Need help with Router

First off, I know very little about routers. I followed the directions and for the most part it works, however my router keeps dropping me every now and then. All the lights on the front stay on, and then it starts reconnecting. For no reason. This is really hurting my team in AB and RA.

If anyone knows of any settings I need to have, please let me know what they are.

My router is a TRENDnet Wireless Router, TEW-432BRP. My OS is Win XP, all updated. The cable modem is a Motorola Surfboard, but it is always connected. Just the router seems to be crapping out. And I do have a firewall.

Thanks for any help!

Make sure you have the option 'search for a more preferred network' turned off.

Ok Malice, how do I do that? I tried googling it and keep ending up with healthcare links. Mind you, this is driving me insane not being able to RA.

Through Network and Access settings.

Need a bit more info.

What were you using before the router and what type of service do you have?

It sounds a bit like you got a crappy router, seeing as how its quite cheap compared to the larger and more reliable brands, but that can mean nothing. I would first wait a day to see if it goes away on its own, then call your isp and make sure that they are not having intermittent problems (some isps are just horrible) and once your isp has confirmed their service is working properly, replace the router with a more reliable one.

Ty guys. I've had this router for awhile TEB, and it's always been the same problem. Can you suggest a good router for me to get? Preferably one that can handle a wireless xbox 360 connection too? I did go bargain basement with the trendnet.

if your in the US, newegg is the way to go:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=%2450+-+%2475

Thank you both. Newegg will definitely be the way I'm going. We get additional discounts from them at work. That LinkSys for $63 looks good. Just gotta crosscheck it with the X-Box site.

Look into a Buffalo router. Mine has yet to give me a problem, which is better than I can say for any other router I've owned.

Getting a new router won't help if the OS still searches for a preferred network.

Instead of Goggling - try Help and Support on the start menu. Type "preferred network" in the search box.

Ok, I did that. It says to open up Network Connections, and then click the Wireless Network Connection icon... which is not there.

it goes on to say: The Preferred Networks list is only available if automatic wireless configuration is enabled.

When I do a search for automatic wireless configuration with or without the word enabled, it gives me a bunch of stuff that tells me nothing.

Here's how my system is connected: My Wireless Router is connected to the cable modem. My X-Box uses a wireless adapter, but the computer itself is hardwired to the 1 port on the router. And yes, I have tried using ports 2-4 as well, and they inevitably disconnect for no reason.

I'll keep searching for this automatic wireless configuration, but any additional help is appreciated.


EDIT: Just for note, I did a driver search for my network adapter and there was an update, so we'll see if that solves it, but I'm still gonna search for the wireless config.

Quick question- are you losing connection once every 1 or 2 days? If so, check to see if the DC is happening when your ISP "lease" is being renewed.

(Win XP) Right-click the local area connection icon in the traybar and select Status. In the pop-up window, select the Support tab, then click on the Details button. See if the DC coincides with the Lease Obtained line.

(Vista) Right-click the "Currently connected to:" icon, and select Network and Sharing Center. In the window, to the far right of the connection being used, you will see "View Status". When clicked, it brings up a Properties window. In the pop-up, select details and look for the "Lease Renewed" line as above.

If the DC is occuring during the lease renewal, there are supposed to be router configuration or settings adjustments for all of the name brand routers that will eliminate the loss of the streaming two-way connection to GW.

Unfortunately, if this is the cause, I am unable to detail the actual "fix" for this problem, but at least it may help ppl look in the right direction (router support).

-Caveman Sends

Get a Linksys WRT54GL and put Tomato firmware on it, you cannot go wrong.

The advice above was all based on your original post that just mentioned that it was a wireless router - you didn't mention that you had a wired connection for your pc until now!

The "preferred network" stuff only applies to the wireless connection, and as only the Xbox will be wireless, don't worry about it.

New router, imo

^^^ as above

Perhaps you should check the router settings. Maybe it keeps looking for the Xbox. Or maybe it's just frigged.

reset/update firmware

I agree with Tarun, get a Linksys router and update the firmware. I know nothing about the Tomato firmware, but I check the Linksys site a couple times a year to verify latest firmware.

Your router drops you out of GW occasionally. The reasons for this could be many things.
Your router is crap.
Your provider is overloaded.
There is noise on your line from your house to the exchange.
Or there is a connection hot spot somewhere between your pc and the GW server.

Run's anet Diagnostic Utility. It will create a log file (NetworkDiag.log) and save it in the same folder that the main GuildWars program is located. It runs network connection tests as well as detailed hardware/direct x information. If your working with anet support, this log file contains very valuable information and sending it would help them greatly.

Example Usage: "C:\Program Files\Guild Wars\Gw.exe" -diag

The networkdiag.log will give you a trace of the number of hops between you and GW server. You have to remove the -diag switch to play normally again.

You don't mention if your connection lags frequently or you get a stable connection with a good ping before having a dropout all of a sudden.

Ring your provider and get them to do a line check and make sure it's not a line issue. That will rule out outside problems.

You shouldn't need to change any settings inside your router besides the usual username and password. GW should not need any port forwarding on any router I have seen.

The firewall (if it's a third party program)should have GW as an allowable program and so should windows firewall (if you run it).

I'm guessing nobody is using the XBOX360 for xbox live play while you are playing GW. I found having my 360 connected to Live even if no-one was using it caused me some GW connectivity issues.

We all get occasional dropouts now and then. If it's happening frequently then trying a new router may fix it but it's good to make sure your line and connection are good before spending money if you don't have to.

I had a lot of problems with my GW connection for ages and turned out to be a line with excessive noise outside in the street.

Good luck, nobody likes a dropout

This might convert many.

You can read all about Tomato in WikiBooks and of course the official Tomato FAQ.

Lifehacker also had an article recently.