It does sound like the firmware or other internals had just got in a knot. A re-connection during daylight will probably be quite a bit faster. Then of course the IP Profile has to catch up - though if you are on ADSL2+ and one of the lucky ones (so far) that can be almost immediate on the BT side of things.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

It does sound like the firmware or other internals had just got in a knot. A re-connection during daylight will probably be quite a bit faster. Then of course the IP Profile has to catch up - though if you are on ADSL2+ and one of the lucky ones (so far) that can be almost immediate on the BT side of things.

Yup, I will do a reboot/resync nearer midday

Sadly no ADSL+2 here, my exchange in that regard seems like it is in the dark ages. No planned date for +2, no mention of FTTC and only a shortish while back got Talk Talk as an LLU supplier!!!

Hi

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

Actually in this sort of situation it is very often the quickest cure. Router firmware can get corrupted both in memory and the normal chip holding it. A power surge on the mains for example. A factory reset loads a backup copy into the normal chip.

You will possibly need to re-input the logon details afterwards. If you have tailored settings for ports and so on, easiest is to find the Backup menu entry and back up the config to disc. Then restore it after the reset. It isn't usually the config itself that is corrupted. That I expect would also preserve the logon details.

A factory reset does not reload the firmware, it simply clears and restores to default the configuration file(s) held in a bit non-volatile storage, so when it restarts all settings are restored back to factory settings.

It is also unlilkely the firmware has become corrupted while still allowing the box to mostly function but sometimes crash.

The usual cause of software reboots on these types of kit after they have worked well is they wear out. Usually the capacitors that condition the voltages dry up in the heat of the box so electrical noise increases and this causes various random problems. Yes increasing airflow and cooling might help make the box more stable once the problems occur however the damage has already been done.

Typically consumer grade routers used 24/7 last 12-24 months before they start to degrade. Symptoms include dropping the connection more often, lower sync speeds, failure to sync, random crashes and locking up, problems powering on (might take several goes) and all sorts of other flaky behaviour.

Regards

Phil

I hear what you say, and you seem to know a lot more on the technical side there than me, but there have been a huge number of cases on these forums where backing up the config file, (after the problems start), doing a factory reset, and restoring the backed up file has fixed exactly the symptoms the OP described.

So given what you say, I would genuinely like the explanation for that happening.

Edited by RobertoS (Sun 17-Jul-11 10:38:03)

To save your being eaten alive the rated power input is 22v

You might find this item of interest

http://community.plus.net/library/hardware/how-to-up...

Great added insight especially Phil.

I like to keep all my kit cool wherever possible such as my PC having fans that directly draw room air in over the hard drives

So with consumer grade routers we have a (potential) case of bulit in obsolescence because ot the manuafcaturers choice of materials at component level! Wonderfull ~ not

Right, based on the above and not wishing to go to the expense of "enterprise grade" kit are there any makes & models that one would deem "mid market" i.e. designed for 24/7 but with a longer life than consumer grade? If so what are they???

I do not mind paying for decent kit but like all folk want the sweetspot of right price for the right level tech and its expected 100% working lifespan

KIt that degrades due to the issues that Phil explains are not very good where such degradation can impact on the, in this case, ADSL service level achieved & maintained?

I would welcome any pointers and suggestions as to choices of new routers?

In reply to a post by nadger:

You might find this item of interest

http://community.plus.net/library/hardware/how-to-up...

Yes, an interesting read ~ mine has 7.4.4.7 firmware. Though as the saying goes if it ain't bust don't fix it :lol:

Oh and I do use a VPN to link to my offices system and so far that has worked AOK.

Edited by deleted (Sun 17-Jul-11 11:19:32)

One of the things the upgrade fixed was random disconnections.

Only PPTP VPN was affected.

You should try upgrading the fw.

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

One of the things the upgrade fixed was random disconnections.

Only PPTP VPN was affected.

You should try upgrading the fw.

So the most up to date for me bearing in mind I use a VPN PPTP setup and this has been working OK is the 8.2.6.5 ???