I've had a Netgear wireless router for about 4 years now and for the most part, it's worked OK. Sunday I was trying to watch a streaming movie from Netflix on my wireless Blu-Ray player and was having all sorts of connection issues. I assumed that Netflix was just going through a problem and didn't think much of it.

Today I was trying my laptop and noticed that the connection speed was incredibly slow. Messed around with settings and nothing changed. I then tried Speakeasy Speed Test and saw that I was getting varying speeds off the wireless but a solid speed on the system that is direct connected to the internet.

Reasoning all this out, I decided that the internet itself is fine as is the DSL modem. The problem must be with the router or the laptop. I then connected to the internet with another device and did the speed test... same problem as the laptop. I reset the router and tried again... same problem.

I now have to assume that the router is having some sort of wireless problem. I'm not familiar enough with this stuff to know, however, if this is possible. Can a router slow down? To me it would make sense that it either works or it doesn't work but it seems to have slowed down and nothing will bring it back.

So... is a router slow down possible and does it mean the router needs to be replaced?

If yes, maybe a recommendation of a decent router under $100 would help me out as well.

Thanks

One possibility is that Wi-Fi is subject to interference from other devices that use the 2.4 GHz. Frequency band such as other routers, cordless phones, microwaves, etc. Interference can cripple a wireless connection. So, first eliminate this as a potential issue by checking that your router is configured for one of the non-overlapping channels - either 1, 6, or 11. Next see if your laptop or the router detects other wireless routers or access points in the vicinity and note their channels. Then change your router channel to one of the other channels. If you live in a densely populated building, coordination with your neighbors may be necessary. It would also help if everyone adjusted their router's radio power level to the minimum that adequately covered their respective area.

I should have mentioned... I have ruled out any interference in this as I know that could cause problems. It was working fine last week and now it's acting up. I did remove all sources of possible interference and there are no neighbors close enough to me to be causing problems.

Just to confirm, this is only noticeable when connected wirelessly, a wired connection operates as expected.

Also check to see what is connected to it ?
Is it secure or being "borrowed" by others.

Changing the channel from mixed b/g to pure also can help, although Nintendo products won't be able to connect after that. DS's like b..

What encryption method are you using ?

Wired connection is fine.

I have been using laptop, Blu-Ray player, Wii, my daughters iPod, a tablet, and occasionally a DSi... that's what is setup to run off the router, but of course, not all at once. Lol. I have tried these since I noticed the problem last night and all have slowed down.

No one is stealing signal, I have nobody near me and it is being encrypted. Only using WEP encryption but it has been working fine for years.

I'm thinking the Netgear may just be burned out at this point but it just seems weird. I had a wireless router through Verizon before and when the wireless died, it just stopped putting out a signal.

I took a chance and bought a Belkin wireless N router and set it up. Everything is now working perfectly again so I guess it was the old Netgear failing on me.

Thanks Scleros and Curlyben for trying to help me out.