Long delay accessing certain sites using a WRV54G

Question

I am using a WRV54G with Verizon DSL. The firmware version is 2.39.2 and I am using the default settings. The problem I am having is that certain sites take up to 30 seconds to show up. Most of the time, it is when a site launches a secondary window. I am experiencing this on both an XP Pro SP2 laptop using wireless as well as a wired computer running Vista Business SP1. The same sites consistently exhibit this problem on both computers. Both computers are running FireFox 2.0.0.12. These same sites come up immediately at a different location on a Vista machine running FireFox. This is why I suspect the router. Has anyone else experienced this, or does anyone know of a solution? Thanks! --Bruce

Answer 1

Your Westell "modem" is actually a "modem-router" that uses the same 192.168.1.x  address space as the Linksys WRV54G.  This is likely the cause for your problem.
The easiest way to test this hypothesis is to disconnect the WRV54G from everything else, then, using a computer wired to the WRV54G, change the "Local IP address"  to  192.168.2.1 , then save your settings.  Power down the WRV54G, reconnect your system, and test.  If this corrects the problem, then my hypothesis is correct.  This is also the same as solution 3 below.
There are 3 solutions:
1)  The ideal setup is to convert the Westell to a plain modem, by setting it into "bridge" mode.  This should work with almost any Internet connection type (PPPoE, DHCP-automatic, Static, etc.)   except for PPPoA.  If your ISP uses PPPoA  (I don't think Verizon uses PPPoA), you will need to use method 2 or 3 (below), because the WRV54G cannot do a PPPoA login.  With the Westell set to bridge mode, the WRV54G will handle your Internet connection (including PPPoE login if needed), and all router and wireless functions.
2)  Use the Westell as your primary router, and convert the WRV54G to a WAP (wireless access point).  In this setup, the Westell controls all your router functions (DHCP server, port forwarding, etc.), while the WRV54G would only control your wireless settings.  In this setup, the Westell (not the WRV54G) is providing the protection from Internet hackers.  The WRV54G is providing protection from wireless intruders (assuming you are using encryption).
3)  Use the Westell as your primary router, and use the WRV54G as a secondary router.  In this setup, both routers are providing protection from Internet hackers.  The WRV54G is also providing protection from wireless intruders (assuming you are using encryption).  The downside of this setup is that some network devices (such as Xbox and others) do not work properly, or at least do work easily, when connected through a double router setup.  Ordinary web surfing and file downloading usually works fine.  But if you need fancier stuff, like port forwarding, you have to setup both routers to allow the port forwarding.  Some users have had email setup problems with double router systems, but eventually these problems can usually be solved.
So, which method do you want to use?  1, 2, 3 ?
I think 1 would be the best, assuming you do not have PPPoA.   Obviously, option 1 also assumes you can get the Westell into bridge mode.  Most Westell users seem to be able to do this.
Option 3 takes advantage of the WRT54GL's wired and wireless router protections, but may make it difficult to use some types of Internet devices.   
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 03-09-2008 04:25 AM