wtf is the matter w/ my wireless ethernet bridge?

[plab]

I followed the instructions in this thread almost to a 'T': http://forums.anandtech.com/me...AR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear and it worked or so I thought. Last night it was working fine at least, but when I looked at it this morning something was wrong. For starters the WLAN light was off. I was thinking I didn't have any devices connected to it so let's see what would happend after I tried to connect something. I couldn't get an Internet connection needless to say. In fact, I wasn't able to connect unless I pulled the plug on the router, waited a few seconds and replug it back in. Sometimes I had to do this a couple of times. What gives?

I have micro DD-WRT installed on my router, a WRT54G. I'm looking at my settings on both the primary router and secondary, but nothing sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm determined to find out what's wrong with my setup as it is a pain to have to unplug and replug the router each time I want a connection. What the heck is happening that causes it to drop the WLAN connection overnight and why do I need to power cycle the router just to get it to reconnect. The WRT54G has a button with the Cisco logo on it that lights up sometimes but is off other times. I tried pressing the button and holding it down, but nothing happens as far as I can tell. I really hate the packaging too as it didn't include a manual or anything that explains the router's functions but only a silly "easy" setup cd. Oh well...sorry for the rant, but if anybody can help, thanks. I'm really frustrated.

 

[Pabster]

What version WRT54G are you running?

DD-WRT is fantastic but some revisions of the hardware are plagued with issues. WLAN dropouts are a very common issue with this router.

 

[plab]

I am using the crappy revision 8 w/ only 2MB a flashable ram, hence the micro DD-WRT. I know, I know. I really should have gotten the WRT54GL, but I couldn't find it readily available. Are WLAN dropouts a commonly reported issue with this version?

 

[ch33zw1z]

What revision is the router, which version of DDWRT are you using.

 

[plab]

Revision 8.0. I've got micro DD-WRT v24 w/ VX works killer flashed onto it.

This morning I noticed the WLAN light was on, so I assume my connection was still good. Didn't have the chance to check it though and I really didn't change anything in my setup. I'll see once I get back from work whether it's still up or not.

 

[imported_ravenous]

I had this same issue with my router. What fixed it for me was reflashing with the standard version instead of the micro. If all else fails, give this a try.

 

[plab]

I'll have to replace the router before I do that which looks to be a pretty good idea since I'm quite sick of taking it up the rear w/ this ah heck. Now if I could only find a local best buy that carries the WRT54GL...

 

[plab]

Well, I came back and the router was up w/ the WLAN light lit up. But what little hope I had was quickly dashed when I found I still couldn't get an internet connection. I once again had to go through my daily ritual of unplugging and replugging that dumb blue brick. This router is headed back to the store and I'm gonna try to find a suitable replacement. What other routers should I consider? Anybody want to throw out a recommendation?

 

[plab]

I just wanted to do a quick update to this thread since I recently just replaced my WRT54G with a WRT54GL. (Yea, I'm a real procrastinator!) Anyway, I got the new router home yesterday, had no problem flashing the full standard version of DD-WRT v23 sp2 (didn't want to risk v24) and was up and running in no time. This morning I was happy to report that the connection was still up and running fine. So far no connection dropouts neither. I have noticed though that it takes a while for a device to acquire an ip address once I hook it up, but it's not too bad since the wait is not too long. All in all, I am quite happy - so far. Let my experiences be a lesson to all who desire to setup a similar bridge - make sure you get a good router!!!