[gentoo-user] Re: Linksys router BEFSR41 loosing internet

[James]

Paul Hartman <paul.hartman+gentoo <at> gmail.com> writes:


> > I bought this router the other day.  I notice something that is a little
> > weird.
> It seems like more of the computer and electronics problems I have (or
> that people bring to me) are related to power supply failures than any
> other reason.

Shot in the dark:

Make sure the router is on a UPS. Often you do not have power
failures, but power "glitches" such as low voltage, particularly
if the temperature has "spiked cold" in your area. Of if the 
local power companies is a slacker, like most of them are.
Some areas are frequently "swung" from one substation to 
another substation, as the power grid managers try to 
minimize the operational costs and balance the distribution
network. This sort of activity will kill UPS and batteries,
prematurely.

All UPS need to be tested to ensure the batteries are good
every few months. If you can wire in addition jel-cel batteries
in parallel so as to extend capacity and ease the drain-charge
cycles on your UPS equipment.

Best thing to do, is hook up a 100 watt (150) incadescent
bulb and fixture and just pull the power cord. If the light
flickers or goes brown or out too soon, your UPS may
need either a new battery or if your UPS power circuitry
is of poor quality or old, just replace the UPS.

Power quality is a big problem, the world over and often
the detection requires subtle interrogation, or a purchase
to fix it. 

A "Leroy fix" is to plug a smaller capacity UPS into a
larger UPS that is connected to the wall outlet, to prevent
voltages sags due to old or poor quality electronics of the
UPS(es).

If you need batteries, I know of a good (cheap) supplier
for Lead_acid batteries, in the US..... so just drop me
a line.


Another idea, find out what voltage (DC?) your router
uses, if it has an external power supply; it will be marked
on the power supply. If you are lucky it uses 12VDC or 5-6 VDC
and you can splice in Jel-Cell batteries of the appropriate
voltage, for extra energy storage or to limit voltage sag.


Just some random ideas and watch out for neighbors running too
many christmas lights or a welder in the neighborhood.
Power quality issues usually magnify during periods of peak demand.


hth,
James