Re-starting a Netopia 3347W modem/router

I did a search on Netopia and all I really found was a post I made on 11-07-10 that has been viewed by 68 viewers and it received no replies. So here goes another try.

When I installed AT&T's DSL about a year ago I decided to use a Netopia 3347W-006 wireless ADSL modem/router because that was the modem/router that AT&T supported. It took some effort on my part getting it installed and running correctly. AT&T tech support took me step by step through the install procedure.

However, it seems to be lacking one small user friendly feature. Whenever it loses the DSL signal or power it does not re-start automatically when the DSL signal nor power is restored. It would seem to me that turning off the power and then turning it back on would cause it to re-start, much like a PC will re-boot.

In fact, one of the first questions that AT&T support will ask if you ask them to trouble shoot a problem with your DSL operation is - "Have you tried turning OFF and turning back on your PC and modem/router?"

Re-starting the LAN function of the Netopia is fairly easy. When you try to use your browser, you get a sign-on window and you need to enter your password which brings up another window that asks for your password again. Then it does an auto re-start and after a time allows you to connect to the Internet with your browser.

But, (ah...the big but) the wireless function is gone and the only way I have found to get it back is to go through all the steps that are required when you first install the device, including refreshing the Encryption Key. The last step is "Save and Restart."

This losing the Wi-Fi signal happens about once a month on average I would guess so it's not a regular pain in the butt, just an occasional one.

The reason I've become concerned is that my wife got a ColorNook for XMas and it requires a Wi-Fi connection to download Nookbooks. There is no way in hell that she is going to be able to re-start our in house Wi-Fi network whenever it decides to disappear.

So, is there anyone on this forum that uses (or has used) a Netopia 3347W-006 and knows how to re-start the wireless function without having to go through a re-install? Failing that, anyone know of a modem/router that will re-boot both the LAN and the wireless function automatically when power is turned off and then turned back on?

Thanks for any help or suggestions.

 

I don't have experience with Netopia, but I do with other router brands. All of them occasionally need to be restarted/rebooted, and the way it is done is to simply unplug it for ten seconds. With every router I have ever tried, this seems to do the trick to restoring all functionality. So maybe your answer is to simply unplug the router for 10 seconds.

 

Thanks. That's not a power off/on, but an actual pull the power cord plug from the wall socket, correct?
I'll give it a try next time it decides to 'disappear.' Can't do any harm.

 

I just pull the power cable out of the back of the router for 10 seconds.

 

Thanks. Did that and it re-started. Didn't even have to log on.

Now the final test will be next time it 'disappears' on it's own. When it does that, all the lights on the box indicate that it's working and the only way you can tell it has disappeared is to try to access the Internet (browse, send/receive e-mails, etc.).

Can't believe I'm looking forward to a future failure.

Many thanks for your reply. You have revived my faith in MajorGeeks as the best place to get technical help.

 

I realize that this is six years later but: If you have a spare computer then hook it up to one of the ethernet WAN ports. Install TightVNC server onto that computer and make sure that computer has a wireless interface also. Start both the Wireless Connection and the Local Area Connection. The computer will then have two TCP/IP addresses. If the Netopia needs to be restarted all you then have to do is to log in via TightVNC (or RDP if you want to use that) go to the main webpage for the Netopia, and tell it to restart.

TightVNC: http://www.tightvnc.com
Local Area/Wireless Connection: Start->Control Panel->Network Connections
Usual location of the Netopia main web page : http://192.168.1.254

Only problem with TightVNC is that all computers have to have the same version. RDP is available on Window XP Pro in the C:\Windows\System32 folder and may be listed as "Terminal Connections".