Router turns security on for no reason

Question

I have a BEFW11S4 V2 router, with latest firmware, and no security set up in a household of one wired wesktop and four laptops (including an additional WUSB11S4 v2 connected new HP desktop)
For no reason I can see, it sometimes turns its security on, not allowing additional wireless access. If any of the original laptops are disconnected, they can't reconnect either.
The router security turns off and goes back to normal when all PCs , Cable Modem and Router are turned turned off and on again.
Thx Steve

Answer 1

Why do you think that your router is suddenly getting "wireless security" turned on?
Since you run an unsecured wireless network, perhaps your neighbor is playing tricks on you!   Teens love to do this.  They get on your network, guess your password (is it still admin? or something else that is easy to guess?), then log into your router, and boot everybody off!
Alternatively, you could be loosing connection simply because your unsecured computers are getting confused, and trying to connect to a neighbor's unsecured network.  Let me guess - your SSID is still "linksys".  Am I right?
Another possibility is that your neighbors' networks, or your own 2.4 GHz devices, are interfering with your wireless signal.  This would include wireless 2.4 GHz phones, Bluetooth, wireless baby monitors, wireless mice or keyboards, microwave ovens, etc. 
At a minimum, you need to assign your network a unique SSID, and secure your router login with at least a 12 random character password.  Unless you live far (at least 1000 feet) from your neighbors, and far from public roads, you also need to set up wireless security.  If you can, change the channel that the router is using.  Channel 1, 6, or 11 usually work the best.  Also, unplug any wireless 2.4 GHz devices that you have (other than your network devices), and see if that corrects your problem.
Actually, to set up wireless security correctly, you will need a new router.
From the user guide, it looks like your current router can only do WEP.  WEP can be broken in less than 5 minutes, using software tools that are available over the internet.  You really need to be using WPA or preferably WPA2.
If you don't get a new router, and if nothing above fixes your problem, then you should update your firmware to the latest version.
Hope this helps.
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 02-18-200707:47 PM
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 02-18-200707:51 PM
Message Edited by toomanydonuts on 02-18-200709:54 PM