I recently purchased a D-Link model DI-524 802.11(G) wireless router, based on a recommendation from a trusted friend. Besides the fact that the range of the thing, at least in my house, is lousy, I have run into a problem I can’t figure out.
If I leave the router on (and it is connected to my SBC DSL modem) 24X7, I will have to pull the plug and restart it at least once a day… typically if it hasn’t been used for a while.
This usually happens when I get home from work and notice that my wife’s computer can’t see the Internet. I walk into the room where the router is, unplug the power supply, count to 5, and plug it back in and everything is working again. If it’s a weekend day my laptop, which is sitting literally two inches away from the router, behaves the same way and I end of restarting the router and that then fixes the problem.
BTW, I NEVER have to reset the DSL modem to fix this problem.
First thing to try would be a firmware (software) update. You can find these at the D-link web site, and they are very easy to install. I had a very similar problem with a Linksys router that my uncle had.
Three other family members spent HOURS trying to troubleshoot the problem. I had it fixed in about 20 minutes </boast>
I don’t have this issue since I have a cable modem, but as I understand it, some DSL providers “time out” the connection when not used for a while (or recycle the IP address periodically). The PPPoE client software on your computer knows how to handle this but the router may need poking.
Take a look at the “Autoreconnect” setting under the PPPoE tab in the web setup, as mentioned in this FAQ from D-Link.
This is a very common problem. Sometimes a firmware upgrade, as suggested by butler1850 is the fix. However, usually the problem is ‘non-intended use’. The bulk of todays consumer routers & modems are only suited for web browsing, email and the occasional ftp. Users on the other hand engage in online gaming, file sharing, and other heavy load activities. The result is, depending on the model:
router freezes and must be restarted
browsing and email stops working
everything is working, but way slower than is to be expected
I have a list of routers that work well under heavy load, however, I cannot link to the original due to the site’s questionable content
I can’t see the OP’s router on the list, but the list contains some other working D-link routers.
