I got new DSL service. I connect via a router. It works fine, until night time when everyone in the neighboor gets busy using the internet. I connect to a gaming site, but I get disconnect every 15 seconds. I bypass my router and connect directly to my DSL modem. I can now connect to my gaming site without disconnects. Does that mean someone has guessed the password to my WiFi connection on my router and a neighbour using my internet services?I previously had a cable connection and I got a lot of disconnection when I tried to do online gaming at night time. My cable connection was unreliable most of the time. I still have my cable modem and cable service so that I can compare the quality of service with the DSL service.How do I get a reliable router? I have three computers connected to my router using cable and/or WiFi.Certified Geek. Data dude.

Hi, Thank you for your post. Based on my research, I would like to suggest trying the following to narrow down the issue: 1. Since the connection worked fine when bypassing the router and connecting to the DSL modem directly, I suspect the issue may be related to the router. Therefore, lets check the router first: 1) Firstly, please ensure that the router is compatible with Windows Vista. You can check the compatibility information of the device via the following site: Windows Vista Compatibility Center http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/default.aspx Meanwhile, you can also contact the computers manufacture for detail information. 2) Please check the router settings again referring to the Users Guide or Manual. You may reconfigure the router settings to see how it works. 3) Based on my experience, this can be also related to the firmware of the wireless router. Therefore, I would like to suggest that you also check your wireless router manufacturers website and check if there is any upgrade version of firmware. 4) Do other computers connecting to the router encounter the same issue? Please also let me know their Operating Systems. 2. I also notice that you use a wireless connection. Please check the wireless network signal strength. If it is not strong enough, this may cause the network disconnection issue. 3. As you suspect that someone has guessed the password of your WiFi connection, you can temporarily change the password to check if the issue will disappear. 4. Please also upgrade the driver of your wireless NIC. (If you want, please let me know the exact brand and model of the device, and we may help you check the manufacturers website.) 5. Just as a test, please try the wired connection and see if the similar issue occurs. 6. If you have another router, please check if it works. Considering the issue is related to the router, it is also recommended that you contact the routers manufacture for technical support. Hope this issue can be resolved soon. Thanks. Nicholas Li - MSFT

Hi, I just want to see how everything is going. If you have any questions or concerns on the recent information I've provided you, please feel free to let me know. Thanks.Nicholas Li - MSFT

The first day with a new ISP(MSN) was a disaster. Subsequent dayshad asuprisingly good quality of service.There must be many things happening behind the scene that I don;t know about.Certified Geek. Data dude.

Hi, Thank you for your update. May I know how it works currently? Regarding the symptom that the connection works properly when bypassing the router, I still think this should not be related to ISP. Meanwhile, please check the following on the router: 1. Ensure that you have enabled secured wireless connection. You may also refer to the following documents: Why should I secure my wireless network? http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/75bbf83e-a80b-4dd4-966d-6da33924992c1033.mspx Set up a security key for a wireless network http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/044ee3ed-ab72-48c7-9515-95d56f925fcb1033.mspx What are the different wireless network security methods? http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/b385cc8a-af25-489e-a82e-decf6df26b681033.mspx 2. Please check the routers logs or connected computers to see if others are using the wireless connection. If it is possible, you can also change the wireless router with another one and see if the same issue will reoccur. Thanks. Nicholas Li - MSFT

Hi, How about the current status? Does the wireless connection work fine now? If the issue persists or you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am happy to be of assistance. Thanks. Nicholas Li - MSFT

Hi,Thanks for your reply. I had to buy a new router and now everything thing works well. I am still don't understand exactly what was wrong with my old router.I will study the links that your provided on may 13th and learn more about router security.(I did not get a notification of your may 13 th post and I found it today.)Thanks.ArneCertified Geek. Data dude.

Hi Arne, Thank you for updating. Based on my experience, I suspect the old router might be damaged or it didnt work properly. Therefore, you may also contact the routers manufacture regarding the issue. I am glad that the network works fine since the router has been changed. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to post back. Thanks.Nicholas Li - MSFT

Nicholas,That is a wild guess.My wild guess is that I choosed the wrong security option and that I was hacked.Thanks.ArneCertified Geek. Data dude.

I'll throw in a few security tips for you (these are all configured in the router):1- Disable Remote (internet) Administration 2- Don't use the default admin password. Change it, and make it as long, strong, and cryptic as you can handle.3- Change the SSID. Nothing helps a wifi cracker quite like knowing (just by the WLAN's name) what he's up against.4- Use the highest level of wireless security that your wireless clients can handle. WPA2-AES > WPA > WEP > no encryption.5- Make your wireless passphrase as cryptic as possible, and as long as possible. The wierder it is, the harder it is to crack.If all that a wireless leach wants is free internet (rather than access to your machines), then the more obstacles you put in his way, the more likely he'll be to move on to a weaker network.And, in the future: should this happen again, simply change one or more things in your setup (SSID, key, etc.) Also, most routers log DHCP leases. Checking that list will (usually) tell you that you have a foreign machine connecting to your WLAN.HTH,Chris[If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

Hi, Thank you for your posts. Arne, you may configure the wireless router again referring to the information related to securing the wireless network which is shared by Chris and I. If you need some help or further investigation, please feel free to let us know. Thanks again.Nicholas Li - MSFT