: Router Issues


mgmitchell
Jun 16th, 2012, 01:26 PM
I suspect I'll get some direction here - because I always do.
Short story version. I have a D-Link WBR 2310, have had it for several years. Moved outside of the city, have Xplornet now instead of Cogeco. Set up the router differently out here through a link and directions from D-Link. Had a "named" network for many months. Last night, went to watch some shows on my ATV2. Couldn't get a network connection. Went back, turned off/on, reset the router (have had to do this regularly with ATV2, which is another story), unplugged ATV2, quit and opened iTunes, etc. The only network that showed up when I reset was something called 'dlink'. No more of my own "named" network. It was a strong signal, unlocked. I clicked on that one, was able to get 'net access, reset ATV2 with that network, and all was well. Still is right now. Still on the 'dlink' network. Not my own. No other networks showing when I click on the bars.
What happened?
Where's my network?
The only thing I did do last evening before this started was get the latest iTunes update.
Otherwise, nothing. No storms. No power outages.
Stumped. I could go back to my D-Link e-mail and reconfigure my network, but I'm hesitant at the moment in case I screw things up again.
Thanks for any advice forthcoming.
/Mitch.

John Clay
Jun 16th, 2012, 01:41 PM
It's a D-Link.

I generally don't bother troubleshooting them beyond the basic stuff - they're some of the worst networking gear I've come across. I'd suggest investing in something more reliable, from a more reputable brand - Cisco/Linksys being some of the best in the lower price range, or an AirPort at the higher end.

CanadaRAM
Jun 16th, 2012, 01:50 PM
It depends what you mean by "reset the router"... If you used the recessed button on the back of the router, that would have zeroed all of your settings including your network name, and put them back to factory default "dlink"
You really, really need to go in there now and set up WPA2 security on that router with a new passkey, turn off SSID broadcasting, and change the admin password of the router.

Q. I have lost the password to my router – how do I reset it? | CanadaRAM: Memory and Computer Q&A (http://www.computer-answers.ca/2012/internet-networking/q-i-have-lost-the-password-to-my-router-how-do-i-reset-it/)

If you simply unplugged the router for 60 seconds and plugged it back in, then it should not have erased the network name or erased your security settings.

In contrast to JohnClay's experience, we have been using a DLink DIR-655 for about 7 years with zero downtime, and have seen a number of failures on lower end Linksys (Cisco) equipment. I think it varies by individual model more than by brand. I do agree that the DLink admin interface is primitive and takes some getting used to.

mgmitchell
Jun 27th, 2012, 04:46 PM
'CanadaRAM', thanks. Finally got around to it, followed your steps. All's well. It's secured again. Just have to reset my wife's lap top and ATV2 later.
/Mitch.

mgmitchell
Jul 1st, 2012, 08:15 AM
It depends what you mean by "reset the router"... If you used the recessed button on the back of the router, that would have zeroed all of your settings including your network name, and put them back to factory default "dlink"
You really, really need to go in there now and set up WPA2 security on that router with a new passkey, turn off SSID broadcasting, and change the admin password of the router.
Q. I have lost the password to my router – how do I reset it? | CanadaRAM: Memory and Computer Q&A (http://www.computer-answers.ca/2012/internet-networking/q-i-have-lost-the-password-to-my-router-how-do-i-reset-it/)
If you simply unplugged the router for 60 seconds and plugged it back in, then it should not have erased the network name or erased your security settings.


Well, we're back to more frustrations,
http://michaelgmitchell.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/55046823/Preferences.png

What the hell does this mean?

And ...
http://michaelgmitchell.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/55046822/Internet.png
The home connection is showing but it won't activate.
I've been going through this silliness since I renamed the network, followed your instructions.
Ugh!
Thanks.
/Michael.