All wireless devices lose internet connection

Sam_A · ‎11-03-2010

I've been a U-verse customer for nearly a year, and this problem just cropped up a couple of weeks ago. All Mac computers, one connected by Ethernet to the RG and the rest of the devices are wireless. The hardwired computer has no issues, but every wireless device loses internet but remains connected to the RG. Sometimes turning wireless off/on on the device results in a temporary fix. Other times a reboot of the RG results in a temp fix, but nothing works permanently.

I have changed channels on the RG. AT&T has changed channels on the RG. They have also disabled Wifi Protected Setup in the RG. All computers are up to date with current software. AT&T replaced the RG with a new one a few days ago. This is maddening with all wireless devices losing internet but remaining connected to the RG, whose signal is solid throughout the house. The problems are on computers, phones, ipads, and every other wireless device. I have turned off wireless on all devices except for 2 to see if that would correct the problem, and it had no effect. TV seems to work ok, as well as the landline phone.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Excellent post here by SomeJoe about wireless interference:

http://forums.att.com/t5/High-Speed-Internet-Access/How-to-Minimize-Wireless-Interference/m-p/230300...

I've been in your shoes, and had to get another router (Airport) to use for Wireless. A neighbor moved away (think the source was a baby monitor), and now my WAP in the UV RG works again.

I had 3 RGs, updated drivers on the wireless card...nothing worked.

You may have to resort to using another router for your WAP.

Sam_A · ‎11-03-2010

The RG has given our home really solid coverage...better than any other wireless I've ever used, so I hate to think I have to turn it off and hook up another router that doesn't reach as well. I wonder if going back to cable would make more sense.

This morning has been really bad with wireless disconnects. On my Macbook Pro it loses the IP address, so I think that's where part of the problem is. Why it's losing it I don't know. I restarted the RG and the laptop came back online. I'm pretty computer savvy but not when it comes to networks. A service call is scheduled this evening so maybe they will be able to nail down the problem. In the mean time I've disconnected our cordless landline phones which didn't help, so I can rule out interference from that. The microwave oven isn't used very much so it's not that. No baby monitors here either. Nothing has changed in our home that would interfere with the RG. No new electronics, etc.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

That's the problem, it could be something outside your home, out of your control.

We don't have a baby monitor, but I think the next door neighbor did; when they moved away, our UV WAP returned.

No need to get an expensive Airport for wireless, but you know that.

Have you tried MAC filtering in the RG for all wireless computers?

All wireless computers have the same security settings (WEP, WPA, WPA2)?

Sam_A · ‎11-03-2010

I've not tried MAC filtering. I understand how it works and maybe I should consider it if it will stop outside interference, if that's what's causing the trouble. As far as I know all the computers have the same security settings, but doesn't the security come from the RG? It's the default WPA.

So a tech came out last night, checked the line for noise (didn't find any), scratched his head and said he didn't know how to fix it. He said he was going to do his homework and would get back to me if he found anything. Another tech from AT&T called me and said they're going to see what they can find, blah blah. They really want to fix it, but admit they don't know how.

In the mean time I disabled WIFI on the RG and hooked up an Engenius ECB9500 router which seems to be working ok, but with less range than the RG.

Quite frankly, I'm considering going back to cable for my internet needs. This is really getting annoying.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

The RG has security, but what I meant is to make sure your wireless computers are using the SAME encryption type. Also, check to see if computers are set for b, g, or bg.

On your new WAP, is there a setting to increase the Signal Strength?

(like the Power Setting on the UV RG

http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=C_2_1 )

MAC filtering can be done on this page:

http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=C_2_1a

And you found a Wireless channel that is less used than the previous one?

bsdsmb · ‎09-29-2008

Treadmill's are notorious offenders. Is there an exercise freak in your house? Lol.

If you are such the Apple fan, I would recommend you grab a new Airport Extreme or Airport Express base station and use it for your wireless. You can disable the wireless in the RG, and rely on the Apple device to provide you wireless coverage. If you get one of the new ones that supports 802.11n as well as if your Mac gear is relatively new - your speed and coverage area should be even better than the 2wire RG. 802.11n is much faster and covers larger distance than 802.11g.

Sam_A · ‎11-03-2010

I took your advice, turned off wifi in the RG, added an Engenius ECB9500 as an access point and all is well. No more dropped wifi. The AT&T RG was obviously causing the problems since they have not surfaced again.

