Well, it seems like a brick at least.
I noticed my internet connection seemed slow, and since I was lazy to go to the router to reboot, I logged into the admin console to click "reboot". While I was in there, I figured I'd check for software updates, and I noticed there was a new firmware. So I upgraded the router. It said I should save settings since they may be lost, so I did. I upgrade the firmware, SSID is back to dlink, open network, everything working OK. I go in, reload the settings, reboot the router, still OK. Connected to the internet, everything fine.
Couple of minutes later, I can't connect to the internet. I try to go into the admin console of the router, I can't get in. I *do* see my SSID listed (not generic 'dlink'), and when I try to connect, it says "local access only".
I rebooted the router by unplugging it and waiting a moment. No difference.
I tried pushing the reset button, no difference.
I tried holding reset down for a while, after 10 seconds or do, the lights flickered off then on. I noticed this reset the router and the SSID was back to 'dlink' with no security. But the problem persists, I can connect to the network, but it says "local access only". I cannot get to the admin console.
It's not my PC that is the problem, I don't think... I am sure everyone says this, but I do have a high technical level, I have an MCSE and was a network admin for some years... anyway, I have numerous devices, laptops, desktops, mobile WiFi phones and none of them will connect. One PC is wired, it also will not connect, same problem.
Are there any suggestions? I suppose I could hook up a USB cable and use the dlink software to try to... well, I dunno... what? Downgrade to an older firmware? Or should I just try to get dlink to RMA this thing? Or is there anything else I should try?
I am disappointed to say the least. I've had 2 x Netgear routers and 2 Linksys routers that have all failed after various lifespans over the past few years. I bit the bullet and paid $200 for this thing, figuring a "high end" router would be better. I ended up buying five of these, two for my work, one for home, one for my brother and one for sister. I am really hoping this is solvable because I expected DLink to be top of the line, but we shall see how this plays out.
And in case someone raised an eyebrow at the # of failures - me too. But I am not doing anything to kill these. They are sitting in my basement on a server rack - it's not hot, nor dusty, nor damp, and it's on a good surge supressor, so I have no idea why I can't get a router that works.