Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

My WiFi router was getting finicky for awhile so I quit using it for about a week. I unplugged it from the network and power source for at least a week. Now when I plug it back in the light which indicates connectivity will not change from ORANGE (no connection) to GREEN (connection).

The same LAN cable that doesn't provide a connection to the router is working fine to type this post when it is plugged directly to my laptop.

What gives?

Is it possible that my ISP is jittery or ping is too slow, etc.? My connection has been a bit bad during the winter... but I kind of attributed that to the PC bang down the street sucking up all the local bandwidth.

[JustinC]

Maybe just your wifi is broken?

[chaz47]

[JustinC]

[wishfullthinkng]

same thing recently happened to my router. but i was using one from overseas and i suppose it lasted "long enough". i got a buffalo gigabit router from gmarket and couldn't be happier. it also has the option of a full installation in english if you are scared about trying to do it in korean.

[oppa637]

routers die with time. Time to get a new one.

[Swampfox10mm]

Routers last 2 to 3 years, generally. That's been my experience. Usually, they start losing connectivity gradually and then just die. Doesn't seem to matter if I spend much money on an expensive or a cheap one. They have a limited shelf life.

BTW, I have learned that the real way (other than just antennas) to tell how powerful a router is is to look at the power pack that plugs into the wall. The higher the voltage, the more range it will have... generally. More power in, more power out. The better MIMO routers have more range, but I find I don't want to broadcast my wifi to the entire neighborhood anyway. My Korean apartment isn't that big, so why spend a ton if I'm not gaming? I seem to stream Netflix just fine over my cheapie router. With a max of maybe 3 connections, and usually just 1 or 2 on the wifi, I have no need for the more expensive ones.

The 15,000 won Buffalo routers, which I believe you can just buy at E-mart now, are not a bad deal.

The best bang for the buck are the NETIS brand, but it's all in Korean. You can get them for 13,000 and up in Yongsan and they have a bit more power than the cheapest Buffalo. The Buffalos can be had in English (I think they can switch menu languages). Some of the Belkin's are that way, too.

[dazzed]

I bought my linksys wrt54g V4 several years ago and still going strong. Been with me for a long time. Linksys make it strong.

[Swampfox10mm]

[andyrider]

[Swampfox10mm]

Here you go:

Mine had a language choice in the menu

http://www.emart.com/display/item.do?method=getItemInfoViewDtl&item_id=4981254406267&ctg_id=6511963&emid=search

[Swampfox10mm]

And if you don't mind Korean set-up, which isn't too awful if you know how to set up a router, then these are a very powerful/great deal:

http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=328889503&pos_shop_cd=EN&pos_class_cd=90000001&pos_class_kind=T&keyword_order=wf2470

I've had good luck with Netis.

[chaz47]

It's only a slight inconvenience now actually. My laptop's wifi card can share the LAN signal pretty easily. I was hoping to sell the router off soon... it is disappointing that I'll have to throw it away though.