So here's the gripe: There have been NO wifi problems in the 11 months I've had U-verse. Suddenly the RG that I was sold-on is useless for wifi and I'm forced to buy more hardware in order to stay online. Although it's working perfectly, I can't help but feel I'm getting screwed. Multiple calls to AT&T and two service calls with techs scratching their heads without knowing how to fix their crappy product have left me pretty annoyed. I can only wonder how many other people are experiencing the same issues.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

I can't explain it either as I've been in your situation.

Back to using the UV RG WAP now, but if something else in the 'hood pops up with interference beyond my control, I know I can go back to the Air Port.

Sam_A · ‎11-03-2010

I've use Airport routers for a few years but went with the Engenius because of its 3 antennas which give me better coverage than my Airport Extreme does.

Now I'm awaiting delivery of a Luxul system to beam my wifi across the street to my studio (about 400ft). Ever do anything like that?

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

I only went with the Air Port because the son was using a Mac, LOL! If I had it to do over again, I'd go with something less expensive. Also, wanted the office printer to be shared wirelessly, but some software functions would not work using Air Port. Printer works wirelessly now without problems on our network just using direct USB to the main computer.

Nope, you are way beyond my expertise with your proposed setup!

Computer-Joe · ‎09-19-2008

Sam_A wrote:
I've use Airport routers for a few years but went with the Engenius because of its 3 antennas which give me better coverage than my Airport Extreme does.

Now I'm awaiting delivery of a Luxul system to beam my wifi across the street to my studio (about 400ft). Ever do anything like that?

Should be able to do it with the basic gear you already own and a couple of high gain antennas.

http://www.premiertek.net/cat/networking-antenna-acc.htm

__________________________________________________________
How can you be in two places at once, when your not anywhere at all?
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I really want to become a procrastinator, but I keep putting it off.
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There are three kinds of people, those that can count, and those that can't.

Sam_A · ‎11-03-2010

Only if the devices have an external antenna port, which many, including Airport, do not. And those that do, like the Engenius, have multiple antennas. Some routers can be configured to use only one antenna which can then be replaced with an external directional antenna. For those with 3 antennas you'd need 3 directional antenna replacements which in my case is impractical not to mention expensive.

The Luxul unit arrived yesterday afternoon and my first test shows the signal across the street and 2 doors down has doubled and appears to be rock solid. Once I get it in properly installed and the antenna placed outside and correctly aimed, it should smoke.

Computer-Joe · ‎09-19-2008

Sam_A wrote:
Only if the devices have an external antenna port, which many, including Airport, do not. And those that do, like the Engenius, have multiple antennas. Some routers can be configured to use only one antenna which can then be replaced with an external directional antenna. For those with 3 antennas you'd need 3 directional antenna replacements which in my case is impractical not to mention expensive.

The Luxul unit arrived yesterday afternoon and my first test shows the signal across the street and 2 doors down has doubled and appears to be rock solid. Once I get it in properly installed and the antenna placed outside and correctly aimed, it should smoke.

Just because it has three antennas does not mean that it needs all three of them to be high gain. It would depend, as you said, with it's configuration. Some routers use one for transmit and the other two for receive (or the other way around). Some use one for "N" and two for "A/B/G". Some use them for different frequencies (2.4GHz or 5GHz). So you could probably get away with a high gain on the transmit antenna on your Engenius and a high gain on your client adapter across the street.

Just food for thought seeings how it looks like your good to go. What did the Luxul setup run ya, It looks like it would be rather expensive.

__________________________________________________________
How can you be in two places at once, when your not anywhere at all?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I really want to become a procrastinator, but I keep putting it off.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are three kinds of people, those that can count, and those that can't.

Sam_A · ‎11-03-2010

The techs at Engenius said I'd need to replace all 3 antennas. I tried various configurations with a single directional antenna and didn't get anywhere.

I picked up a used Luxul PWK1-24-FC2 on ebay for $229. It's mounted near the window in my garage with the antenna pointing out the window toward the other house. I might bridge another one over there pointing back at this one, but right now it's working really well. My U-verse speed is 12mbs (fastest available here) and I can get anywhere from 8-11.5mbs 400ft away across the street.

trichardlin · ‎02-06-2011

I was reading this thread due to similar problems we experienced recently. I'm fairly versed in simple network setup (been using computer since 87), and have messed with small network for the last several years. I've tried everything, your usual changing channel, power settings, etc. Nothing worked. Also, our house is some distance away from neighbors, and nothing changed in the house. Other household appliances, such as microwave, are far away.

