Keep losing internet access, but wifi network remains connected. Fixes?

Feb 18th, 2015 12:53 pm

#1

SwiZz [OP]: Deal Fanatic; Nov 1, 2003; 6343 posts; 317 upvotes; Toronto

Feb 18th, 2015 12:53 pm

Keep losing internet access, but wifi network remains connected. Fixes?

Hi,

I've found that at least 2-3 times a week, even though my devices are connected with a strong signal to my wifi network, I can't get internet access.

My fix has been to simply unplug the rogers modem, unplug my Asus RT-N66U router, wait about 30 seconds, plug them back in, and then everything works fine.

Is there some type of a timer/expiry setting in either the rogers modem or router that would be causing this? Any thoughts on a fix?

Thanks in advance

Feb 18th, 2015 12:55 pm

#2

Traian2003: Deal Addict; Jan 6, 2004; 4221 posts; 790 upvotes; T.O.

Feb 18th, 2015 12:55 pm

I would restart each one individually. Figure out which one is at fault. Depending on that, if it's the modem, it may need to be replaced/exchanged back to Rogers. If it's the router, I would upgrade the firmware or install DD-WRT, and see if that helps.

Heatware: Link
HowardForums: Link

Feb 18th, 2015 1:50 pm

#3

torseller07: Deal Addict; Nov 25, 2007; 2832 posts; 84 upvotes

Feb 18th, 2015 1:50 pm

I'm guessing it's the router. RT-N66U is a solid router but the firmware are hit-or-miss. Go check out firmware feedback on smallnetbuilder before flashing.

My other guess is the cable itself. Maybe you need a signal boost from Rogers.

Feb 18th, 2015 2:46 pm

#4

Menace: Deal Fanatic; Jun 8, 2003; 8616 posts; 971 upvotes; Scarborough

Feb 18th, 2015 2:46 pm

Did you install custom firmware on your router? Factory reset is needed with the latest Merlin firmware.

Feb 18th, 2015 4:00 pm

#5

SwiZz [OP]: Deal Fanatic; Nov 1, 2003; 6343 posts; 317 upvotes; Toronto

Feb 18th, 2015 4:00 pm

Menace wrote: ↑Did you install custom firmware on your router? Factory reset is needed with the latest Merlin firmware.

No custom firmware. I haven't updated any firmware ever since I opened it out of the box about 2 months ago.

@ everyone else, thanks. I'll try your suggestions.

Feb 18th, 2015 4:30 pm

#6

audit13: Deal Expert; Feb 24, 2003; 20136 posts; 7699 upvotes; Toronto

Feb 18th, 2015 4:30 pm

Maybe there are power fluctuations that is causing the issue? Try connecting the modem and router to a battery backup.

Feb 18th, 2015 4:45 pm

#7

SwiZz [OP]: Deal Fanatic; Nov 1, 2003; 6343 posts; 317 upvotes; Toronto

Feb 18th, 2015 4:45 pm

audit13 wrote: ↑Maybe there are power fluctuations that is causing the issue? Try connecting the modem and router to a battery backup.

Not an actual power issue. Sorry maybe my thread title was misleading, updated it.

Feb 18th, 2015 4:59 pm

#8

wserib: Member; May 21, 2014; 418 posts; 59 upvotes; Toronto, ON

Feb 18th, 2015 4:59 pm

SwiZz wrote: ↑Hi,

I've found that at least 2-3 times a week, even though my devices are connected with a strong signal to my wifi network, I can't get internet access.

My fix has been to simply unplug the rogers modem, unplug my Asus RT-N66U router, wait about 30 seconds, plug them back in, and then everything works fine.

Is there some type of a timer/expiry setting in either the rogers modem or router that would be causing this? Any thoughts on a fix?

Thanks in advance

Its transient wifi interference from neighbors. Too many networks around

Feb 18th, 2015 5:11 pm

#9

SwiZz [OP]: Deal Fanatic; Nov 1, 2003; 6343 posts; 317 upvotes; Toronto

Feb 18th, 2015 5:11 pm

wserib wrote: ↑Its transient wifi interference from neighbors. Too many networks around

I do live in a condo. But it's not like my wifi is getting disconnected or anything. My phones, tablets, etc. are all staying connected to my home wifi network. It's just the actual internet connectivity seems to drop out.

Feb 18th, 2015 5:15 pm

#10

Phils: Deal Fanatic; Sep 29, 2005; 6568 posts; 1685 upvotes; Montreal

Feb 18th, 2015 5:15 pm

I had a similar issue a while back. Turned out to be an intermittent cable issue. I changed the cable from my modem to the router and it hasn't reappeared since.

Phils

Feb 18th, 2015 5:46 pm

#11

wserib: Member; May 21, 2014; 418 posts; 59 upvotes; Toronto, ON

Feb 18th, 2015 5:46 pm

SwiZz wrote: ↑I do live in a condo. But it's not like my wifi is getting disconnected or anything. My phones, tablets, etc. are all staying connected to my home wifi network. It's just the actual internet connectivity seems to drop out.

Ya thats what i meant by transient interferrence. too many different competing wifi signals and devices in a tight area like a condo building. it will cause blips for brief amount of time. But you will never see it based on the signal bars.

You need a stronger modem/router combo. Or have important devices hardwired.

Feb 18th, 2015 6:24 pm

#12

AzureD: Deal Addict; Jul 13, 2008; 1775 posts; 274 upvotes

Feb 18th, 2015 6:24 pm

SwiZz wrote: ↑I do live in a condo. But it's not like my wifi is getting disconnected or anything. My phones, tablets, etc. are all staying connected to my home wifi network. It's just the actual internet connectivity seems to drop out.

download Inssider http://www.inssider.com/ and see if there are tons of nodes on the same chanel as yours

Feb 18th, 2015 7:36 pm

#13

Phils: Deal Fanatic; Sep 29, 2005; 6568 posts; 1685 upvotes; Montreal

Feb 18th, 2015 7:36 pm

It's very unlikely that your problem comes from interference from the condo building if your devices stay connected. Your internet itself is wired. Right? Do you lose internet connectivity on a PC connected by wired ethernet to the router?

Phils