Hub/router: Best brand?

[Jeeper]

I have a Linksys router/hub (wired). Not sure it's the problem, but
sometimes it can't "see" my other computers on my network. Also will loose
my ISP settings and have to reconfigure. Is this a Linksys problem or
should I look elsewhere?

 

[Grant]

I have a Linksys router/hub (wired). Not sure it's the problem, but
sometimes it can't "see" my other computers on my network. Also will loose
my ISP settings and have to reconfigure. Is this a Linksys problem or
should I look elsewhere?

I have a Linksys BEFSR81, and it works wonderfully. Try contacting linksys'
technical support if you are having problems.
http://www.linksys.com/support/default.asp

From my experience, they have really good technical support, and should be able
to help you figure out any problems you have.

 

[Dave]

I have a Linksys BEFSX41 and it runs GREAT. Linksys is a subsidiary of
Cisco systems who have awesome routers and switches! You may have a problem
with your individual router. Try their tech support.

 

[Jeeper]

Thanks for all your replies!
As I mentioned, I'm not sure it's my router (BEFSR41), but things are
behaving strangely.... which is not uncommon in the computer world. I've
heard only a few negative comments about Linksys so it's probably something
else judging by the responses. Something is unstable and I guess I'll just
have to track it down. I was hoping is was something obvious. What's odd
is that it shows a connection, but can't log on to the internet or get email
as well as it can't "see" my other computers. If I plug in my DSL modem
directly to this computer, it automatically reconfigures it and when I
reconnect (through the router) as it was before, all goes back to normal.
Thanks again!

Marty

 

[I'm Dan]

As I mentioned, I'm not sure it's my router (BEFSR41), but things are
behaving strangely.... which is not uncommon in the computer world. I've
heard only a few negative comments about Linksys so it's probably something
else judging by the responses. Something is unstable and I guess I'll just
have to track it down. I was hoping is was something obvious. What's odd
is that it shows a connection, but can't log on to the internet or get email
as well as it can't "see" my other computers. If I plug in my DSL modem
directly to this computer, it automatically reconfigures it and when I
reconnect (through the router) as it was before, all goes back to normal.

I have a number of BEFSR41's in different locations -- all have been running
fine, some for almost 4 years now. Yet some people have had legitimate
problems, so it wouldn't be unheard of for yours to go bad. You need to do
more troubleshooting, though.

Bear in mind that when you talk about "seeing" other computers on the LAN,
you're usually referring to the browsemaster, a feature of Windows, not of
the router or hub. The Linksys can be working fine, but if Windows has a
browsemaster problem, computers may not show up in "Network Neighborhood".
To troubleshoot this, use winipcfg or ipconfig (depending on Win version) to
see if each machine is getting a proper IP address, not something in the
169.xxx.xxx.xxx range. If you're using the Linksys as a DHCP server, make
sure there's not another DHCP server somewhere. If you're getting a valid
IP address, check whether you can ping each machine from the others using
the IP address. If you can, then see if you can map a network drive from a
command prompt (e.g., "net use N: \\othermachine\sharename"). If you can,
then your network is working and it sounds like a Windows browsemaster
problem. Beware any firewalls running on various machines while you're
doing these tests.

The internet problem may be trouble finding the gateway IP or DNS servers.
Again with winipcfg or ipconfig, see if each machine is picking up valid
gateway (probably 192.168.1.1) and DNS IP addresses. You mention DSL, so
don't forget to also check for PPPoE login problems.

These are just a few suggestions. For more focused advice, you may want to
repost in the .network_web or .work_remotely newsgroups.

 

[Locoweed]

If you have long cables, you can experience this sort of problem, especially
if the cable is a inexpensive one.

 

[Jeeper]

Dan,
Thanks for your advice. Unfortunatley, this problem is sporatic. All can
be fine for a week or 2 and then it hiccups. Now that I have more info, I
can track it when it goes "south" again.
Marty

 

[Jeeper]

Thanks for your input.

I did wonder about that, but some people dismissed it. But I do have 1
cable that is quite long... maybe 15ft. (CAT 5).
I've tried switching cables to my other computers but got the same results
on the other shorter cables. Kind of a random problem. I'm considering
going to a wireless setup if this problem pursists without any resolve.
Marty

 

[Rob Schneider]

15 feet is not long.

Going wireless won't resolve this unless it is soemthign wrong with the
wire, the wire connectors, or the LAN Network Inteface Cards.

As mentioned by others ... consult with Linksys. Probably a fault with
the particular box or with Windows "browsing" (as reported by others).

My Linksys works no problems that I'm aware of.

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Check of firmware updates. Firmware is the software that controls top
router and Linksys updates the software periodically. You will have to
check their web site and download the newer version. They also give the
directions on how to install it.

Y.

 

[Steve C. Ray]

I am using the Linksys with cable runs of over 100 feet with no problems.