Everyone talked about interference, etc, but why no one talked about the fact that the RG might become defective? When my wireless is down, the wireless light on my RG is not even on. Isn't it possible that RG is the problem? Haven't talked to ATT tech support yet. Frankly, if I can just go out and get a wireless router and fix the problem, I would rather do that than spending time with tech support.

RCSMG · ‎12-10-2007

The way I resolved the drop in my wireless connection was unplug the RG for 30 seconds and reconnect it. After that everything was fine. It could be that your RG is going bad. It could be that my RG is going bad, but that is what I did.

trichardlin · ‎02-06-2011

I've tried unplugging power, changing channels, and all kinds of other stuff. Finally gave up, deactivated the RG's wireless, bought a Linksys router and used the Linksys as an access point. No problems ever since.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Sometimes that's the only option, and it works.

bag2100 · ‎05-31-2011

I am a new AT&T U-Verse customer and so far I have had a bad experience with the internet. First box was bad (not sure what model) it was looked very outdated and huge!!!........Tech comes out and replaced with the 2Wire 3801HGV. Look like a good router, worked for a few days and now the wireless keeps dropping out and the only way I can get it back on is to restart it. Very annoying!!.......Wired part works great run at 11.5 to 12mb all the time. Hate dealing with there techs seem to know nothing. Anyone have any idea whats wrong? I have read into this thread and we recently have an addition to our family that requires the use of baby monitors......would that really interfere?.......Also, I use to have my own router when I used another carrier. It is a Netgear N600 WNDR3700 router the tech said it would interfere with there router if I used it, I find this hard to believe. Would it be better to just turn the wireless off on the 2Wire and use my Netgear N?

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

I can't prove it was a baby monitor, but after the next door neighbors (on my office/RG's side) moved away, the UV RGs WAP worked again. Anything is possible, I suppose.

Have you checked to make sure the channel is not set to Auto?

You may need to try another channel, one that is being less-used in your 'hood.
http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=C_2_1

On that same page link, make sure Wi-Fi Protected Setup is DISABLED. Be sure to hit Save.

Try downloading inSSIDer and see where your neighbors are, and take a look at your signal strength.

http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider/

I see no reason why the Netgear would cause a problem with the UV RG as long as you DISABLE the UV RGs WAP. But that may be what the tech was thinking, if you tried running a WAP from both routers.

If swapping channels doesn't work, give your Netgear a try and see what happens.

bag2100 · ‎05-31-2011

Thanks seems to be working so far!!, cros my fingers. Just curious what does disabling the Wi-Fi Protected Set-up do?? I will still keep an eye out to see how it works.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Some people reported it as being a problem in setting up a connection.

So you're using your *n* router?

jamiedolan · ‎04-25-2011

RCSMG wrote:
The way I resolved the drop in my wireless connection was unplug the RG for 30 seconds and reconnect it. After that everything was fine. It could be that your RG is going bad. It could be that my RG is going bad, but that is what I did.

Have you had this problem again after you posted this? Do you still have the same RG or did you find out it was the problem and replace it?

Thanks
Jamie

jamiedolan · ‎04-25-2011

spd2demun wrote:
I can't prove it was a baby monitor, but after the next door neighbors (on my office/RG's side) moved away, the UV RGs WAP worked again. Anything is possible, I suppose.

The closest people that might have a baby monitor are 1/2 a block away (500 feet +/-).

I don't have any cordless phones, I don't think my closest neighbors do because they use cell phones, but I'm not positive they don't have cordless phones.

Jamie

bag2100 · ‎05-31-2011

I am not using my "N" router. Changed the settings and so far so good. We will see how it works out. Thanks for the help.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

OK, just wanted to see what was working for you; good luck!

bag2100 wrote:

I am not using my "N" router. Changed the settings and so far so good. We will see how it works out. Thanks for the help.

spd2demun · ‎07-28-2007

Can be interference from any number of devices/sources.

Take a look a post #2 in this thread, and check out that link for more info.

edit to add link to post

jamiedolan wrote:

spd2demun wrote:

I can't prove it was a baby monitor, but after the next door neighbors (on my office/RG's side) moved away, the UV RGs WAP worked again. Anything is possible, I suppose.

The closest people that might have a baby monitor are 1/2 a block away (500 feet +/-).

I don't have any cordless phones, I don't think my closest neighbors do because they use cell phones, but I'm not positive they don't have cordless phones.

Jamie