Dropped calls, incoming and outgoing

[Tims75]

I have had the Majicjack for over 6 great months. I usually highly recommend it.

Here’s my problem. Since installing a Linksys WCG200 Wireless-G Cable Gateway Version 2.0 and a Linksys WMP54G V.4 PCI adapter when wireless all of my calls, whether incoming or outgoing, are dropped after anywhere from a couple of seconds to a couple of minutes. They just stop. Both the MJ and the receiving phone still act as if they are connected (still counting the time), just no audio from either end.

If I am connected directly to the computer via Ethernet cable, no problems. Once I go wireless the problem begins.

I have the MJ connected to a USB 2.0 PCI card ( all of the USB ports that came with my Presario 6320S are only 1.0), I am running XP home SP3.

I have tried to change the security settings on the modem/router from WAP2 to WEP to disabled. I have checked all of the power settings to ensure the devices don’t power down for power savings. I have excellent signal strength, the router is within a couple of feet from my computer until I get it to work properly with my MJ.

I really need to go wireless due to cables spread all over the apartment. If I can’t get this fixed it is goodbye MJ.

I have searched this forum but can't find any posts that help me with my problem. Please, any suggestions?

Thanks

[az2008]

It sounds like it's specific to wireless. Either interference, or something bad with your router.

If you can try a different router, it would help isolate the problem. Otherwise, try sitting right next to the router, connected wirelessly, and see if it disconnects. I'm not sure that's a valid test. I suppose strong enough interference could cause a problem even at that distance.

Try changing your wireless channel to something else.

Mark

[Tims75]

I changed the channel from 6 (default) to 1 earlier. I am right next to both the compter and router.

Thanks

[az2008]

I changed the channel from 6 (default) to 1 earlier. I am right next to both the compter and router.

I think I read somewhere that 11 is less susceptible to cordless phones. But, I might be wrong. And the, 11 is usually crowded.

If channel changes don't do anything, or sitting right next to it (antenna to antenna), I'd spend some money on another router. It's good to have spares anyway.

Mark

[JohnnyFreightTRAIN]

I'm not too sure if this is true, but i heard some cordless phones interfere with wireless connections.

Perhaps that may be the issue?

[Tims75]

I do have a cordless phone. It is a DECT 6.0 that is not supposed to interfere with the 2.4ghz wireless connection. That is not to say one of my neighbors isn't using an older model cordless. Though this occurs at all times everytime I use the MJ.

I have tried with my corded phone as well. Same problem.

[sirjune]

just as first posted, i am having same issue. the call session gets disconnectedm just dead air. no busy tone or something. so i keep on talking like crazy. the timer keeps on counting though. my laptop is connected via ethernet cable to my router. it always drop the call. if i use the wireless link of my laptop instead of ethernet, i got interference using my cordless phone.

[az2008]

my laptop is connected via ethernet cable to my router. it always drop the call.

I thought you said earlier that the problem didn't happen when connected to the router with a wire. Is it happening even with a wire?

If so, I would remove the router and connect directly to the DSL/Cable modem. (Be aware that this could expose you to external threats.).

Mark

[Tims75]

I thought you said earlier that the problem didn't happen when connected to the router with a wire. Is it happening even with a wire?

It doesn't happen when connected to my PC via ethernet cable. Just when I am wireless.

Tim

[az2008]

It doesn't happen when connected to my PC via ethernet cable. Just when I am wireless.

Thanks for clarifying. If it happens at all times of day, and even if you're next to the router's antenna, I think you either have a really bad interference problem, or your router's going bad. Or, your wireless card in your computer.

I could understand random interference when the neighbors use their microwave oven. But, not all day. And, not so strong that it would affect you if you're right next to the router.

Mark

[Tims75]

Yep, happens at all times of the day. My wireless connection always indicates excellent signal strength and I don't seem to be having any other wireless connection problems.

I have been looking on eBay and other places for an inexpensive used laptop to put with the modem/router to connect just the MJ to. I hate to do this for many reasons though it may be the only solution to the problem,

A used laptop on craigslist or eBay may be $100 or more but a landline would cost much more than that in just a few months.

I hate to spend any more cash though.

Tim

[Tims75]

Well, now, 7:39 into a call while connected to the computer through the Ethernet cable the call screwed up.

The girl could hear me but I couldn't hear her. After about 10 seconds I hung up and called back.

I kind of hope this is due to the new upgrade and they will fix the problem soon. I hate to have to go back to a landline, but I really need a reliable phone.

Any help??

[az2008]

The girl could hear me but I couldn't hear her. After about 10 seconds I hung up and called back.

There are other topics where people have said they've begun to experience a "fading." When it happens again, you might give it a little longer before hanging up. (Not that it makes the situation better, but just to see if you experience the call coming back like others have.).

Mark

[sligg111]

Well, now, 7:39 into a call while connected to the computer through the Ethernet cable the call screwed up.

The girl could hear me but I couldn't hear her. After about 10 seconds I hung up and called back.

I kind of hope this is due to the new upgrade and they will fix the problem soon. I hate to have to go back to a landline, but I really need a reliable phone.

Any help??

I'm using Ooma and it works well with no problems I'm aware of yet. MJ was a nightmare for me.

[az2008]

I'm using Ooma and it works well with no problems I'm aware of yet. MJ was a nightmare for me.

People either love or hate MJ. It's a good deal if it works (or, for as long as it works.). But, you're right. I don't see Dan taking it beyond a niche market if some things don't get better. One thing I worry about is that the price may go up in order to pay for the things that need to improve.

However, Ooma makes me nervous. There's no way they can provide free, lifetime service with the purchase of a rather expensive hardware device. That's either a "Ponzi" scheme (paying for the old users' service with the profits of new users buying the device). Or, there's a gimmick involved (like, they send a signal to the device to disable it after a user has gotten their money's worth. Ooma will just say the device failed, you have to buy another one.).

If I leave MJ, Ooma would be low on my list for that reason alone. Otherwise, you're right. Ooma users seem to be happy.

Mark

[Tims75]

Latest info:

I turned off the wireless function on my cable modem\router Linksys Wireless-G Cable Gateway model WGC200 while I was connected via the Ethernet cable and it seems to have fixed the problem.

Before when the MJ was tested and failed I left the wireless function active on my gateway.

So, I suppose that the MJ was connecting though the wireless section of the gateway even though the Ethernet cable was attached.

I guess this narrows it down to the wireless section of my gateway. And, as I can see by the numerous posts, this is not that uncommon.

I have checked for firmware updates on the Linksys website and from what I can determine the actual firmware for the cable gateway are determined and updated by the cable company, in my case Charter.


Any ideas on where to go in my gateway and what to do when I get there?

Thanks.

[az2008]

I have checked for firmware updates on the Linksys website and from what I can determine the actual firmware for the cable gateway are determined and updated by the cable company, in my case Charter.

That's common with combination Cable modem/router units. You have no control over your router firmware. I would *never* advise someone to buy one of these.

Any ideas on where to go in my gateway and what to do when I get there?

It sounds like you have interference. You might google for how to cure wi-fi interference. I wrote something about that here: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/MagicJack/ ... wirelessly

Mark