[Ham-Computers] RE: One more option...Was: ACCESS

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Gene,

Don't give up!  These "inexpensive" routers from Linksys, D-Link, Netgear,
etc. are all prone to lock-ups and configuration failures.  Most of them are
based on "reference" designs with features added by each respective company.
I've had my share of lock-ups and configuration "problems" over the years.
Many of these routers use a "canned" version of Linux which is *very*
stable, but the vendor customized features are buggy and cause the router to
mis-behave.

The best thing you can do is to "hard" boot the box when you run into a
situation where things should work, but aren't working - aka do a full
"reset".  For some boxes, this means pressing the reset button.  Some
require you to press the reset for several seconds.  Others require pressing
the reset while unplugging power from the unit (or plugging power to the
unit).  Check your boxes' manual to see what the proper reset procedure is,
then do it.  Once done, start the configuration over page by page in
methodical order.  If after making a slew of changes something strange
starts happening, reset the box and try just that feature first.  The
"advanced" features are often the ones that may not work properly...that's
why "advanced" features usually aren't officially supported by the vendor.
The feature is there if you wish to make use of it, but it may also cause
instability of the box.

Also, make use of the "save configuration" option if your box offers it.
And make sure you have the latest firmware available.  If you read through
the change history on new firmware, you might be surprised to find that the
little "quirks" ran into are fixed or noted as a "known issue".

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O

-----Original Message-----
From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gene WØQFC
Sent: Monday, February 07, 2005 5:21 PM
To: Computers (or other) used for amateur radio, communications, or
experimenting
Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] One more option...Was: ACCESS


Aaron:
I really want to thank you for the help that you have given me. It is
appreciated! I have had so many different problems with my 'system' that I
am starting to go buggy. First, I was using a new BEFSX41 firewall router
and it started acting weird - one time it would work ok and next it would
not. Also, I was unable to enter anything in the "Filters" section (to try
filtering his IP and/or MAC address. Next, my whole LAN quit. (Five
computers + laptop) Now, I have hooked up a BEFSR41 router and just got the
LAN back up and running and am tired of 'computering' for the day. I am
going to have to educate myself somewhat better on the operation of the
Linksys router; I must be doing something wrong. I just printed out the
on-line manual and will study it in depth and see if I am able to do what
you have suggested. Again, I want to thank you for your help to me and the
rest of the 'group' on the reflectors.

73,
Gene, WØQFC
 (Since 1953. You have to remember that I am an old fart and it sometimes
takes me awhile to "Get It") _______________________________________________
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