Problem with Internet Connection

[raa]

Have been having intermittent problems connecting with the internet.  We are on a wireless connection using Apple Express with Speedtouch ST585 v6 for the modem.  Ever since we had to switch the electrics off for half an hour a couple of weeks ago our internet connection freezes intermittently.  We have checked the BT line and it's not faulty.

Any ideas what this problem may be linked with.  Is this our equipment or is there a fault with IDNET?  Does anyone know??

Appreciate any advice.

Many thanks.   

[Rik]

Hi Raa and welcome to the forum.

It's not likely to be an IDNet issue, though it's possible. When you say you've checked the line with BT, I take it that was as a voice line on 151?

Can you identify whether it's the wireless side of the system which is freezing, or whether it's the ADSL signal. The simplest way to do this would be to connect one machine with an ethernet cable and see if the problem persists.

If it is the ADSL side, do you know if you are losing sync (do lights flash on the router?) or just the PPP session. Are there any clues in the router's log?

Unfortunately, I've answered your question with nothing but questions, but we need to delve a little. Also, unfortunately, I'm just off, but someone else will be along to help shortly.

[D-Dan]

And remember - two weeks ago was when I, and others had problems which seem to be down to BT maintenance.

Mine has more or less settled down now (though my sync and IP profile are both lower - whatever I do).

Are you sure you have an ongoing problem, and not the remnants of BT being "helpful" a couple of weeks ago?

[Simon]

Hi Raa, and 

Can't be of any more help, I'm afraid, but as soon as you've posted some more info for us, I'm sure somebody will. 

[Sebby]

There's nothing I can really add. We'll wait to hear back from you.

[raa]

Thanks for all your replies and welcomes 

Well it looks like it is to do with the wireless connection.  We have the Apple Express router attached to the Speedtouch and the WLAN light is orange - which relates to the wireless connection.  I can get on the internet but cannot access my 'bookmark' sites.  I can enter IDNET!  I cannot retrieve my idnet emails into my mailbox though.

What I don't understand is why suddenly this has started to happen.  Everything was completely fine until a couple of weeks ago.  We have been using our method of wireless connection since the end of January without any problems.  A couple of weeks ago we had to switch the power off in our home and ever since switching back our problems with connection have begun.

What was the hiccup with BT a couple of weeks ago???

Thanks everyone - what do you reckon for the techno wallies???   

[Rik]

Hi Raa

The timing may be coincidence, or possibly a power supply has become stressed and is acting up.

Unfortunately, I'm not a Mac person, so I'm going to struggle a bit to give sensible advice. Please bear with me through the "asking silly questions" phase. AFAIK, the 585 is a wireless router, so could you explain why you also need the Apple Express router please? My first thought would be that the two are not talking together properly - is it possible to try a cable connection to the 585?

When you say you can enter IDNet but not connect to your bookmark sites or email, what error message, if any, are you getting. What happens if you type a URL for one of your bookmark sites into the browser address bar? Have you been able to access mail using the webmail interface?

If we can't resolve the issue for you, IDNet are Mac users, so a word with support will cut straight through the waffle.

[Sebby]

Are you using the Airport as a wireless extender? Otherwise I can't see its role in your setup.

[D-Dan]

Odd - I have a Speedtouch 585 V6 - and (when I enable it) the WLAN is green. Orange tends to indicate a transitionary state (connecting, for example). Which firmware version do you have (go to the router admin page and it should tell you)

[Tacitus]

...We are on a wireless connection using Apple Express with Speedtouch ST585 v6 for the modem.  ..

As the 585 is a wireless modem I can't see why you're using the Apple Express (= the one like a large white powerbrick) unless you have it connected to your HiFi.

Check the setup - this assumes you're using it connected to the HiFi.  airport->wireless -> join a wireless network.  You will need to enter your WPA security code.  Internet -> connect using wireless network ALSO: config ipv4 using DHCP.  You should also fill in the DNS servers.  Internet -> Base station -> give the Xpress a name and password.

Provided your passwords are OK this should work.

Your computer should be picking up the wireless signal from the 585.  My Xpress is used simply to relay Internet radio from the base station to the HiFi.

[Rik]

Thanks, Tacitus - it helps when someone who knows the hardware comes along.

[Sebby]

Odd - I have a Speedtouch 585 V6 - and (when I enable it) the WLAN is green. Orange tends to indicate a transitionary state (connecting, for example).

On the WLAN LED, orange indicates WEP security, green indicates WPA.

[D-Dan]

Ahhh, thanks Sebby. Since I have the wireless deactivated (unless I really need it) I'd never really gone into it, and have WPA2 security set by default when I do.