Router going bad or DSL modem need opinions

[donfm]

I currently use a Netgear BEFSX41 wired router connected to my Speedstream 4100 DSL modem. It seems more and more lately my internet just hangs for no apparent reason and I have to reset the router and the modem to get it to work again. I just seem to drop my connection. This has been flawless up until now.

So how do I determine if I need to replace the router or the modem. I'm not sure which is causing the issue. I'm leaning towards the router hanging but I really don't know for sure. Don't want to buy a replacement and then find out that isnt' the problem.

Any suggestions for a decent wired router for a replacement. I don't really need gigabit capability but would be nice for future upgrades.

 

[JackMDS]

You can try connecting the computer directly to the Modem, or and borrow another Router from someone else and give it a try.

http://www.netfaqs.com/windows/dsl/config/speedstream4100/install/index.asp

BTW, both devices might have more value as a Museum relics.

The BEFSX41 is a Linksys Model number, if I remember correctly it is the first Linksys End-users' Router circa 2000/2001.

 

[Compman55]

Linksys home products last about 5-6 yrs and then they just die. All my BEFSX41 routers died and I think one made it 7 yrs. I had to buy a new one and am on yr 3.

Plug your modem into your computer directly and try it for a bit to rule it out.

BTW, if you see funky stuff going on with your lights on the router it is going bad.

 

[donfm]

You can try connecting the computer directly to the Modem, or and borrow another Router from someone else and give it a try.

http://www.netfaqs.com/windows/dsl/config/speedstream4100/install/index.asp

BTW, both devices might have more value as a Museum relics.

The BEFSX41 is a Linksys Model number, if I remember correctly it is the first Linksys End-users' Router circa 2000/2001.

Yea you are so right it's a Linksys and I knew that. I guess I shouldn't post before I have my morning coffee.....

lol@museum relics. So what's the difference between my 10/100 router and a new one...they both do the same thing? It's been solid as a rock up until recently. So any suggestions for a wired router replacement that won't break the bank? The DSL modem was given me by ATT and according to them it's working fine so why change it? But if it needs changing then I will of course.

Any suggestions as replacement to update my old stuff?

 

[donfm]

Linksys home products last about 5-6 yrs and then they just die. All my BEFSX41 routers died and I think one made it 7 yrs. I had to buy a new one and am on yr 3.

Plug your modem into your computer directly and try it for a bit to rule it out.

BTW, if you see funky stuff going on with your lights on the router it is going bad.

Well going by what you said I've been living on borrowed time for awhile now because it's at least 5 years old. So any suggestions for a wired router replacement?

By the way thanks to both of you guys for your help. My Museum Relics and I appreciate it.....

 

[Compman55]

If your modem has a DHCP internet addres like 192.168.1.1 then you can get away with a cheap 10/100/1000 switch locally. Like somthing from netgear or such.

If you have a IP address like 66.189.2.104 from your modem then you need a router. As of now netgear has been a little more reliable, but again its still home use components so it could have a short lifespan as well.

 

[JackMDS]

About Modems and ISP.

The ISPs manufactured a clever line of ""deception"" they pretend that they can fully assess the Modem functioning from their central office computer.

The only way to correctly assess old modems is to come to your house and measure with their dedicated instrument the actual output of the Modem for lengthy period of time.

As for a Router this one is a basic good Router.

$33 with rebate - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320023

 

[donfm]

If your modem has a DHCP internet addres like 192.168.1.1 then you can get away with a cheap 10/100/1000 switch locally. Like somthing from netgear or such.

If you have a IP address like 66.189.2.104 from your modem then you need a router. As of now netgear has been a little more reliable, but again its still home use components so it could have a short lifespan as well.

No my DSL modem doesn't have a 192.xxx.xxx.xxx IP number it has only the exterior network IP. So I need a router. I'm a bit out of the loop on networking equipment knowledge. I currently have a wired firewall router. Is this something I should look for in a new router or is it really not necessary any longer. I'm sort of wireless challenged. I do have a gigabit switch plugged into my router but don't have gigabit internet outgoing.

 

[donfm]

About Modems and ISP.

The ISPs manufactured a clever line of ""deception"" they pretend that they can fully assess the Modem functioning from their central office computer.

The only way to correctly assess old modems is to come to your house and measure with their dedicated instrument the actual output of the Modem for lengthy period of time.

As for a Router this one is a basic good Router.

$33 with rebate - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320023

I've been trying to find a replacement wired firewall router for my system and it looks like that is a dying breed for home networks. I could only find a couple by TP Link which were non firewall which I've never heard of. The fact is I don't have any wireless equipment at the moment. But I was considering getting a router as a wireless access point since my main wired router is buried in the basement and not a good location for a wireless spot for coverage in my rather long ranch home.

It appears I need to do some reading about setting up a wireless network on my own. Thank you for your suggestion of the router.