Archer C7 intermittently hangs.

[nazedayo]

Link to iStumbler scan of my wi-fi.

I recently bought an Archer C7 router, which was a huge upgrade from my basic, non-dual-band n router.

My problem is this– a couple of my devices, including my iPhone, Roku, MacBook Pro & Air, and iPad lose connection so I have to disconnect and reconnect in order to restore the connection. After about 3~5 minutes of being connected, it always disconnects. I can either repeat the disconnection process, or leave it connected for about 10 minutes, after which it will stably connect.

The problem is every time I "turn on" (i.e. wake from sleep) my laptop or mobile device, after 5~7 minutes the connection will disconnect no matter what, and it's driving me absolutely crazy. So in summary:

0~4 min: Connects fine.
4~10 min: Lost connection (usually turn off wi-fi and back on to restore connection)
10+ min: Assuming I didn't turn it off, the connection sometimes comes back.

FYI the router is in my roommate's room, two apartment walls away. I don't think the signal's the problem though since after the 10-minute period where I don't get connection, it connects and stays connected fine until I turn off the device and have to repeat the cycle above again.

What's going ON??? It's driving me batshit crazy. He says his devices do the same too, even next to the router. Can anyone help this tortured soul?

Thanks in advance.

 

[microchip]

Hi,

This is a known compatibility problem with Apple devices. You are not alone as many people have reported issues on the TP-Link forum on problems when using this router and Apple devices

I haven't followed the progress of this as it doesn't affect me (don't own Apple devices) but it may already be solved with a firmware upgrade. IIRC, there was a new one fairly recently for the v1 version of the C7. If you haven't got it yet, I'd suggest to get it

Unfortunately, when I read the threads on Apple compatibility problems, there wasn't a solution yet

Do you use the 2.4 or 5 GHz band? From what I recall, the 5 GHz band had more problems with Apple devices than the 2.4 one.

I can't offer you a work-around, but your best bet is to ask on the TP-Link forum (and read the issue threads) http://forum.tp-link.com/forumdisplay.php?38-Dual-Band-Wireless-Routers

If you can't solve the problem, I'm afraid your only option is to return it or exchange it for another router

 

[nazedayo]

Thanks microchip. Didn't know that was the case; I've already upgraded to the latest firmware but still doesn't work. I'll likely change to another router... I'm hesitant but if the Apple compatibility is the issue, I may end up going the Airport Express route at the cost of maximum speed.