Source Connectivity Problems?

[itjg247]

Has anyone ever had problems with the internet going down (the network that slingbox is on) while watching their slingbox? When it goes down it just says limited connectivity and seems like the modem gets the wrong ip address. I doubt it has something to do with the slingbox, but it seems like it only happens while watching it on a different network. The modem needs to be rebooted and then its fine. I am just not sure what could be the problem. We had the internet company out already once and they said the modem is fine and they replaced a couple of cables that were outside, but we still seem to be having problems. Just wondering if anyone had any of the same problems. Thanks

[Adultery]

Does it help if you set your slingbox up to use a static ip address? Assuming you don't have it set that way that is...

[itjg247]

I made it a reservation last night so it won't change its address. I called the ISP last night when the internet went down again and they said the modem was fine so its the communication between the router and modem. Its a Netgear router that is less than a year old so I would think that it isn't the problem. Sometimes it seems like it only happens when using sling box so hopefully the reservation/static address will help. Thanks for the input. I will see how it goes.

[Tom Speirs]

I wouldn't put your ISP in the clear from what you are saying. They may have congestion issues and prioritize certain traffic. The techs or help desk you spoke to are probably not even aware of this. I am pretty sure I have this issue myself at the moment but not relating to slingboxes. Although as its actually dropping the connection it could well be your router or wireless connection. Wireless is more likely to crap out with consistent ongoing traffic like streaming. Many devices have buggy wireless chips also and its hard to know which models are decent.

[Adultery]

Just one more quick question. When the net drops, can you try and reset the router and see if it works without resetting the modem? Also try resetting the modem without resetting the router. If one works and the other doesn't, you should be able to determine which is causing the issue.

[Tom Speirs]

Also worth trying the latest firmware for your router. Modem firmware may be controlled by your ISP. All your ISP is saying when your modem is good is that it looks good on there end. It could still be faulty or on bad firmware, perhaps crashing (they run mini operating systems) and rebooting. I've seen that before. Same goes for your router.

[Adultery]

You may even go so far as looking into DD-WRT firmware. ;-)

[Tom Speirs]

And when you make a PC your router that's when you know you need to get a life

[Adultery]

That's a new one on me, but it sounds like a good idea in theory... :-)

[Tom Speirs]

No issues with ** certain ** kinds of traffic whatsoever and its as stable as the PC is. Just overkill for most folks that is all.

[itjg247]

Im sorry I haven't checked this thread in a while. I think I figured out what was going on. After research, I found that a lot of people have had the same problem with Netgear wndr3400v2 routers where they lose connection randomly. I reflashed the most recent firmware and it would work for a while and then start doing it again. So we are going to end up buying a new router. Although, it did seem to happen more often when watching my slingbox, sometimes it would happen when I wasn't. Its kind of ridiculous because the router is less than 6 months old, but they aren't super expensive so Its not too bad.

Anyone have suggestions of a decent router/router brand thats not too expensive?? I was thinking a Cisco/Linksys? I don't think ill buy a netgear product again. Thanks for the help!

[Adultery]

I would definitely recommend anything in the Cisco family, they have tons of models that are made to fit within your network needs and budget and they make quality routers.