Can a modem and/or router overload?

~omgwtfbbqplz Sep 16, 2012

I like to use my laptop to do my internet things or things that need internet. I rarely encounter internet disconnection when I'm the only one using it. When my parents want to use the internet using their netbook or ipad, we lose internet connection most of the time. My parents think the modem is faulty while I think it's because all the wifi was too much for the modem and router to handle. I would've try to explain that to them, but I don't know computer jargons in cantonese.

So, am I right? did the router or modem overloaded and caused the internet disconnection? What can I do to prevent future incidents?

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~hetseeker Oct 13, 2012

When I used to play online with my ps3 sometimes I got Internet crashes and it pretty much annoying due my single router was overloaded and I have to reset it.

But I also learned when you add a second router, you will not have Internet crash,some models of routers are really good like D-Link DIR-600 wireless N 150 Home router or TRENDnet TEW-651BR 150Mbps Wireless N Home Router, they are Eco-friendly and they don't overheat

That's all I have to say

*b3stbuddy Oct 9, 2012

The best thing to keep in mind is that your router is just another computer albeit a very small one that runs software to "route" your internet connections. That being said, find out what CPU speed and RAM your router is using. Then upgrade to something with more of both.

I had similar problems until I approached the problem this way. Cool thing about this is you can actually find really good used fast routers for probably cheaper than the one you have now.

If overheating is an issue you could try pointing a box fan at it but that will look ridiculous. Plus in my case, I'm already using the box fan for the Xbox.

~pauljs75 Oct 7, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

I had an old Netgear wifi router that would overheat. (No heatsinks on the board and limited ventilation, even kept free of dust it still had problems.) And when it did, it would lose signal strength and drop connections all the time. If your router is getting more than just warm to the touch, I'd look at that first.

So yes, overloading a router (doing something like watching streaming video) is quite possible.

I ended up getting a half-decent Linksys router, and now everything is pretty smooth connection-wise.

~Ask-CreamTheRabbit Oct 4, 2012

yes

~ironscythe Sep 18, 2012

Wifi routers usually only have 5 connection ports, and as connecting devices log on and off, sometimes the ports remain occupied by their temporary IP address. This leaves you with zero available ports, eventually. Frequent power-cycling (unplugging the router and/or modem, waiting 30 seconds, plugging it back in) is recommended as a general practice of maintaining a wireless router.

~LeafTheLiolf Sep 17, 2012

I learned on TV that everytime a person logs on to their computer, and uses internet, the router gets slower and harder to connect to the computers. There is some routers that are stronger than others, though.

*Aveneline Sep 17, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

If you have just a basic router, then yes it can be overworked and cause disconnects. Just tell your parents that your router may need updated to handle more technology. If you don't know the computer jargon, then just tell them that the nearest electronics store can help you pick out a router that will handle what you need. I work at Best Buy and have to do things like this all of the time.

~Demicus-Maximus Sep 17, 2012 Student Writer

If you are using B or G type WiFi, then you may be trying to get more out of your network than it can handle. Regardless of that the box says, G's are very prone to failure.

If N, N+, or N+gb, then you should be okay. I used N+gb and run my PC, other PC, my Laptop, two PSP's, and one DSi, all at once, no problem. (did that as a benchmark, not normal to run all at once.) Hell, I even divert 10% of my bandwidth to a second, unsecured channel that everyone in my apartment complex can use.

Also, if you have neighbors that also have WiFi, try setting your WiFi to a different channel. Many signals in close proximity, all on the same channel, can cause problems.

Finally, make sure there aren't trolls nearby. Its pretty easy for someone to block all WiFi signals in an area by jamming them. Not sure the legality of that, but It can be easily done.

*pyrohmstr Sep 16, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

I mean, yes, routers can overload and get confused. However, that's highly unlikly to be the issue with just 3-4 people using the thing.

Some things to try:
1. Update the firmware of the router.
2. Set a unique name and a good password using wpa-psk2 (prevent neighbors from jumping on too)
3. Consider getting a more modern router. Without knowing what you have it's hard to say.

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Can a modem and/or router overload?

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