Router looses internet access every few days, factory reset fixes problem, how to fix permanently?

[BarthelloSylph]

I have a Linksys WRT54G router, firmware 4.21.1. Every few days (sometimes every day) my router stops being able to access the internet (i.e. any device trying to get internet through the router cannot connect). The only way to fix it is by resetting the router to factory defaults. This corrects the problem, but then I have to set up the wireless settings again. Then, a day later, it stops working again.

Anyone seen this before? Do I need to replace the router? Is there something else I can do?

[Binkie]

Try putting dd-wrt or tomato on it if you have one of the compatible versions your router:

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index

http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato

[xerodok]

What ISP do you have?

[BarthelloSylph]

I live at UNC, so I'm on the campus's network. The router is registered on the network, and is actually whitelisted so that it'll never get isolated in case of viruses. But that didn't work.

[BarthelloSylph]

I hunted around the DD-WRT website, and got to this page:

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database (after plugging in my router name/type)

But I'm not sure what version to download, or what I'll gain by installing this.

[Ohemgee]

Basically its a custom firmware that does routing better than what your model comes with.

Like you can have a piece of shit $30 router and add custom firmware on it to make it run like a $300 router.

[BarthelloSylph]

OK, so maybe I'll spend some more time tomorrow figuring it out and installing it.

Given my description of the problem, is it likely that its a hardware problem? i.e. should I replace the router? (Guess the easy answer is that I should try the custom firmware first).

[Knightmare]

Just a random question for you, what color is the light for the cisco systems logo?

[-Zer0-]

I actually used to have the same problem with that router through Cox in Arizona. It got annoying having to reset it every so often. I was able to resolve the issue by setting up a static IP address and port-forwarding everything in Colorado through Comcast, but I wasn't staying there for long. When its wifi function stopped working, I went and bought the D-Link DGL-4500, thinking it was the router, but had the same issue with Cox. It needed to be replaced anyway.

Now I'm in California and I have the same internet-dropping issues with the DGL through Comcast. Haven't bothered trying to find a solution to it yet since I've been busy, but this custom firmware looks like a good idea.

[Mafai]

Once your on http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database and type in WRT54G you need to look at your revision.

You can find your revision by looking at the bottom of your router around the serial number, you should see something like "V???" that number is your revision (Some simply say revision: ???)

Once you have your revision click the revision you have and it will have a recommended download (pray your not revision 7 because its not supported). There should also be a wiki link with how to install it on your router.

Couple things to keep in mind, your routers broken and your considering replacing it... why not try this? Worst case scenario you break your router and replace it anyway.

[Deadgye]

Have you tried placing it in a position that keeps the internet access tight?

[Saroyan]

I have 2 Linksys WRT54G routers and have been using DD-WRT firmware on one of them for over 2 years, and recently flashed the other one as well. They definitely seem to be more stable and reliable with the DD-WRT firmware and it adds a TON more functionality.

I almost never have to power cycle my routers because of lost internet connection any more, that used to be a monthly ritual with the factory firmware. I'm also able to use one of them connected directly to the cable modem in the basement and have the other set up as a wireless bridge upstairs. Linksys wants you to buy a different product to have the wireless bridge option, they just lock out that capability in the standard firmware, DD-WRT lets you turn it on. You can also increase your transmission strength far beyond what the factory firmware will let you do.

In short, DD-WRT is great and its worth a shot.

[BarthelloSylph]

Just a random question for you, what color is the light for the cisco systems logo?

Yellow now (it's working) but sometimes white. Why?

[BarthelloSylph]

Have you tried placing it in a position that keeps the internet access tight?

Not sure what you mean by "tight"... can you explain further? Thanks.

[Deadgye]

I felt it needed to be said since nobody grammar nazi'd you yet.

[Binkie]

I felt it needed to be said since nobody grammar nazi'd you yet.

Took me a bit to get that. durp

[BarthelloSylph]

Well done, just noticed it.

[Dmitry]

I hunted around the DD-WRT website, and got to this page:

http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/support/router-database (after plugging in my router name/type)

But I'm not sure what version to download, or what I'll gain by installing this.

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php...s_a.2Fb.2Fg.29 is probably the page you'll want.

If you try to flash, make sure you read the instructions a few times til you know what you're doing. I tried flashing my old router and bricked it, but I was trying to follow along with the "peacock announcement" like is on this page here. When I went back and tried again yesterday, I followed the much simpler instructions found on this page and it went through without a hitch.

Basically it just gives your router better software and settings, which if the firmware was the issue it will resolve or if it keeps happening you could probably say it is a hardware problem.

As a side note, have you tried different cables from the modem to the router?