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[mfollbaum]

I read the sticky related to firmware updates.  I have a DIR-655, that has been been giving me good service for quite a few years.  I subscribe to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy as I have managed to keep my home network and computers running over the years, but I'm not knowledgable in these matters.  I am still running firmware 1.10, and have not wanted to take a chance that if I upgraded I would find myself with numerous devices with no connectivity (running mix of Mac and PC desktops and laptops, XBox, Wii, Roku box, numerous iPhones and iPods, LG TV, and an iPad).

Recently I moved to the cable company phone, and they added a new modem.  They have it set as a gateway (I think that is the terminology), and my network works basically as it did before.  I have noticed though, that my Roku box, laptops, and skype on my Mac desktop seem to be having periods of slower download (Roku box), skype choppiness, and download that stop.  I was thinking that perhaps if I upgraded the firmware, my performance might improve.  After reading the sticky, it seems like firmware may not be the answer.  This is a reliable but older piece of equipment, and now I'm thinking that I just need to upgrade to a newer and perhaps more advanced router.

I would be very appreciative of any thoughts or comments on the idea of upgrading firmware as a resolution to the types of issues I described above.

Thank you.

[FurryNutz]

I would try some suggestions before updating FW:

hat Hardware version is your router? Look at sticker under router.
What Firmware version is currently loaded? Found on routers web page under status.

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.

Some things to try:
Ensure DNS IP addresses are being filled in under Setup/Internet/Manual? You can find these under Status/Device Info/Wan section.
Turn off ALL QoS (DIR only) GameFuel (DGL only and if ON.) options. Advanced/QoS or Gamefuel.
Turn off Advanced DNS Services if you have this option under Setup/Internet/Manual.
Turn on DNS Relay under Setup/Networking.
Setup DHCP reserved IP addresses for all devices on the router. Setup/Networking
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? Preferred security is WPA-Personal. WPA2/Auto TPIK and AES.
What wireless devices do you have connected?
Any cordless house phones?
Any other WiFi routers in the area? Use InSSIDer to find out.
Turn off Short GI, WLAN Partiton and Extra Wireless Protection if you have it. Under Advanced/Advanced Wireless.

Turn off all anti virus and firewall programs on PC while testing. 3rd party firewalls are not generally needed when using routers as they are effective on blocking malicious inbound traffic.
Turn off all devices accept for one wired PC while testing.