Can router issues be caused by poor AC power?

[SantiClaws]

The reason I'm asking is it seems like I've got a ghost in the house. I've tried a couple of different modems and at least four routers, and constantly have the same intermittent issues - poor wireless connectivity, including fairly frequent disconnects, low speeds, sometimes even wired, loss of signal. The last modem I tried was an Archer C7, brand new. At one time, a cable into the Archer had speeds down into the 4Mb range; plugging directly into the modem the speed was back up to 52Mb down. A reset will usually solve the problems for a while, but not always. Plugging directly into the modem appears to resolve speed issues.

I normally would think it was the router, but four routers? Three were not new, but the Archer was. I'm beginning to think it has to be something other than incredibly bad luck, but what? If it was a modem problem it would not cause a router to stop broadcasting a wireless signal entirely, as keeps happening. I'm down to AC power, but is that even possible? The router is plugged into a cheapie extension cord. Should I buy a quality extension cord?

 

[Blain]

To eliminate incoming power as the culprit, plug the modem and router into a good quality AVR type UPS.

 

[Ketchup]

If a computer, your router, and your modem are plugged into a power strip off the same power connection, I wouldn't assume dirty power if all other devices operate correctly.

What model routers are you trying?

 

[SantiClaws]

If a computer, your router, and your modem are plugged into a power strip off the same power connection, I wouldn't assume dirty power if all other devices operate correctly.

What model routers are you trying?

The router is plugged into a lamp cord extension cord, actually, that's plugged into the power strip. I tried an older Linksys with dd-wrt firmware installed, a Netgear that I no longer have and don't remember the model number, a Vizio XWR100, and the Archer C7.

 

[Ketchup]

I don't care for the lamp cord extension in a situation like this. Let's try a power strip and see how things go.

 

[daveybrat]

I don't care for the lamp cord extension in a situation like this. Let's try a power strip and see how things go.

+1


Time for a real computer grade surge protector to plug that into. That's what my modem and router are plugged into. A high quality Cyberpower surge protector and i never have issues with my modem/router!

 

[SantiClaws]

I don't care for the lamp cord extension in a situation like this. Let's try a power strip and see how things go.

So that's a "yes" to my original question, then? :biggrin: Yeah, I lamp cord wasn't my first choice but that's what I had handy and I haven't gotten around to anything else. It'll have to be an extension cord of some kind anyway, there's no plug close to the router, but I I may have a heavy duty extension cord, I just need to find it.

A couple of things that make me question whether it can be the AC power though - the cord that comes with the routers is crappier than lamp cord and smaller gauge, and the connection is only as good as the weakest link. The other is that I've never seen any of the routers turn themselves off or otherwise act funny. But I guess there's just nothing else left to test.

 

[Ketchup]

The only other thing that crosses my mind is a problematic ethernet cable that is being used on all routers.

 

[SantiClaws]

The only other thing that crosses my mind is a problematic ethernet cable that is being used on all routers.

That crossed my mind as well, but while it would explain connectivity issues, it wouldn't explain routers failing to broadcast a wireless signal entirely, which happens periodically.

 

[Ketchup]

I agree. I have had a couple routers want to do a firmware update as soon I hooked them up. Wouldn't be a bad idea to let them if you have not yet.

 

[westom]

That crossed my mind as well, but while it would explain connectivity issues, it wouldn't explain routers failing to broadcast a wireless signal entirely, which happens periodically.

I see plenty of accusations. But nothing that defines or isolate the fault. Your original post blamed the Wifi. So the ethernet ports still worked? So front panel lights say everything is fine? Or do those lights also report loss of internet.

Recommendations for a protector are (as so often) bogus. Since a protector for 120 volt service does absolutely nothing until voltages well exceed 330 volts (as stated on its box). If you are suffering 330 volts, then your Wifi (and other appliances) are damaged - not longer restart.

Start with front panel lights. Or lights for an ethernet connection between router and computer. What changes when the fault occurs?