WRT-54G connection issues?

Question

So, I have this WRT-54G that I got from a freind a while ago.  It has worked pretty well mostly.  Previous to this week, every once in a while (once a week maybe?) it would disconnect from all of the computers in the house, and not let us reconnect.  Opening the "Wireless Networks Available" screen would show my router, with 5 bars of connectivity, but when I would double click it, it would think for a few seconds and then say it couldn't connect.  Once in a while, it WOULD connect, and I would be able to get online just long enough to open an email or two, and then it would disconnect again.  Anyway, usually waiting a couple hours, or overnight, and it would magically be working again in the morning.
Now, this week, it's in a constant state of that "showing 5 bars, but won't connect, except sometimes, when it disconnects me almost immediately."  I've moved it from the other room, to where it's sitting 2 feet away from my computer, so range/interference shouldn't be an issue.
Does anyone have any idea **bleep** is going on here?  Why would I be able to see the router on the network, with 5 bars, but not be able to connect to it?  (yes I have the right wpa password and all that)  Is my router just borked and I need a new one? Is there some setting somewhere that says "Don't be lame."?
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.
-Nick

Answer 1

First of all, please wire a computer to your router.  Do not connect any computers wirelessly.  Does this wired connection work properly?    If not, DO NOT proceed with the suggestions listed below.  We will need to get your wired connection working properly first, then fix the wireless problem.  Report back with the problems that you are having with the wired connection.
Assuming that your wired connection works properly, then proceed with the following:
There are many causes for poor wireless connections, and many solutions:
First of all, give your network a unique SSID. Do not use "linksys". If you are using "linksys" you may be trying to connect to your neighbor's router. Also set "SSID Broadcast" to "enabled". This will help your computer find and lock on to your router's signal.
Poor wireless connections are often caused by radio interference from other 2.4 GHz devices. This includes wireless phones, wireless baby monitors, microwave ovens, wireless mice and keyboards, wireless speakers, and your neighbor's wireless network. In rare cases, Bluetooth devices can interfere. Even some 5+ GHz phones also use the 2.4 Ghz band. Unplug these devices, and see if that corrects your problem.
In your router, try a different channel. There are 11 channels in the 2.4 GHz band. Usually channel 1, 6, or 11 works best. Check out your neighbors, and see what channel they are using. Because the channels overlap one another, try to stay at least +5 or -5 channels from your strongest neighbors. For example, if you have a strong neighbor on channel 9, try any channel 1 through 4.
Also, try to locate the router about 4 to 6 feet above the floor, in an open area. Do not locate it behind your monitor or near other computer equipment or speakers. The antenna should be vertical.
Also, in the computer, go to your wireless software, and go to "Preferred Networks" (sometimes called "Profiles" ). There are probably a few networks listed. Delete any network named "linksys". Also delete any network that you do not recognize, or that you no longer use.  Delete your current network (this will remove any old settings.)   Reboot computer.  Return to "Preferred Networks" and re-enter your network info (SSID, encryption (if any), and key (if any) ). Then select your current network and make it your default network, and set it to automatic login. You may need to go to "settings" to do this, or you may need to right click on your network and select "Properties" or "settings".  Reboot computer.  You should connect automatically.  If not, temporarily turn off your computer's software firewall.
If the above does not fix your problem, download and install the latest driver for your wireless card.
Some users have reported improved wireless performance by switching to WPA encryption.
If you continue to have problems, try the following:
For wireless g routers, try setting the "Transmission Rate" to 54 Mbps.
If you still have trouble, download and install the latest firmware for your router. After a firmware upgrade, you must reset the router to factory defaults, then setup the router again from scratch. If you saved a router configuration file, DO NOT use it.
Hope this helps.