Fixed: Belkin Router Loses Connection Frequently.
11 05 2008Just yesterday, I made the ‘mistake’ of purchasing a Belkin Wireless Router (F5D9230-4) and discovered that the lovely features that were packed along with it were all foiled by the elementry method of connecting to the internet completely FAILING and resulting in disconnecting and reconnecting CONSTANTLY.
After 25 minutes and ultimately failing with Belkin’s Tech support (He hung up on me after trying several things that still did not work..) and right before I went to go return the piece of *art* back to Walmart… I tried the simplist thing… Update the FIRMWARE to a version that works.
-BEFORE YOU THROW THIS OUT AS A POSSIBILITY, READ ON-
Turns out Belkin did fix the issue for a number of routers recently and it seems to be something wrong with the firmware that was shipped out… In fact, the pre-installed firmware update tool does not work properly…
So I’ve conveniently created a simple link for you to download the latest firmware here for the model I tested for here. If you have another model I’ll look it up but please let me know if this resolves it. I’ll try to work with everyone who is having a problem with their new router, however please remember that I’m not a Belkin employee and will not be able to fix all of your life’s problems, (hopefully) just the Belkin router issues. So here goes:
Step 1 - Deturmine the Model and Version of your Router.
Easy first step, we need to know what you’re having problems with first before we can find the right firmware for it. First look on the back of your router and look for the Model Number and Version Number.. Make note of these numbers. The graphic below will help locating these numbers. (Don’t worry if your serial number doesn’t match the image.)
Step 2 - Download your latest firmware from the Belkin Website
I’m working to maintain a list of Firmwares that I know work. Click on the model number that matches your model, and DOWNLOAD and SAVE the most RECENT Firmware for your Model AND Version (For example, if your version number is “5000″, download the firmware that is under the “V5xxx FIRMWARE” section on the page.) Save this file to somewhere you can easily access it.
If you do not see your model, leave a comment below and I’ll add the link. Otherwise, if you do not want to wait, go to Belkin’s Support Search Page, enter in your Model Number into the search, Click on your model, Click on Firmware under ‘Software & Updates’, and then download the most recent firmware for your version.
Step 3 - Login to your Router Administration Panel
Now proceed to go to your router’s administration panel, you will usually be able to find this by typing http://192.168.2.1/ into your address bar. (Depending on your previous settings the address may vary, however this is uncommon.)Login if you haven’t already (The “Login” link usually can be found on the top right of the page.)
Step 4 - Create a Backup of Your Current Settings. (Optional, but Recommended.)
Even though you can restore the entire unit to factory settings with a push of a tiny button the back of the router, you may still want to save any settings that you have already added.In your administration panel, click on the “Save/Backup Settings” link on the left. Follow the instructions on the page to download a current copy of your router’s configuration settings. Save this file to somewhere you can easily access it.
Now you have a backup of your current settings just in case the update messes things up even worse than before.
Step 5 - Update your firmware.
Now click on “browse” and select the firmware file that you just downloaded in the Step 2 and click “Update”. DO NOT RESTART OR UNPLUG THE ROUTER DURING THIS TIME. Allow the update to run until completion.
Conclusion
This should solve your intermittent connection problems. If it does not, please post a comment below as to what your model and version number you have and explain what you HAVE done so far. If you have found another way to solve the this problem, please post about it below.I have a couple of reasons why I wanted to just make this router work… One, I *used* to be fan of Belkin as a company and their products, however this recent experience really changed my view of the company, and two, to help those who were stuck with their purchase. When searching around, I found countless other posts that included people looking for an answer, but never received a response. I’m going to go out where I can and post the solution as well.
Hope this helps someone else out there! Also if you found this post helpful and are feeling a bit generous, do consider leaving a tip 
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THANK YOU!!!! I just bought Belkins F5D9230-4 from walmart and almost instantly started having problems with my internet connection dropping constantly.
