Modem/Router questions...

[crapbox1014]

I have been having a little bit of trouble lately with my modem/router setup and was wondering if anyone could answer a few questions I have. I have an old Com21 cable modem from my ISP that I have had for about 4 years. It goes into my Linksys BEFSR41 (version 2) 4 port wired router. Both usually work fine but often lose my internet connection. Until recently, when I lost my connection, I could reset the modem, (by unplugging it) and it would fix the problem. Lately, I have noticed that the modem is sending data and that to reconnect I have had to reset, (again by unplugging) the router. Thinking that is might be a firmware problem, I upgraded it a few days ago, (version 2) and have noticed that now each day when I start up my computers I have to reset the modem to get my connection. Now, here are my questions:

1) Would it be dangerous or harmful to my router if I tried to update the firmware with the "version 3" update that is available? The v3 update is only a couple months old while the latest update of the version 2, (the one I'm using now) is about a year old. The v3 update is for the same model number of my Modem, it's just a different version, (my modem says "version 2" after the model number).

2) Would the age of my modem, (about 4 years) and/or router, (about 2 and half) have anything to do with the problem?

3) Is there any advantage, (aside from not having to throw my ISP 5 bucks a month) to buying a newer modem? I don't know much about cable modems and would be willing to get a new one if it would increase my connection speed (even if it doesn't fix my problem)?

Hope someone can help...

[CrowdAds]

[Redleg]

Check out this link to Broadband Reports Linksys Forum. I just did some quick scanning and it appears there are actual hardware differences between the three versions. And there are threads there about connection issues as well. While the problem may be something else entirely I would encourage you to consider replacing the Router with a Firewall/Router. Linksys has the BEFSX41 that provides firewall security.
PCBruiser has a thread about firewalls and discusses the NAT and SPI protection.
Warning Thread by PCBruiser

[crapbox1014]

The link is dead. I'll try again later...

[Redleg]

Sorry. You're right. It is the first Sticky in this section of the forums though so just go there.

[3Real]

Crapbox1014, I have the same router and version 2. I went through the same questions. You can't update with a version 3. The latest firmware I have is 4.22z. That's a while back.

I have to clean out my Internet Log Folder about once a week to keep the router happy. Also our router has a Port 113 issuse that would not allow it to be stealthed. The solution to that is in "PCB Warning" thread at the last.

Good luck!

[crapbox1014]

Redleg - Thanks for the tip. I read the post, (very informative) and found that I should probably get more security for my machines.


3Real - I think the problem was the new firmware update that I had. Last night I flashed back to the 1.44.2z with Zone Alarm version and have had no problems so far. http://www.linksys.com/download/firmware.asp?fwid=3
I'd be interested in hearing more about what you are doing to keep your machines secure. From what I read in the sticky, it seems like I should be getting a router with a hardware firewall...

[PCBruiser]

Protecting yourself is a multi-tiered problem. Ideally, you want as little as possible to even enter your LAN. That why having a good hardware firewall/router at the entry to your LAN is your first line of defense. Then the issues are to protect yourself from those things that a hardware router/firewall cannot. Embedded viruses in email - that's why you need anti-virus. Protecting against browser hijackers and downloaded or installed trojans - well thats the provence of anti-spyware, anti-virus software AND a good software firewall preventing outbound packets via program controlls. Then to prevent anyone using TCP/IP from wandering around your network accessing files, thats the province of going to a LAN protocol that stops that trick from utilizing file and folder sharing - that's why I recommend using IPX/SPX and unbinding TCP/IP from that entirely.

It's work, and costly to set all of these things up, but unfortunately that's what you must do to protect yourself from all the bad guys out there just looking for trouble. A lot of folks don't bother, and they pay the consequences in the end.

[specter_abx]

My friends Linksys router recently died and Im not sure if mine was on the way out or not but it sounds like the same problems you are having. I was running a Linksys BEFSR11 (1 port). Im thinking it may have been the power strip I was using (threw it out last night). I dont remember if I was using that power strip when the problem started or not but it definately escilated the problem.

Anyways, I recently got a Compex NP26G-USB and couldnt be happier with it. Lots more features, wireless, and 4 more ports to add to my arsenal. Read a little review of it here (I wrote it). $80 at overstock.com. Think you can find it a little cheaper elsewhere.

Mess with your Linksys and if that doesnt fix anything look at new routers. Make sure your modem and router both have plenty of ventillation space so they arent over heating. Its probably not your modem.