Intermittent WiFi dropout

[Bailey22]

I have recently experienced a problem with intermittent WiFi dropout that is becoming more frequent. When this happens and I interrogate any of my devices I get a message that says (words to the effect of) 'You are connected to the internet but there is no signal. Contact your Internet Service Provider'.

When the dropout occurs, the light on the front of the Huawei DG8041W-2.T5 router is rapidly flickering between red and white. Turning off the router and waiting 5 minutes before turning it back on clears the issue - until the next time!

Do I have a faulty router?

[KeithFrench]

This indicates an issue between the router & your device(s). On this slow device, how does it connect to the router, via wireless or a wired (Ethernet) connection?

[Bailey22]

Hello Michelle

I am pleased to say that I have not had any further problems with WiFi dropout but have noticed that since the start of the year my broadband speed has dropped significantly. Using the TalkTalk speed checker in 'my account' just now it says that the speed to my router is good at 53Mbps but the speed to my device is poor at about 25Mbps. Up until the end of last year the measured speed to my device used to be around 48Mbps. 

I grateful if you could advise me if the issues I have had could be connected. Thank you. 

[Michelle-TalkTalk]

Hi again,

No problem 🙂 Just post back here if you do experience any issues.

Michelle 🙂

[Bailey22]

Good morning Michelle

Thank you for coming back to me. So far I have not had any more problems and am hoping everything is okay. The problem with intermittent faults though is that they can fool you into a sense of false security and it has gone longer than this without any issues. So can I leave it please that I will get back in touch with you should the problem recur?

Many thanks for your help. 

[Michelle-TalkTalk]

Good morning,

How are you getting on?

Thanks

Michelle

[Michelle-TalkTalk]

Hi Bailey22,

No problem. We'll check back in with you next week to see how you're getting on.

Thanks

Michelle 🙂

[Bailey22]

Hello Debbie

Thank you for your reply and for confirming that the line test is clear. As I have explained to Keith French, the problem is intermittent and as I have replaced the filter and the cable connecting to the router, I am happy to wait for a while to see if the problem recurs. If I continue to have problems may I come back to you to take up your offer of a replacement router?

Thank you for your help. 

[Bailey22]

Hello Keith

Unfortunately, the master socket is not conveniently located and at 75 years old I'm not too keen on scrabbling about on the floor any more often than I need to. I have replaced the filter and the cable connecting to the router and as the problem is intermittent, I am happy to wait for a while to see if it recurs. If it does I'll let you know. 

Thank you for your help. 

[Debbie-TalkTalk]

Hi Bailey22

The line test is clear - No faults detected.

Would you like me to send a replacement router for testing first to rule out any faults with your current router?

Thanks

[KeithFrench]

Which master socket do you have then, please can you include a photo of it?

[Bailey22]

Thank you for your reply. 

I do not have the type of master socket that you have described, but I have fitted a different microfilter and replaced the cable that connects it to the router. Time will tell if it makes any difference. 

Thank you for your help and advice. 

[KeithFrench]

Then you probably have an unstable connection caused either by a faulty router or your broadband/fibre. What happens if you temporarily connect the router via a new or known working microfilter to the test socket? This is the one that is located behind the removable faceplate on the master socket (assuming that you have that design).

[Bailey22]

Thank you for your reply. 

No, I can't see anything like that. 

[KeithFrench]

If you look in the user log in the router:-

Dashboard > See Internet Settings > Manage advanced settings > Advance Configuration > Maintenance Diagnostics > User Log

Are there any entries at these like this:-

restarted due to kernel panic

If so, the router needs upgrading to firmware V1.06.