Strange computer router failure

[lordkenmore]

Since last week sometime, I've had no access to this site until Sunday night. I thought it might be some server issue. However, after a series of various events (too long and probably too boring a story), I discovered that my problem appears to be my computer router. Computer connected through the router, and AW.org can't be reached. Connected directly, the computer has no trouble. Routers can fail, I suppose, but the funny thing is that I've noticed no problems with other sites. Maybe it's just trying to tell me I spend too much time here?!?

I'll tinker a bit when I have time. So far, my quick attempts at resetting the router have failed. It's not a huge priority, since a router is not critical (but in some ways convenient) for me.

I've been wondering if anyone else has ever seen this sort of problem? I've seen routers completely fail. (I bought this one to replace a router that my-then roommate had that refused to work no matter what I did.) But to fail with accessing one web site seems odd.

 

[panthera]

Two quick thoughts one longer one

1) Router firewall problem?
2) Many routers have a "blacklist" and maybe a glitch put this site on it? If this connection is "DMZ" it would work regardless.
3) Have your OS flush caches - if it's Windows, it would not be the first time such a problem arose. Easiest to just hit "repair" if XP,Vista or 7.

Hope one of these helps.

 

[lordkenmore]

Keven--thanks for the idea about checking the router for a blacklist problem! I'll have to check when I start tinkering again.

I'm pretty sure it's a router issue, since I have no trouble when the computer is directly wired to my modem. Plus, the problem appeared with two different operating systems (both Linux, different distros) when the router was installed.

 

[panthera]

Ah,

When several different systems have a problem, then it is either accidentally blacklisted or there's a glitch in a cache - DNS?
I'd make sure you have all the necessary logins and passwords and other settings saved to a text file (not a copy of the router's settings) then reset it.
Reenter the data by hand.
If that doesn't do it, try resetting then new firmware - even if it's only a copy of the old.
What router is it, specifically? I had an actiontec in the US which would occasionally switch from a range of IP addresses to DHCP, a major bummer as the college kids next door shared it and were dependent upon it working. In the end, my mother had to learn how to reset it!

 

[lordkenmore]

I've tried resetting the router a couple of times. I'd noticed the apparent ability to update the firmware, so I figure that's worth a try.

The router is an Ativa. I think that's Office Depot house brand. I'm not sure who actually made it--I suspect Office Depot (like Kenmore) has someone else make the product. For some reason, I'm thinking Belkin made it, but don't quote me. I'm sure it's not the best possible router, but it's worked acceptably for my modest needs--at least until now.

 

[mixfinder]

Bad Dog No Biscuit

I was aware we'd have a server update and when I was not allowed to log on to Aworg I figured it was a server issue.  Two days later I was unable to access the site.  I went to vacuumland, clicked the link to Aworg and copied the link to favorites and that how I now access the site.

 

[panthera]

I really don't

think there's much true difference in build quality now-a-days.
I had acquaintances turn up their noses at me for using "Fritz" fax cards with OS/2 way back when - didn't I know that AVM was the only ISDN solution?

Except...AVM made the Fritz cards, they were in every single way identical...same quality control, same everything...just 1/3 the price, because they were not "AVM".

Other possibilities: Linux firewalls are good, but some can be trigger happy on blacklisting and updates have been known to carry bad URL info.

You'll get it and when you do, please let us know!

Oh - I never did the whole 16-Bit Windoze thing-y. Grew up in the Unix world, loved OS/2, switched to NT4 when I had to and am now learning Linux seriously. I've never, ever cared for the macboy mentality of iJobs and my first tastes of the DRM structure in Vista (and worse in 7) have me determined to use my last remaining XP years to change platforms for good.

 

[lordkenmore]

I also question the differences in quality these days. In my more cynical moments (sometimes 28/7--most would say 24/7, but my cynicism is enough for a 28 hour day some days), I think the market is flooded with Cheap Junk and Expensive Junk with rare exceptions. By buying cheaper junk, one takes less of a loss when the item in question blows up.

Plus, a big issue is, indeed, what's inside the product. Linux has taught me one thing well--it's not the name on the box, it's what the chipset inside that matters.

As for the router, I probably won't have time for it today, but hope to get back to it in the next day or so. We'll see what happens.

 

[lordkenmore]

Kelly--tricks like yours are often useful. I have had issues sometimes with bookmarks not working properly. It's happened enough times where if I have trouble getting to a site, I'll type in the address manually.