[crater]

Is it normal for a wireless router to just quit working? Was crusing along the other day and all of the sudden I got kicked off the sight I was on and got a message that I was not connected. Keep trying but kept getting the same message. I was using Netgear and running on windows XP 7. I had to un-hook my router and plug directly into my computer to get up and running. This is a pain. In addition, it has been so long, that I have forgotten how to run cables in order to print out something from the computer. Please help this old man out.......

Many thanks in advance

 

[jdw174]

It happens to me occasionally. When it does, I reset the router by pulling the power cord for a count of 5-10, then plugging it back in, then telling the computer to connect. Takes about a minute for all of this.

 

[Old School]

To answer your question, no, it's not unusual for a wireless router to hiccup from time to time.

If your software interface (aka 192.168.181) has a reboot option then I'd do that rather than pull the plug. Also that interface might be able to check for firmware updates - which will also help stability.

 

[tom mac]

And sometimes they just quit when running a bit hot at the end of life... had 2 that would drop out at times after a few years... replaced and all is well.

 

[GAFinch]

1. Plugging routers into a UPS backup battery will drastically reduce how often you have to reset them. They're sensitive to power fluctuations.

2. Having said that, they do randomly go bad after a few years and have to be replaced.

 

[captainstormy]

It's not uncommon, but it does mean something is wrong.

It could be something temporary like a slight power fluctuation or something driving by or flying overhead scrambling the wireless signal.

That one used to happen to me a lot since I only live about 5 miles from an airport, but now that I'm running a 100% 5ghz wireless network I never get any signal interference.

The router could be overheating, but unless your stuffing it in a tight enclosure I doubt that's it.

All you can really do is:
1. Use a UPS
2. Switch to 5Ghz
3. Make sure it can breath and isn't overheating

If it's still doing it with all that, it may be a hardware issue.

FWIW, I only have a UPS on my router and modem because I work from home and connectivity is vital for me. other than that, I'd skip number 1.