The Router Saga_2

 

With two laptops (his/hers), two h/h Tablets, two printers (same), an I-Pod touch (his), and h/h Kindles, electronic “life” has a strong and defining presence in our retired lives.  Communication with family-friends-acquaintances, a web-identity for Dolores cooking business and client communication, a Smart TV for miscellaneous entertainment, and reading with Kindles that minimize storage in excess of 700 (and growing) books, the small electronic box called a electronic router  is critical to the success of all the aforementioned electronics.

"This network device that, along with a modem, comprises the entire network infrastructure in a home or small office. By combining the major network components in one box, wireless routers provide a convenient way to connect a small number of wired and any number of wireless devices to each other and to the Internet.  The router also attempts to prevent unrequested traffic from coming into the network. Most wireless routers contain a stateful inspection firewall that ensures packets (Web pages, e-mail, etc.) coming from the Internet were requested by the user. Because the router is the only path to the Internet, the firewall works for all computers in the network." (Def. Courtesy of PC Magazine.com)

Generally once installed into place it’s completely overlooked as to having any effect on your ever day life until….

“Robert, the computers not working…what do you mean?...I was on the internet and now I can´t get anything to respond…just a minute.”  I had just completed our Income Taxes and had been reviewing email minutes earlier, then started to write notes in my journal.  Quickly turning back to my computer I realized the net was indeed down.  “Just a minute I´ll be there.”  The Router is located near Dolores computer and sometimes gets turned off by the accidental touching of a wall switch in the hallway entrance to the master bedroom that controls its power outlet.  I checked the router – no lights except for the power indication – and then I moved the switch button.  The power went off then came back on, flickered, but nothing else happened – no internet light.  I went through the standard procedures of restarting the router then did a hard reset – nothing.  After several more attempts I concluded the TelMex Router had “died.”   Understandable since it had worked faithfully the past 5 years without a problem and was getting old.

Now the real problem, no Wi-Fi service and it was after 1:00 PM Saturday afternoon, we had an engagement at 6:00PM and a quick call to our computer guy resulted in no answer.  Dolores was in a panic and I knew there was no solution until Monday plus no one at TelMex speaks English.  The next morning I remembered that I had the password and permission to use our neighbor’s router so I signed into his network with Dolores laptop and got a very weak signal; however my laptop couldn´t even recognize his ID  though I could see 6 other secured wireless routers within our neighborhood.  My neighbor’s router was obviously placed in a location that was difficult to transmit a signal through the concrete walls of our condominium.

Even though Dolores could now work with her laptop (occasionally losing the signal) I wasn´t able to use mine.  Since I had just finished my income tax preparation with the software program located on my computer I was motivated to find a solution so that I could submit my E-file for a refund.  Wandering about our condo with my Tab I finally located a spot in the main living room that could receive my neighbors signal –a guest chair just on the other side of the wall opposite Dolores laptop.  Grabbing my laptop I rushed to the magic location, found the signal, signed in and submitted the E-Filing.  WOW. Tequila!  

Tuesday we visited the local TelMex office with our old modem which they graciously replaced with a new unit, returned home and performed the setup and Voila! - we are once again alive and well in Paradise.

By the way if you ask why the Kindles are on Wi-Fi, it’s faster for searching and downloading vs 3G.  It will revert to 3G when you’re away from your Wi-Fi.