Recent wireless networking issues

[squee116]

For over a year, we had a Linksys e4200 running all the connections in my home reliably:
4x laptops wireless
4x smart blu ray players wireless
2x wired desktops
1x ooma telephone service wired
2x tablets wireless
4x game consoles wireless
1x ipod touch wireless

Earlier this week, it all came tumbling down. Nothing can connect wirelessly, though wired connections work fine.

After much fiddling, I just couldn't get anything to connect to the Linksys, so I got an Asus to replace it. After plugging in the Asus, the same thing happened. Laptops refused to connect to the router, despite seeing it broadcasted loud and clear, and running an open system.

I switched gears, and set the Asus as an access point, which looked like:
Modem -> Linksys E4200 -> Asus rt-ac66r (access point) -> wireless connections

There are reasons for going this route, largely being that are wired connections upstairs and downstairs, and this was one of the few ways I could position the Asus in a new place while still connecting all devices. So there are still wired connections in the linksys and asus, but the asus is the only connection point for our wireless devices right now.

In a way it worked, all of the android devices, kindle devices, and Playstation devices could connect, but one laptop could only connect if it was in the same room, and another couldn't connect period. But to get this far, I also had to flash tomato on both routers.

Ideally, the Asus would be the router, we wouldn't need an access point. I'm wondering if the trouble shooting I've done so far can help someone identify my problem. Networking is half voodoo to me.

 

[JackMDS]

When you have so many Wireless devices you probably need 3/4 Access Points, Not just one or two.

 

[squee116]

I could understand that. When it worked for so long, and then refuses to connect to even one or two laptops, with no other wireless connections, is when I start thinking something is amiss.

 

[JackMDS]

In recent years it is a major difficulty to provide better/ precise answers online.

Most posts concerning Networking look like a "Poetry" forums using Adjectives instaed of technology related variables.

Just stating that it is Not working as it use to is Sad but it does not provide any clue to why.

So I gave you a general answer. It is clear that no matter what one Wireless source can not provide adequate bandwidth to 15 active Wireless Clients.

 

[jolancer]

squee116 - did you try... disconneting the wired desktops, then try connecting a wireless device to the main router not the AP. Also reset the router if need be ...Iv been on a network were i think an infected client was causing wifi connectivity issues for me, because i could see there IP poping up on my firewall for no good reason i know of and a different port each time... tho that was causing me intermitten issues, not complete failure to connect as you describe.. but perhaps worth a shot no? especially since you say the new router acts the same when just attempting a single wireless connection? that should at least work, so perhaps its not the router(s) at fault

JackMDS - I know more then the average user about networks but am not guru or anything, i especially don't know as nearly as much about them as those whos job it is to work with them.. so with my mediocre knowledge, i don't see why you say that a home router cant handle that many devices? though i haven't looked lately, for all i know it could be written on the retail packaging, but i don't think there is such a limit specified? ....ignore the fact that all the devices listed may not be turned on at the same time anyway, or be using the same services/bandwidth...for the example just imagine them on all at the same time... i still imagine it working at least slow