Can't browse yet game remains playable

Had this problem for a while. I appear to lose my net conection however when I log into my router I am still synced at the speed I originally connected at (which tends to be 2900-3100kbps). I receive a "page cannot be displayed" message within Firefox / IE and Outlook is unable to retrieve emails.

If I happen to be playing a game when I lose connection, the game remains perfectly playable and my ping remains low yet every other app that requires net access (browser, email, ftp etc) cannot connect.

Resetting the router fixes the problem (which I'm having to do 4-8 times a night). It looks like my connection is absolutely fine (the sync light is always on and I've never once seen it start flashing as if it were trying to re-sync).

My ping is a solid 40ms in Quake Live with 0 ploss so there doesn't appear to be a line quality problem.

I am using a D-Link DSL604T router (connected via cable NOT wirelessly). I have things like "Keep Alive" on.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Nathan

I'm with Zen on their 8mb service.

Thanks,

Nathan

When you get the problem, is there a dial tone on the phone?

First thing I would do is try another router.

If you can't browse etc it could be a DNS problem. I assume you are using the DNS settings automatically supplied by your ISP under DHCP - you could change to openDNS or Googles DNS.

There is a dial tone when I get the problem. I've tried multiple filters in case that was the problem. I've not tried another router if at all possible i'd like to leave that as a last resort as my funds are limited.

I'm not really sure what DNS settings really do? I've had a look in my routers config and DNS is set to "Use Auto Discovered DNS Servers Only". The Preferred DNS and Alternative DNS boxes are blank. Could this be something to do with it? Should I be entering something in these boxes?

Thanks for the replies so far

Can you get to the router login page when you lose connection? Stats during the loss of connection and after a reboot would be interesting. I don't suppose your router has any quality of service (qos) settings which could be dedicating the bandwidth to gaming instead of browsing?

In reply to a post by Anonymous:

There is a dial tone when I get the problem.

If you dial the "Quiet line" test, (17070 option 2), when it happens, first is there any noise on the line, and second does it cure it within a minute?

Will ring the number the next time it happens. To add one other point, if im in game when it happens, WoW for example, i can continue playing without any problems i just cant browse. However, if im not in game and it happens whilst im browsing WoW will not work. It only continues to work if im in the game when the connection dies.

Very odd!

Thanks for the replies.

50p says it ain't the line Bob. Most likely the router.

To the OP, do you know Argos has a splendid sale or return policy, buy try it and then take it back At least that way you'll rule out the router.

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

50p says it ain't the line Bob. Most likely the router.

I think I'd rather be sure of keeping my money.

Your buy'n'try seems a good idea.

Edited by RobertoS (Thu 30-Jun-11 22:02:11)

Last time I talked to Argos about their policy for electronic equipment, they said they wouldn't take it back once the packaging had been opened, unless there was a definite fault.
They seemed to have extended this policy recently to cover other things - in this case a piece of luggage (a trolley case), which they said they wouldn't take back once I'd taken it out of the packaging.

Best of luck in your future dealings with them.

CD/games one can understand, but on electronic goods and even the luggage example, trading standards would disagree I suspect.

e.g. you open xbox 360 and controller works for a week, and then fails, perfectly entitled to return complete package.

Luggage if it was to break on its first trip when no other significant abuse e.g. running it over then it could be said the goods were not fit for the purpose sold.

DNS as they suggested is the most likely issue, try specifying different DNS addresses on the PC, i.e. not the router IP, but actual ones from Zen or other publically available devices.

I added the primary and secondary DNS IPs but the problem remained. Going to bite the bullet a try a new router. Thanks for help / suggestions all

Nathan

they said they wouldn't take it back once the packaging had been opened, unless there was a definite fault.

How would you know the item was faulty unless it were removed from the packaging ?

How would they know if you tell them it doesn't gain sync ?

Whoever you spoke to is wrong,it is certainly not all electrical equipment.
Anything not included in the 30 day returns policy is clearly marked on the website and the catalogue.
Some routers are returnable some are not.

In reply to a post by hitachi:

Whoever you spoke to is wrong,it is certainly not all electrical equipment.
Anything not included in the 30 day returns policy is clearly marked on the website and the catalogue.
Some routers are returnable some are not.

Please note, I didn't say electrical equipment.
I agree that the returns policy is clearly stated - but, at the time of which I speak, there seemed to be some additional internal advice to staff as to how it should apply.
Caveat Emptor, as always.