Posted on 04/21/2017 12:25:26 PM PDT by PROCON
I bought and hooked-up a Linksys E-1200 wifi router ($30) 2 1/2 years ago and everything worked fine.
I only needed it for my home ASUS laptop but since have added a wireless printer, Wii U gaming system and Sling TV with ROKU stick, all which work off the router.
Lately I'll just all of a sudden lose wifi signal. I reboot the router and it'll work fine again but the outages are happening more frequently.
Is it time for a new router?
I don't want to spend a ton of money. Should I buy a new $30 Linksys router and just expect 2 1/2 years of use?
Thanks for your help.
Is it overheating? Is it sitting near a heat source, like a lamp or sunlight?.....................
This Linksys router from Newegg has been around awhile. Has over 4,000 reviews.
I had the E-1000 which worked well for several years then started behaving like yours. After 6 months of that it died. I suggest you start looking for a new router.
The router sits by itself on a shelf away from a heat source.
Step 1: Get a WiFi Analyzer app loaded on portable device and see if the router is putting out a continuous signal.
I’ve had good luck with TP-Link Archer stuff, especially with DD-WRT firmware installed.
BTW - you could also try playing with channel/band settings on the router. Something (neighbor’s microwave, for example) could be interfering with a given channel sporadically.
Turn off all the stuff you have added and see if still drops out.
I would say replace it if it still drops out.
Before you toss, check your wifi channels. It is possible that others have moved into the area and have configured their wifi to overlap with yours.
Recommend get the “fing” app for your phone and look for the least busy wifi channel. Switch your router to that new channel and reconnect your devices.
Might solve your problem, might not. But it is a cheap investigation.
Think about sources of interference that may have come into the area. Microwave ovens are often cited as the culprits as they operate in the same band as the main WiFi band. Somebody buy a cheap one at a garage sale?
Also, you want to check and see what’s really going on with your signal. A cool app for Android devices is “WiFi Analyzer”. It will show you the strength of your signal and if it is, indeed, dropping out. It will also show you if there are other hot spots near you using your same channel (other sources of interference). I’d look there first.
If not, inexpensive routers are easily found. Sometimes as low as $19, shipped. I like Netgear myself...
I assume that the power source is a Wall-Wart style transformer that supplies either AC or DC to the unit. Does it get warm?.....................
...move it closer to a strong light source.....this way you’ll have a reason to buy the new router...*smiles*
Thanks Chuck, a good recommendation.
For later.
My E1200 has over two years on it. Runs an iphone and a Chromecast.
Transmit power has been beefed up with newer routers.
According to a Google search, that router only operates on the 2.4 GHz band which is subject to interference from cordless phones and other devices. 5.2 GHz capable routers avoid that traffic jam and offer higher bandwidth.
Often, neighbors will unwittingly step on each others’ signal because they leave the default settings in place.
If you have any ability to edit the router’s settings you can specify the channel the router uses and/or take it off the automatic setting. Try different channels (eg 8) and see if it helps.
HA, I knew you’d be here to offer your “opinion” :-)
Believe it or not, there are still some of us who don’t own a smart or android phone.
You’re welcome.
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