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

[Gene WØQFC]

Aaron:

Don't give up!

 I am ready to!

 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.

The Linksys box is not so cheap.

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.

I have two of the LInksys boxes and they both seem to have the same bugs - I set something and it works for awhile and then the next time I use the system, it is screwed up again.

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
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".

I have updated the firmware and do a reset but it still ends up not working. I have noticed that if I leave everything set at the factory default the box will work OK about 95% of the time. As soon as I change anything in the setup, that is when the trouble begins.
I am ready to get rid of these two Linksys boxes and try something else - which brings me to the "Question of the hour": What brand of 'box' would you purchase?
All I want to do is to limit his access at certain times and so far, I have been unable to do that with the Linksys boxes!
So, if you have any suggestions - maybe from your own experience - they would be greatly appreciated.
Again, thanks for all of your help.
73,

Gene WØQFC

ps: rUNNING xp pro sp2