums.dlink.com/index.php?topic=9596.0

Read the forum link and make ur determination. FW v1.21NA on the web site is not stable. The beta builds of v1.21 are however wireless is still having issues. I recommend staying where your at until they post another beta or do another public release. I would keep looking at the forums to keep up to date on FW builds.

[HankRiker]

I'm using the old school 1.02 on my 4500 A1.  I guess I'm just wondering if there's any benefits on going to 1.15 or higher.

For the most part, everything's working fine on our end.  However, I'd like to boost the wireless a bit and it's not clear if a firmware update will help.  From what I've read, there's some significant issues using the newer firmware - because of this, I've been holding back.

My main concern is to boost the WD HDTV Live setup a bit if possible.  It will steam standard video and HD video files fine... but, I'll get intermittent connectivity drops from time to time.   Part of this issue is the distance from the device and the router, I'm sure... but, I'd like to know if updating the firmware could help.  Also, any other significant improvements over 1.02?

I have asked that very question, and the answer for me is no. I think that 1.02 is the most solid firmware for this router. I don't have any of the issues I've read about in the newer versions. I also have the WD TV Live. I have three 7db antennas on the DGL-4500 and am using an Apple Airport Express to provide the connection through the Ethernet port. Try attaching a USB drive with the video that you're having an issue with, as I've noticed that some videos perform badly with the WD TV Live, but they seem to be the exception rather than the norm.

There are a few updates in the firmware, Shareport is one, there is a DNS fix in the codebase, they added a CAPTCHA option, and did come clean-up edits to the GUI. Overall? Not really anything compelling, really. Especially in light of all of the reported issues.

Hope this helps,
Hank

[DJ2004]

Hello!

Thanks for all Your help on this forum, just bought a used 4500 with 1.02 soft on it and was thinking about updating it. After reading several threads on this topic I decided to keep this firmware version until a really good version comes out (if it will ever happen).

All the best!!

[FurryNutz]

  Good Idea.

[Puffnstuff]

1.02 was the most reliable fw version that I've used on my dgl-4500 a1.  I've got 1.16 on my a2 and I refuse to trash it be going to the 1.2x junk.

[areoh]

VERY helpful, folks!  Thanks!  Especially the info from Hank!  I think I'll stay put with 1.02 for now until something better comes around (but, I've been saying that for or a year. )

Hank, do you mind if I pick your brain a bit more?

The HDTV plays video fine locally - the issue just seems to be losing connectivity every-so-often.  To the point of needing to rejoin the network before I can continue using the device.  I've moved the router slightly and that has provided a small boost.  But, I have a feeling interference and distance from the device to the 4500 will continue to be an issue.  Because of this, I tried to move over to 5GHz, but the DWA-140 doesn't support 5Ghz.  Doh, that's one option I didn't conciser when getting the WDTV's wifi adapter.

Since I need to keep my current hardware in it's static condition, I'm curious if upgrading the antennas would help.  Can you recommend any?  I've got my eye on the D-Link addons here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2%2050001015%2040000342&Manufactory=1015&SubCategory=342&SpeTabStoreType=1

Thanks!

[HankRiker]

VERY helpful, folks!  Thanks!  Especially the info from Hank!  I think I'll stay put with 1.02 for now until something better comes around (but, I've been saying that for or a year. )

Hank, do you mind if I pick your brain a bit more?

Not at all.

The HDTV plays video fine locally - the issue just seems to be losing connectivity every-so-often.  To the point of needing to rejoin the network before I can continue using the device.  I've moved the router slightly and that has provided a small boost.  But, I have a feeling interference and distance from the device to the 4500 will continue to be an issue.  Because of this, I tried to move over to 5GHz, but the DWA-140 doesn't support 5Ghz.  Doh, that's one option I didn't conciser when getting the WDTV's wifi adapter.

