Topic: No Broadband

[Clive]

Several times during the past few days I have failed to get a BB connection despite all the router lights claiming that all is well. It affects all computers and all browsers.  If I pull out the router plug for a minute or so (just switching off  is not good enough) then my connection is restored.  I'm using the Netgear router.   

[Rik]

Two possibilities, Clive. A stale session, where BT thinks you are connected but you're not, and a fritzed router. Have you got a spare you can try?

[Clive]

I haven't but this router is still under warranty.  What sort of track record do these routers have? 

[Clive]

What is a stale session?  The problem only occurs after startup.  Usually both router and computer are booted up at the same time but I then leave the router on until bedtime.  Today I had turned the computer off for a few hours while I was out. 

[Simon]

I think a stale session is where the BT software thinks you are still connected, so won't allow you to connect again, Clive.  I think powering off the router for a given period (which Rik will give ) usually solves this.

Is this the router supplied by IDNet?

[Rik]

Netgear's are generally reliable, Clive, but can be easily damaged by power surges or thunderstorms - the same is true for all routers.

A stale session is when the router is in sync, but can't create a PPP session because BT thinks that one already exists. The usual cure is to power off the router for 15-30 minutes. I can't ask support to look at what's happened at the weekend, but will do on Monday if the problem persists. Don't boot the router and computer at the same time, either leave the router on 24/7 or power it up and let it connect before you start the computer. Doing them simultaneously can result in the router being interrogated by Windows, and not being ready to respond.

[Clive]

Yes, it's the one IDNet supplied.  I've been using the router since mid January and it's only during the past week I have had this problem.  Surely I would have had stale sessions from the outset?  And also, this is the 5th router I have owned (1 x Draytek and 3 x BT Home Hubs.)  Why did it not happen with any of those?  

[Clive]

Don't boot the router and computer at the same time, either leave the router on 24/7 or power it up and let it connect before you start the computer. Doing them simultaneously can result in the router being interrogated by Windows, and not being ready to respond.

OK, I'll take that in board.  Turning the router off each night has proved very successful at keeping a fast connection so I am loathe to stop that habit.  But I can always boot up the computer a few minutes later.  Thanks for the advice!   

[Rik]

I can't give you a simple answer, Clive, until I've got access to support - and maybe not even then. Try booting the router before the computer, then if you still don't have a connection, go into the router log and see what that says.

[Clive]

It's happened 4 times since Monday which is why I've flagged it up.  Once the connection is lost it won't return without a "plug -out" .   

[Simon]

Your line does seem something of an anomaly, Clive.   

[Clive]

<nods head knowingly> 

[Rik]

It's happened 4 times since Monday which is why I've flagged it up.  Once the connection is lost it won't return without a "plug -out" .   

Telephone socket or mains?

[Clive]

Oh mains only Rik. 

[Rik]

A power recycle of short duration would make me suspect poor quality mains supply to the router, Clive.