Where do I start?

[humanity]

I know part of my following rant could be put in the Networking section, but I feel this has plenty to do with Cable Internet in general, so I'll include everything here.

To start, I have Comcast cable. I've followed the recommended settings for Cablenut, which worked fine for speed. However, here come the problems. The connection itself is run through a router, the Linksys Wireless-B BEFW11S4 V4.

Problem #1 comes with the connection to my computer, which is wired. I set up the router settings as Automatically Obtain, with the other recommended settings (i.e. comcast.net as the domain). I disabled DHCP both in the router settings and through the services options in Windows XP, which I run on my machine. I set up a static IP as follows:

IP Address: 192.168.1.2
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

Preferred DNS: XX.XX.XX.X
XX.XX.XX.X (obtained from having the modem directly connected to my PC)

I also added the DNS 192.168.1.1 just in case, as recommended by the router configuation guide I've seen advocated here. On top of that, I changed my default gateway under advanced to a metric of 1. That should cover the specifics of how I have my connection set up. Now, onto the actual problem.

I get really erratic behavior with AOL Instant Messenger, both through the AIM client and through and AIM connection through the Trillian client. Often times, messages will be delayed, and I will receive a bulk of them all with the same timestamp accordingly. And, recently, I can't stay connected for more than a message or two. I'll send a message, notice I'm not getting a response, check somebody's info, and see the good old "Please wait..." of death (that's what I call it at this point) that signifies that I'm about to be disconnected and reconnected for another one message of fun.

I've tried reverting to DHCP enabled both on my computer and on the router, and respectively at that. I've tried dropping the static IP in favor of the Obtain Automatically solution, which also has failed to help. I have my link duplex set to 10mbps Half Duplex because my router doesn't support 100mbps as far as I'm aware. Also, Full Duplex drops my downstream significantly, even though I've seen it recommended for connections with a router on them.

Other problems I've encountered sporadically would be halted downloads (percentage just stopping mid-download, of the http variety) and halted transfers on messenger clients.

Problem #2 comes with my roommate's wireless connection. She has a built-in 802.11b frequency wireless card, so I decided to set the connection up for wireless for her convenience. However, while she's able to connect to the wireless network, her connection only lasts for a maximum of 20 minutes before it drops. Then, from the systray, it says wireless networks are available. At that point, you can try to connect to the wireless network. And, always, nothing happens, and the message again pops up that wireless networks are available. I can only get her notebook back online through wireless if I disconnect the modem and router a few times or if I change the network name (SSID) on the router itself.

I haven't yet tried setting her computer up with a static IP, although I guess it's something to try.

Any ideas? I'm a little beyond frustrated with this thing at this point. I've never been one to give up on a PC problem, which has made for a lot of late nights, but I'm stumped. I just moved out here to Baltimore from Minnesota, where I had a rock solid connection. So far this one bites.

[humanity]

Update:

I tried connecting the modem directly to my computer (something I should have done from square one I guess), and with DHCP enabled and settings obtained automatically, I don't get the connections drops...or seemingly have any problems for that matter.

It would appear the router, or subsequent settings thereof, is/are the problem.

[mnosteele52]

Is the firmware for your router up to date?

:cool:

[humanity]

Yep, all up to date.

[humanity]

After speaking with a Linksys rep, the suggestions were:

For my connection (wired), the representative recommended that I put my computer in a DMZ. He also recommended that I make use of port forwarding. At the moment I have my computer in a DMZ (from just adding my IP in the tab under the router configuation). I'm not sure I like this solution, but so far it seems to be working (I haven't been immediately disconnected from AIM or other formerly -- assuming it is temporarily fixed -- problematic programs).

As for the wireless problem, he recommended reinstalling the wireless adapter. I don't expect this one to work, since I already updated the wireless adapter drivers.

[humanity]

All is definitely well with my PC in the DMZ. However, this poses another problem: how do I repeat the successful results for other computers I will be adding to my network (since DMZ can only containt a single, host computer)? I assume that there has to be a way with port forwarding to stop Instant Messenger and other programs from randomly disconnecting, or in essence making those ports act as if they're in a DMZ. I'm just not sure how, though. I realize this now borders on the Networking forum, so I'll have no problem if a moderator/admin decides to relocate this post there.

[j79zlr]

Putting a PC in the DMZ should never of been recommended. That disables the security of a NAT firewall as it completely exposes your PC to the WAN.

[humanity]

That's why I was sort of displeased with the solution, and that's why I'm trying to see if forwarding ports will offer a safer solution. I am behind a solid software firewall personally, but I'd rather not compromise the security of my LAN should I decide to make use of some of the inner capabilities.