Since I need to keep my current hardware in it's static condition, I'm curious if upgrading the antennas would help.  Can you recommend any?  I've got my eye on the D-Link addons here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2%2050001015%2040000342&Manufactory=1015&SubCategory=342&SpeTabStoreType=1

Actually, the first D-Link 7dBi Antennas are what I am currently using. At least for me, they seem to make quite a bit of difference. I can actually use my iPod Touch in the basement, while the Router is on the 3rd floor.

I'm currently using 802.11n in the 2.4GHz band, with WPA2 Only PSK mode. I had issues with the 5GHz band, which might be an issue with the Antennas as they only claim 2.4GHz support.

I'm looking at a much larger Dual band Omni Antenna for a new house, but it's pretty expensive, so I can't recommend it before trying it out myself.

Hope that helps,
Hank

[areoh]

I've ordered one of those D-Link antennas from Newegg.

Here's another questions that's slightly off topic:  what's a good tool to help measure wireless connection status?  I've tried http://www.netstumbler.com/ and that will do the job... but, I also notice it's quite dated.  Is there any other free (or otherwise) tools you would recommend to help adjust the placement of the antenna once it arrives?

[HankRiker]

I've ordered one of those D-Link antennas from Newegg.

Here's another questions that's slightly off topic: what's a good tool to help measure wireless connection status?  I've tried www.netstumbler.com and that will do the job... but, I also notice it's quite dated.  Is there any other free (or otherwise) tools you would recommend to help adjust the placement of the antenna once it arrives?

One? Oh. I have three, one on each antenna connector. With only one, I think I'd suggest using it on the end furthest from the power plug. I believe that is one of the 2.4GHz connections, but I'm not certain.

For testing, there is AirMagnet AirMedic www.airmagnet.com, but that's $1,000. I use an 2nd Gen iPodTouch and several of the free and pay speed testing programs. But as long as you have a notebook, and it still runs, NetStumbler is a solid choice.

As far as placement, walls are often bad, especially some metal walls, and some brick/stone. RF noisy equipment can also be an issue. Mainly trial and error, unless you want to shell out for your own tools or a site survey.

Hope this helps,
Hank

[areoh]

I've received the ANT-0700 and it has boosted my signal by 20%.  Nice.

Question that you all may be able to answer:  In case I start fiddling with 5GHz again, is it to my understanding that the ANT doesn't support 5GHz?  I just don't see it advertised on spec sheets so I'm wondering if it makes a difference.

The original 4500 antennas have 2.4/5GHz marked on them.

[HankRiker]

I've received the ANT-0700 and it has boosted my signal by 20%.  Nice.

Keen. Is that enough for you to be able to stream properly to your TV?

Question that you all may be able to answer:  In case I start fiddling with 5GHz again, is it to my understanding that the ANT doesn't support 5GHz?  I just don't see it advertised on spec sheets so I'm wondering if it makes a difference.

The original 4500 antennas have 2.4/5GHz marked on them.

Yeah, I saw that too, sadly only after I had ordered three of them. Although, I'm getting clear enough signal reception now that it doesn't really bother me. I too was looking into the 5GHz back before I picked up the new antennas. Now? Not so much. I can stream HD video from the 4500 to the TV downstairs, and can get decent reception for the iPod Touch anywhere inside or around the house.

I can connect at 5GHz, but it doesn't feel as solid. I have not had the time or the inclination to try to determine if it's the antennas or if it's the inherent difference in the way the 5GHz signal bounces / penetrates / doesn't penetrate in comparison to the 2.4GHz signal.

We're moving to a new house on a larger plot of land, so I've been looking at this: (10dBi)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833980008

Although this 3com unit actually mentions dual frequency support: (6/8dBi)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833998024

[areoh]

Keen. Is that enough for you to be able to stream properly to your TV?

I haven't had a lot of time to test but so far, so good.  Have only streamed SD content but even so, I've not had any disconnection issues as of yet.  Crossing fingers.

Yeah, I wasn't paying much attention when I placed the order for the ANT either.  I was assuming it didn't matter what frequency you where pushing.  Let us know how you make out on the other antenna(s).