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[Songbird]

I'm new at this forum and not sure if I'm posting on the right board. 

A few days ago I got a D-Link (dir-501) router.  The technician configured it.  It's the first time I'm using one and know very little about it.

Initially for some days the connection was good.  However since the last couple of days it's giving trouble. It keeps connecting and disconnecting every few minutes.  Goes on this way for more than 30 minutes or 1 hour before it becomes steady.   Can any guidelines be given to resolve this issue please?  Not sure if it has anything to do with the weather which has been cloudy and sultry these past 2 days. 

[FurryNutz]

Link>Welcome!

• What Hardware version is your router? Look at sticker under router.
• Link>What Firmware version is currently loaded? Found on the routers web page under status.
• What region are you located?
• Are you wired or wireless connected to the router?

What mode is the 501 working in? Router, AP or Repeater?

Internet Service Provider and Modem Configurations

• What ISP Service do you have? Cable or DSL?
• What ISP Modem Mfr. and model # do you have?
• Is ISP Modem/Service using Dynamic or Static WAN IP addressing?
• What ISP Modem service link speeds UP and Down do you have?

Wireless Configurations
Links>Wireless Installation Considerations and Managing Signal Congestion and Good Neighbour Policy

• Ensure the default (dlink) SSID name is changed. Can be anything and not something that's already in use by any neighboring WiFi routers. Under Setup/Wireless/Manual.
• What wireless modes are you using?
• 2.4Ghz Routers only: Try single mode G or N or mixed G and N?
• Channel Width set for Auto 20/40Mhz or try 20Mhz only.
• Try setting a manual Channel to a open or unused channel. 1, 6 or 11. 11 for single mode N if the channel is clear. 13 for EU regions.
• What security mode are you using? Preferred security is WPA-Personal. WPA2/AES Only. Some WiFi adapters don't support AES, so you might want to try TPIK only or Auto TPIK and AES.
• What wireless devices do you have connected?
• Any 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz cordless house phones or WiFi APs near by?
• Any other WiFi routers in the area? Link> Use InSSIDer to find out. How many?
• If you have any of these options, Try turning OFF or ON Short GI, WLAN Partition, Extra Wireless Protection and HT 20/40 Co-existence if you have it. Also testing with HT20/40Mhz Co-existence enabled will impact results as well. I prefer to use this option OFF. Recommended settings are default. Under Advanced/Advanced Wireless.

[Songbird]

I'm a total non-pro in the field of technology and many of these queries are too technical for me to understand .. or simply put, I wouldn't know the answers.  However, the facts that I do know are as follows:

-  Router h/w ver.  A1 F/W ver:1.00

- I'm using DSL service.

-  501 is connected to the modem and modem is connected to 501 router.  Modem is working fine.

-  ISP modem ..  Comtrend CT-5072T

-  Default SSID has been changed.

-  Security type  WPA2-PSK

-  InSSIDer shows several other similar wireless connections in the area apparently.

I was advised to unplug the AC adapter and reboot.  Haven't tried that yet.

However, what did make a difference today was that the blue wire connecting the router with modem was winded and tied with a twist-tie.  When I opened that up and spread the wire between the router & modem, the connection stopped fluctuating.  I'm not sure is this was just a coincidence or had something to do with it.

Also, not sure of the answers to various other questions asked.

[FurryNutz]

What region are you located?

See if the fluctuation subsides after unwinding the LAN cable, usually that shouldn't matter however it might. I recommend getting into CAT6 Lan cabling as it has better shielding abilities.

How many other WiFi neighbors do you have near by? Having others near by can also effect WiFi operation due to interferences.
Links>Wireless Installation Considerations and Managing Signal Congestion and Good Neighbour Policy

• What wireless modes are you using?
• Try setting a manual Channel to a open or unused channel. 1, 6 or 11. 11 for single mode N if the channel is clear. 13 for EU regions.

[Songbird]

I'm located in Canada.  InSSIDer shows at least 15 or 16 other wifi neighbours. 

I don't know what CAT6 Lan cabling means.  If you're referring to connecting it with my computer, the network card of my laptop isn't working.  So I don't have that option. 


One more information required.  Can you please mention step-wise how to change the Network key or passphrase in the setup page?  I was told that each time the network key is changed, all wireless devices will have to be reconnected to the SSID with the new password.  I don't know what that means and how to go about with it.  The only devices associated with my computer are the router and modem.

[FurryNutz]

Ok, check to see if any of the following channels are not being used or maybe one might be using then, 1, 6 or 11? Having many other WiFi routers on the same channel will cause problem.

Log into the router at 192.168.0.1 in a web browser and go to Setup/Wireless. Set the following WiFi security mode, WPA2 and Auto TPIK and AES. There will be a section to type in a Password. Type in something that you can remember and don't give it out to un-trusted users. If you use this process, the key or password will not change and you won't have to re-type in a new PW or make changes.

[Songbird]

Ok, check to see if any of the following channels are not being used or maybe one might be using then, 1, 6 or 11? Having many other WiFi routers on the same channel will cause problem.

How can I check the channel numbers?  

Btw, unwinding the blue wire didn't resolve the issue.  It was fine for some time and then I again got thrown out and couldn't connect for more than an hour as the the connection kept coming & dropping.

Log into the router at 192.168.0.1 in a web browser and go to Setup/Wireless. Set the following WiFi security mode, WPA2 and Auto TPIK and AES. There will be a section to type in a Password. Type in something that you can remember and don't give it out to un-trusted users. If you use this process, the key or password will not change and you won't have to re-type in a new PW or make changes.

Thank you.  

[Songbird]

Actually I don't have the free InSSIDer utility software installed in my computer.  I learned about this software just now.  Earlier when I mentioned that there are several neighbours using wifi, I saw that by clicking on the router icon in the taskbar.  I thought this is what InSSIDer meant.  Like I said I'm thoroughly un-technical.  Since I'm residing in an apartment building, obviously there would be many wifi users nearby.  The disturbances in connection is apparently because of radio interference.  So I guess I would need to install this software, find the crowded channels and then learn to change to a less crowded channel, right?

[FurryNutz]

Yes...

You need to find a clear and open channel, preferred is 1, 6 or 11.

You can also try this:

• Try setting Medium or Low power output settings and test again Under Advanced/Advanced Wireless.

[Songbird]

Thanks.

[FurryNutz]

Let us know how it goes...

[Songbird]

Okay ....