Router or modem to blame? - any advice please?

[Quacker]

Ok story to date, I have cable broadband with NTL (now Virgin Media) and have been using a Belkin Wireless Router for several years.

 

Occasionally, I have to "reset" the modem. Unplug fo a few minutes and reboot etc. - this cures the "problem"

 

Lately however, I have been having to do this more than ever. Several times per day at times.

 

I phoned VM - they did one of those magical tests down the line and apparently "refreshed" my modem, after I had turned it off and back on again. It worked of course, but it would have anyway. I was assured there'd be no more problems......

 

An hour late I contacted them again with the same issue. Same test done, but this time was asked what type of router I was using. I advised Belkin at which point VM cleverly deflected blame to Belkin, advising me to contact them.

 

Now before I do (Not even sure where to start or how to!), or go messing about with any settings that I know nothing about, can anyone offer any advice/assistance?

 

For example, the way I figure it is if the router is at fault, how does switching the modem on and off cure the problem - surely the router is broken?

 

I can see Belkin advising me it is the IS at fault and a nice little game of backwards and forwards going on.

 

Are there any tests I can do wth the router? - I can't even recall how I set it up! - any setings/channels I could amend?

 

Would I be better off replacing the router with a new/better one? - or even take a router from VM (approx £65) then at least the wehole lot will be compatible and their responsibility?

 

Any input gladly received.

 

Steve

[Quacker]

Edited to add;

 

It is an old Belkin F5D7231-4 on Firefox (if that's important).

 

I can't locate any installation instructions. etc.

 

Could changing the channel make any difference - at present it is on wireless channel 1 (choice of 13) - I mention this as the VM person garbled something about the channel, but was as cluesless as I to be honest!

[KenB]

Hi,

 

You could try changing the channel.

Sometimes cordless phones and other radio-type electronics interferes with the connection.

 

Try channel 7 or 11

 

It could be that the router is on the way out and the signal is not as good as it should be.

I recently replaced my router ( provided free by my ISP ) for a bought one.

Mine was dropping the connection regularly too.

[Quacker]

Thanks Ken!

 

I'll try that next time I lose the signal or whatever the terminology is. If that doesn't cure it, then I'll be back to discuss replacement modem options. It is interesting you mention radio-type interference as I am also a radio ham (as well as a gadget freak!) with about 20 or so transceivers in the room - often with several running at once in receive mode!

 

Might need to get into the habit of turning stuff off lol.

 

I'll report back.

 

Steve

[KenB]

I am also a radio ham.........with about 20 or so transceivers in the room

I suspect that this is your problem.

Experiment with the different channels to find one that doesn't conflict.

[Quacker]

Just confirming they are in receive mode only - not transmitting. Ok at 9PM I lost the wireless and reset modem and changed router channel to number 10. Will see what happens. Feel free to advise a choice of router to potentially run 3x Apple products, 2x desktop, 2x netbook, Internet radio, PS3 and a printer! - just to prepare me for any future purchase.

 

Steve

[KenB]

Let me know how you get on with the change of channel frequency.

 

You may need to try a few - try the extremes first.