Any reason why an IP address on a PC would suddenly change?

[Kaido]

I'm having an odd problem and I'm sure sure where the solution lies. I'm using a Buffalo router running DD-WRT and various Windows XP computers all on wireless. Sometimes one will not be able to access the Internet, although it can access the router's page (192.168.1.1); at the same time, the other computers can access the Internet just fine. I'll go to repair the connection and sometimes the new IP will be something like 169.254.132.18 with 255.255.0.0 instead of like 192.168.1.122 with 255.255.255.0. Very odd. Not limited to one particular card or computer, so I'm thinking it's the router, but it seems to be working fine. Any ideas?

Edit: Also, I tried setting a static IP (192.168.1.54, outside the DHCP range). It finally connected, but the router showed it as 192.168.1.130 (??). Maybe the router is flaking out...

 

[JackMDS]

When a computer cannot connect to the DHCP Server Windows, assigns default IP of 169.254.132.18

I.e. you have a problematic connection and when it gets lost the IP changes to the Default.

Try to assign static IP to the computer and see how it behaves.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
When a computer cannot connect to the DHCP Server Windows, assigns default IP of 169.254.132.18

I.e. you have a problematic connection and when it gets lost the IP changes to the Default.

Try to assign static IP to the computer and see how it behaves.

Ah, that explains it, thanks. What do you think the problem is? My hardware hasn't changed in months...

 

[JackMDS]

I use similar settings to yours and it works fine.

Use Netstumbler to look at your Wireless transmission may be some strong noise was introduces to the System.

Some other variables that can affect Wireless connection stability here, http://www.ezlan.net/fas#sudden

 

[geokilla]

This happens to me too. My computer is assigned a static IP but it still changes to 169.254.132.18 (i think). I'm using the DI-624 with WPA. Usually, when I restart the computer everything is back to normal.

And is there a way to fix the workgroup? I have three computers assigned to one workgroup, but lately, our laptop hasn't been able to connect to the workgroup properly. I assume this is a router issue since I had numerous problems with the DI-624. It's been a real pain because the workgroup is really beneficial for my family and I.

 

[Kaido]

I have another odd issue, I can't access the router (192.168.1.1) at the moment, from any computer. So far these have been my problems with DD-WRT:

-trouble accessing the Internet
-no Internet access but services like Meebo continue to run
-sometimes running IE will kick-start Firefox's Internet connection
-IP addresses don't match up correct (TiVo is show as 192.168.1.113 but you can login at 192.168.1.10)
-some computers can go online, others cannot at different times
-can't access router page at times

I hooked my friend up with a similar setup and he is experiencing Internet outages as well, but when he plugs his desktop directly into the modem it works fine. I'm wondering if DD-WRT is the problem, if the Buffalo router is the problem, or if we just got a couple bad routers.

 

[JackMDS]

My policy is to Flash only if I need some thing that the stock firmware does not provide.

I have No problem with any of the Buffalo units.

My guess would be the DD-WRT. I do not thing that DD-WRT is bad across the board, but might be that some settings that are really trying to "Milk" the poor device might create a problem.

One unit is flashed in order to get better WDS Security.

Another one for moderate Qos.

I do not have any unit that is set to, Overclocking, VPN, Qos, P2P around the clock, and WOW in between.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
My policy is to Flash only if I need some thing that the stock firmware does not provide.

I have No problem with any of the Buffalo units.

My guess would be the DD-WRT. I do not thing that DD-WRT is bad across the board, but might be that some settings that are really trying to "Milk" the poor device might create a problem.

One unit is flashed in order to get better WDS Security.

Another one for moderate Qos.

I do not have any unit that is set to, Overclocking, VPN, Qos, P2P around the clock, and WOW in between.

The primary reason I flashed was for basic VPN functionality, although I currently do not have it setup that way. There are no special settings of any kind...standard DHCP setup plus WPA-PSK TKIP wifi. Is it possible to flash back to the original Buffalo firmware?

 

[JackMDS]

I read somewhere that if you email Buffalo's support and ask nicely they might give out a version of the firmware that can be use to Flash back (YMMV).

I did not try any Flash back ?Yet?.

This is what DD-WRT suggests, http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Installation

Limitations/Notes

* Once you flash to DD-WRT on the Buffalo WHR-G54S/WHR-HP-G54/WZR-RS-G54 and you, for whatever reason, want to flash back to the Buffalo firmware, look in the downloads section of dd-wrt.com in the "buffalo factory revert" folder for unencrypted firmware that will load from the DD-WRT gui. The WHR-HP-G54 image is the German version. Download the English version from Buffalo's site. Flash the German version and use that to flash the English version.
* A hidden LED behind the front panel will blink. It slightly lights up the bridge icon. This LED is not used in the Buffalo firmware, but in DD-WRT it will flash on for 2 seconds, then off for 2 seconds.
* In firmware v23 SP1, the router will restart with IP 192.168.1.1/255.255.255.0
* It is not necessary to use the two-step flash process as with some WRT54Gs. The Buffalo will accept the entire generic image in one shot.
* For subsequent upgrades/downgrades of DD-WRT, use the web interface of DD-WRT. See Steps to Flash Through Web GUI.