Tempremental Routers

D-Dan · Mar 29, 2008, 18:30:14

Many people will be aware of my recent problems, and so I won;t recap. However, to the point of this post.

Several months ago I replaced my aging Netgear 834 V2 with a Speedtouch 585 V6 router - and was surprised at the improvement. The Speedtouch has been plugged in since, whilst the Netgear nestled at the back of a cupboard.

Over the last week - the Netgear has been brought out to confirm that I didn't have router problems (including today when the switch at IDNet died). Fortunately, it's already configured for my IDNet connection, so it's just a case of plugging it in.

Anyway, against the odds, right now, the old Netgear is giving better performance than the Speedtouch, despite not being able to get close a year ago.

Are Routers really that temperamental?

Steve

Rik · Mar 29, 2008, 18:32:38

I sometimes think all these machines are sent to confound us, Steve. Once I had a 2700 coming, my Netgear started to perform better, even though the line stats had not changed. I sometimes think it depends on the wind direction (talking of which, anyone know who won the boat race?).

Simon · Mar 29, 2008, 20:25:31

Wouldn't changing the router have effected a resync, and perhaps you've just synced higher this time?

Rik · Mar 29, 2008, 20:26:33

Entirely possible and eminently rational, Simon. See, you can do tech stuff too.

Simon · Mar 29, 2008, 20:54:16

I have the best teachers, Rik.

But prefer Jack Daniels.

D-Dan · Mar 29, 2008, 21:13:06

Well - in a bid to get a better sync - I've re-synced daily this week. I tried with the speedtouch this morning at 7:50 am - and got a lower sync than the Netgear gave me this afternoon. I would have expected worse.

Go figure

Sebby · Mar 30, 2008, 02:04:27

I've always found that Netgear's sync higher, but they're not as stable as the SpeedTouch routers. They use different chipsets, which is why they give such different results. I'd pick the SpeedTouch over the Netgear any day; it may sync lower, but it is far more reliable.

cavillas · Mar 30, 2008, 13:55:54

It could be that the components in the routers get tired after being switched on for a long time and sometimes need a holiday.

Broadback · Mar 30, 2008, 14:27:17

Routers are very, very clever devices. They are specially designed so that they only break when you wish to use them!

madasahatter · Mar 30, 2008, 14:33:04

Quote from: Broadback on Mar 30, 2008, 14:27:17
Routers are very, very clever devices. They are specially designed so that they only break when you wish to use them!

unfortunately, all too often it does seem that way

Broadback · Mar 30, 2008, 14:42:23

Ah but it is a truism for everything. My wifed washing machine broke this week, but not until she used it.
When I am asleep my brain is fine, the problem comes when I go to use it!

madasahatter · Mar 30, 2008, 14:43:14

Quote from: Broadback on Mar 30, 2008, 14:42:23
Ah but it is a truism for everything. My wifed washing machine broke this week, but not until she used it.
When I am asleep my brain is fine, the problem comes when I go to use it!

See what you mean

Rik · Mar 30, 2008, 14:45:54

Luckily, I never use mine whether asleep or awake!

Inactive · Mar 30, 2008, 14:47:32

My thoughts entirely Rik, I walk past it, look at it, then walk on.

Rik · Mar 30, 2008, 14:48:19

I've stopped looking these days, In.

Broadback · Mar 30, 2008, 14:57:15

Quote from: Rik on Mar 30, 2008, 14:45:54
Luckily, I never use mine whether asleep or awake!

It has been noticed Rik!

Rik · Mar 30, 2008, 15:36:09

D-Dan · Mar 30, 2008, 18:03:16

Well - since I always believed the Speedtouch was better than the netgear, I swapped them again when I awoke on the couch at either 3:30 or 4:30 this morning (not sure which on account of clocks telling different times and not being sure which timezone I'm supposed to be in).

Anyhoo, got my best sync yet since last weekends debacle, so that decided me.

The best time to re-sync is either 3:35 or 4:35 am on a Sunday.

Rik · Mar 30, 2008, 18:09:09

Usually it's OK to make it 7 or 8am, Steve.

Sebby · Mar 30, 2008, 20:13:41

Getting up at 3 or 4am to re-sync certainly is commitment.

madasahatter · Mar 30, 2008, 22:37:29

It's certainly more commited than I am

Broadback · Mar 31, 2008, 09:47:31

Almost always in bed before 10.0pm, usually up by 6.0am. I was always told "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man, healthy wealthy and wise.". Still waiting for the second and third to kick in, and lost the way on the first!

Rik · Mar 31, 2008, 09:53:49

I was told that. I tend towards the opposite end of the day. No benefits for me either.

Gary · Mar 31, 2008, 10:00:51

Quote from: Sebby on Mar 30, 2008, 02:04:27
I've always found that Netgear's sync higher, but they're not as stable as the SpeedTouch routers. They use different chipsets, which is why they give such different results. I'd pick the SpeedTouch over the Netgear any day; it may sync lower, but it is far more reliable.

On the reviews Sebby for O2/Be adsl 2+ they find the exact opposite, the 780 speedtouch drops where as the Netgears stay solid $:-\$

Sebby · Mar 31, 2008, 13:44:42

Ah, well ADSL2+ is another kettle of fish.

Rik · Mar 31, 2008, 14:25:59

And here we go with another steep learning curve.