Why didn’t Belkin just ship that firmware out or recall their products, apply the update, and ship it back out to stores? It’s a good router, but I’m sure they have already suffered more in damages from people getting frustrated and just returning it while also taking a major negative blow to the customer’s view of the company… Then again, you also had the same problem I did with support, totally useless, and for the most part, rude customer service.
worked for me, same model/version number as listed in your pic. the belkin site listed the latest firmware version as of now (2008-05-31) as beta (Beta_5.02.08), which may be why the “firmware update tool” doesn’t list it.
after the update i didn’t see the “firmware version” line change in the router’s “home” page to the new version number. i’ve restarted the router and just checked and the version number now matches.
Thank you so much for this. I’ve been searching forever. I got this router at Staples for a crazy deal (20 dollars) and it seemed great. Even when I first got it, it seemed an upgrade from my Linksys router. I never noticed the lost connection until I tried to download large files and the downloads would stop.
Now they finish, and I can actually tell the difference. Once again, thank you.
I actually had something similar recently on a v7000 and finally tried bringing an extra home from college (same model but v6000) that didn’t have a problem they concluded that my radio transmitter was failing.
The thing with mine is it would work for a day and then fall off the face of the earth. Firmware was already the newest (that was the first thing I tried).
All in all, this should fix it for most people though — it did on my v6000 and I’ve only had that 1 of my 3 Belkin routers fail (they replaced it for free) so I’m very happy
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been having so many problems with this router it was unbelievable. Within minutes of reading your page the problem was fixed. Belkin should put you on the payroll, bc their techs suck royally. Anyways thanks a bunch!
I flashed the firmware on mine as soon as I started experiencing this same problem (Exact same model and version as shown in the pictures and article), but it seems to still be happening. I’ve been hard wired and using the wireless both and still get these frequent disconnect issues. Sometimes a page will be in the middle of loading and stop, you’ll have to refresh it, then it’ll be fine, then do it again, etc. Seems all very random. Also the firmware update tool still DOES NOT work after being updated manually to the 5.01.16 version. When I click the “Check for firmware updates” button I get this:
Cannot connect to the firmware information server,
please double check the wan connection.
Even though its obviously got a wan connection or I wouldn’t be able to post this. I’ve done factory resets and everything. I wonder if there is some sort of a pattern with it, I didn’t seem to experience the problem as much before I turned on the WPA security for the wireless portion of the network. Has anyone had any experience using this beta set of firmware that was released this year?
Hello
Thanks for a good guide, however I have not been able to solve my issue as of yet.
Ever since I got my F5D7230-4 I have problems with connections dropping. I have been able to discover what screws up my connection. whenever I start an online game (Counter strike, Team fortress 2 and Call of duty 4) I lose my connection to the internet. It always works flawlessly the first gaming session, but if i quit and restart the game I lose my connection and can’t even refresh the server list.
If i go out of the game and restart my router I get the connection back, but as soon as I start a game the same issue presents itself again.
I have the latest firmware and made sure that the router is set up correctly.
It could be a problem with my settings but I doubt it. I have been using routers for years and none of the earlier ones have had this same problem.
If you like me bought the F5D7230-4 I urge you to return from wherever you bought and forget about its existence. At the store where I work we stock Belkin routers and about 30% of the people byuing belkin return it within a month. Of course most of these people don’t have the know-how to set up a wireless router but still.
If you have a possible solution for my crappy router situation please let me know, I would be forever grateful
F5D7230-4 v5000 - no luck here after downloading and installing firmware. I also have contacted belkin support and am awaiting a response. Any assistance would be appreciated.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
I have a BELKIN F5D7230-4 , internet was losing conection and very slow on a 5meg cable line. your info helped me a lot, i was a little puzzeled by the version 5xxx part till you explained it. Now site popup like they are supposed to .. SWEET ,, no more dial up feeling with cable ..lol ..
Thank you very very much for the help.