Machine can't see ASUS 520GU, back & forth with ASUS for 2 months

[mxnerd]

I bought an ASUS 520GU for a friend, it was good for 3 months.

Then poof, her PC can't see the router anymore, I took it back and my machines can't see the router, either. PC machines just can't see the broadcast SSID.

I send the router back to ASUS 3 times and they claim there is nothing wrong with the router and shipped it back. For the 3rd time they finally admit that the router is bad and say they replace it. So I got it today with a different serial number. Same thing.

My Vista machine can see all other wireless routers, printers around the house and neighborhood, but just unable to see this ASUS router. Add another WiFi adapter and still no go. It's really driving me crazy!

It's updated with latest 3.0.0.5 BIOS.

The built-in WiFi is Atheros AR5007EG Wireless Network Adapter, the add-on USB adapter is Ralink, both has no problem finding other WiFi devices around me.

And yes, the wireless radio is on.

Any suggestion what could be wrong? I'm about to smash this thing.

 

[mxnerd]

Anyone tell me whether there is anything wrong with the wireless setting?

 

[mxnerd]

I finally find what's wrong with this router! What's the culrpit? The distance!

The closer the router, the weaker the signal, if the router is right besides the laptop PC, there is no signal.

It has at least several feet away from the PC!

How could that be? 802.11g shouldn't have this compatibility problem. IIRC, it should only happen in some early 802.11n router, where there is compatibility problem with 802.11g adapter where signal conflict with each other.

This router won't see the router if it's in the same room (12x10ft) with my laptop PC (built-in or add-on adapter). It has to be in another room. Can you believe that!?

Nerver, ever seen any router like this.

 

[mxnerd]

This is not funny. I woke up this morning, turned on the router and thought it finally works last night and still works.

No so, it's not broadcasting SSID again, in or not in another room.

This is total garbage. Will never buy / recommend an ASUS router again! Although I have an ASUS 500gp running DD-WRT.

 

[JackMDS]

Did you tried a specific channel instead of leaving the channel entry on Auto?

 

[mxnerd]

Thanks Jack. Yes, I just tried fixed channel 6 and it seems working. Isn't WiFi router supposed to find a best channel itself?

Whether it will work from now on and whether it will work after returning to my friend is beyond me. God hope she knows how to change channel. If a router needs to change channel all the time through cable, I don't know how good it is.

I have been through more than 10 kinds of WiFi router. This is the first router that I need to use fixed channel.

 

[jdjbuffalo]

I have this same router.

I would just recommend putting Tomato on the router. I did it as soon as I got my router and I've had no problems for 6+ months. The wireless is really strong and everything runs great!

http://www.polarcloud.com/tomato

 

[mxnerd]

Since it's not my router, I have no intention to flash it to other firmware other than ASUS's own.