Netgear DG834/DG834G

[Ray]

Does anyone using a Netgear DG834 or DG834G experience random losses of communication with the router.
I had the following problem earlier this morning around 9:00am, went to view a web site and got the "Unable to find Server" screen in Firefox.
I then tried to log into the router interface to see what was going on and got the same message in Firefox.
The only way I could the connection back was by powering the router off and back on again.

I have experienced this problem 2 or 3 times before usually after the router has been on for a couple of weeks I assume it is a quirk of the Netgear router as I never had the problem when I used a Speedtouch router, that would stay up for a couple of months at a time.

[Rik]

Does anyone what, Ray?

[Ray]

Does anyone what, Ray?

Now edited Rik - hit the post button by mistake before I had finished typing the message! 

[Kheldar]

i use one of them but do not get those issues.

however its turned off every night.

[Rik]

Hi Ray

Do you use Routerstats? I've found that this can make Netgears unstable if the Telnet interface is enabled.

Aside from that, I've used a couple of Netgears, the 834 and, currently, the 834G with no problems. If you're not using Routerstats, I would try re-loading the firmware, in case it's become corrupted. Other things to try are swapping the power brick to another socket, in case it's making poor contact, a different ethernet cable (different reason).

As a last resort, take a look at your Windows networking set up - but I'd be inclined to try another router before doing that, if you have a spare or can borrow one.

[Noreen]

I use a Netgear DG834 v3 with Windows XP and haven't experienced your problem.

[Ray]

Hi Ray

Do you use Routerstats? I've found that this can make Netgears unstable if the Telnet interface is enabled.

I do use Routerstats but only when I want to check anything, I don't have it running all the time.

Aside from that, I've used a couple of Netgears, the 834 and, currently, the 834G with no problems. If you're not using Routerstats, I would try re-loading the firmware, in case it's become corrupted. Other things to try are swapping the power brick to another socket, in case it's making poor contact, a different ethernet cable (different reason).

Thanks for your suggestions Rik, I have swapped the power brick to another socket also tried reinstall of firmware but for some reason it didn't want to do that and just hung without installing it. Will try swapping ethernet cables if problem persists.

As a last resort, take a look at your Windows networking set up - but I'd be inclined to try another router before doing that, if you have a spare or can borrow one.

The problem seems to occur on both the DG834 and the DG834G but not with a Speedtouch 585, which makes me wonder if it is anything to do with the Netgear firmware, my DG834G is running version V4.01.28 maybe it would be worth trying the previous version if it is still availabe to see what happens.

[Rik]

I use the .20 firmware, Ray, as the .28 doesn't report losses of sync. If you need a copy, PM me with an email address and I'll send it to you.

There's a recovery utility for failed firmware flashing available from the Netgear site. It might be worth giving that a run.

[Ray]

I use the .20 firmware, Ray, as the .28 doesn't report losses of sync. If you need a copy, PM me with an email address and I'll send it to you.

There's a recovery utility for failed firmware flashing available from the Netgear site. It might be worth giving that a run.

Yes please Rik PM on the way shortly, thanks have downloaded the recovery utility will give it a try if I run into problems again with firmware flashing.

[Rik]

With the latest version of Routerstats, Ray, you can turn off the Telnet access. I find this is the safest way to use the program.

[Simon]

I use a DG834G, and I also get the issue occasionally, Ray, but all I do is wait a few seconds and all is well again.  I don't turn mine off every night, in fact I hardly ever turn it off.  Electricity consumption aside, is this good or bad practice?

[Ray]

I use a DG834G, and I also get the issue occasionally, Ray, but all I do is wait a few seconds and all is well again.  I don't turn mine off every night, in fact I hardly ever turn it off.  Electricity consumption aside, is this good or bad practice?

Simon, mine doesn't usually correct itself without switching the power off and back on again - I leave my router on all the time as well, I've always understood that it is better to do that.

[Simon]

Well, not switching it off does save the aggro of forgetting to switch it on when you fire up the PC.  Can't help with your issue though, sorry.