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Forum Discussion
FVS318N Wireless Intermittent Connection
We are using a FVS318N ProSafe Firewall/Router. Firmware 4.2.1-2
IPv4, Static IP, NAT routing.
Wireless Security is WPA+WPA2, TKIP+CCMP, PSK. *Attached is screenshot of the radio settings. I purposefully set the Channel on 1 because it is the least used channel in this office area. (Scanning using inSSIDer I found there are 15-20 wireless connections in this building area.)
My issue is the Wireless connection has been so intermittent the past few months. Very slow, and weak. Right now on speedtest.com I'm running (58ms - 1.36MbpsDL - 0.21MbpsUL) The speedtest from Xfinity didn't even register.
Our Ethernet connections work great. They max out right up where our ISP limits are set at.
I have to reboot the FVS318N for the wireless to act slightly better for a short amount of time. I can't be rebooting all day long because there are approximately 6-10 people using the internet in the office at any given time. Rebooting takes the whole system down for 5 minutes. I've connected directly into the FVS318N via Ethernet to test connection speeds, also have tested the standing within 2 feet from the FVS318N.
There are very few users using the WIFI connection, myself being one of them. A few people connect using their Smartphones. We also use the WiFi to connect our Projector to the Network.
I've read that upgrading the firmware to the latest version is supposed to help with some of the FVS318N's issues. But...
A: I am reluctant to do so because I can't risk killing the FVS318N or messing up the settings. (It took forever to set the 318N up for the first time back 6 months ago. Even with the help of Netgear support)
B: Why would the WiFi work fine for several months then decide to poop out on me now.
IPv4, Static IP, NAT routing.
Wireless Security is WPA+WPA2, TKIP+CCMP, PSK. *Attached is screenshot of the radio settings. I purposefully set the Channel on 1 because it is the least used channel in this office area. (Scanning using inSSIDer I found there are 15-20 wireless connections in this building area.)
My issue is the Wireless connection has been so intermittent the past few months. Very slow, and weak. Right now on speedtest.com I'm running (58ms - 1.36MbpsDL - 0.21MbpsUL) The speedtest from Xfinity didn't even register.
Our Ethernet connections work great. They max out right up where our ISP limits are set at.
I have to reboot the FVS318N for the wireless to act slightly better for a short amount of time. I can't be rebooting all day long because there are approximately 6-10 people using the internet in the office at any given time. Rebooting takes the whole system down for 5 minutes. I've connected directly into the FVS318N via Ethernet to test connection speeds, also have tested the standing within 2 feet from the FVS318N.
There are very few users using the WIFI connection, myself being one of them. A few people connect using their Smartphones. We also use the WiFi to connect our Projector to the Network.
I've read that upgrading the firmware to the latest version is supposed to help with some of the FVS318N's issues. But...
A: I am reluctant to do so because I can't risk killing the FVS318N or messing up the settings. (It took forever to set the 318N up for the first time back 6 months ago. Even with the help of Netgear support)
B: Why would the WiFi work fine for several months then decide to poop out on me now.
16 Replies
- Have you checked your wireless environment to see what/if any changes have occurred since the 318N was initially installed? Perhaps someone else has also decided to use channel 1 because it is the least used channel in the area. You should also be aware that it is possible to have non WiFi signals that can cause interference, and these will not be displayed by inSSIDer, and that wireless networks two channels above & below your channel (in your case only 2 & 3) will also interfere.
- Initially the wireless channel was set to Automatic. After the issues started occurring, I set it to 11, then I have now switched it to 1.
It is something is really impeding the functionality of the Wireless connection. Perhaps a secondary AP that has 5ghz capability and a strong/wide wireless range would be the best solution.
I am disappointed that the 318N built in wireless is performing so badly. Especially when I am standing within arms reach of the Router itself. - There are situations were no WiFi will be reliable. If there are too many AP's nearby or ones that are transmitting at too high power, you can have issues. I have a customer in downtown Annapolis, MD that cannot get a reliable WiFi signal. There are upwards of 60 visible AP's on 2.4Ghz and around 40 on 5Ghz. Obviously some AP's are transmitting on both frequencies. There is so much congestion that even with a solid signal the connections still drop from time to time. They are using the R7000's now which are a little better dealing with the problem.
- I have been having this problem since I purchased the FVS318N a couple of years ago and still have not figured out what the problem is. I am on the latest firmware Firmware Version 4.3.1-31 and did a complete factory reset with the new firmware. It seems to work better if I do not create additional wireless profiles, which of course, is one of the reasons I purchased the router to begin with.
The wireless works for a few days and then just disappears from the broadcast list requiring a reboot. pplaut wrote: I have been having this problem since I purchased the FVS318N a couple of years ago and still have not figured out what the problem is. I am on the latest firmware Firmware Version 4.3.1-31 and did a complete factory reset with the new firmware. It seems to work better if I do not create additional wireless profiles, which of course, is one of the reasons I purchased the router to begin with.
The wireless works for a few days and then just disappears from the broadcast list requiring a reboot.
It is just the wireless you are having issues with? Do you still have access to the UI when the SSIDs disappear?- Interesting thread. My wife has mentioned issues with our 318N's wireless as well. After using it for 5 days or so, it gets much, much slower. A reboot restores the speed, but only sometimes. I've tried changing channels and also letting it sit on automatic. I will be watching this thread for any solutions.
SamirD wrote: Interesting thread. My wife has mentioned issues with our 318N's wireless as well. After using it for 5 days or so, it gets much, much slower. A reboot restores the speed, but only sometimes. I've tried changing channels and also letting it sit on automatic. I will be watching this thread for any solutions.
Are you also using the same FW as the one mentioned on this thread? 4.3.1-31
Actually, it's different--4.0.1-67.Nhellie26 wrote: Are you also using the same FW as the one mentioned on this thread? 4.3.1-31 - Yes, I am. I have been able to determine that the wired connections stay connected. The WiFi just drops...
- Is there anyway to attach a file to this forum?
I would love to upload my config for review...
Thanks!
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