D-Link → So Frustrated With DIR-615 and IP Assignment! Please help!

DIR-615
Hardware Version: C1
Firmware Version: 3.01

I have a Dlink DIR-615 wireless router and time warner cable. It seems that sometimes when I boot up my laptop(Vista), that it is unable to connect to my router. My roommate has a Mac Laptop and he has the same problem sometimes. I know that it's not just a network issue, because if my laptop can't connect, the other two computers are fine. (I have a desktop (XP) w/ a wireless adapter, but I have it on a static IP address and it always works fine.)

It says "connected with limited access" and the network icon in the taskbar has an exclamation point in it. I can resolve the issues by unplugging the router and plugging it back in, but it's really annoying to keep on doing this every time I have an issue.

I'm definitely no expert, but I have a feeling that the router has trouble automatically assigning an ip address unless the router boots up. This morning, I had the same problem and even when I disable/enable my network adapter (or use the diagnostic to assign a new IP) it still doesn't work. Then I tried assigning it a static IP and it worked fine. I know I could leave a static IP, but I'm very mobile and it'd be a pain in the butt. Also, whoever is visiting has the same problem and I don't want them to have to create a static IP.

Any thoughts?

Here on my settings:

Wireless Network Settings:
Network Name/SSID: Vasilakos
802.11 Mode: Mixed 802.11n and 802.11g
Enable Auto Channel Scan: Off
Wireless Channel: 2.427 GHz - CH 10
Channel Width: 20/40 MHz
Visibility Status: Visible

Security Mode: WPA-Personal

WPA Mode: WPA Only
Cipher Type: AES
Group Key INterval: 3600
Pre-Shared Key: ********* (all letters)

Internet Settings
My Internet Connection is: Dynamic IP (DHCP)

Dynamic IP Internet Connection Type:
Host Name: DIR-615
Use Unicasting: (checked)
Priary DNS Address: 0.0.0.0 (is really set at this)
Seconday DNS Adress: 0.0.0.0 (is really set at this)
MTU: 1500
MAC Adress: **:**;**;**;**;** (not sure if this is something to keep private on message boards)

Network Settings

Router IP Adress: 192.168.0.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Device Name: dlinkrouter
Local Domain Name: (blank)
Enable DNS Relay: (checkmarked)

DHCP Server Settings:
Enable DHSCP Server: (checkmarked)
DHCP IP Adress Range: 192.168.0.100 to 192.168.0.199
DHCP Lease Time: 10080 (minutes)

When last did you update the drivers for the laptop wireless adapter? Can you monitor the Status under wireless and can you tell me what you're seeing for signal %. Also does the router feel hot when you hold it?

All drivers are updated, the signal goes from very good to great, and the router is not hot. The reason why i figure it's got to be the router is because my laptop works fine everywhere else, but at my house, my computer, my roommate's, and my girlfriend all have the same problem.

Let it scan for the channel auto.. You can try to reset back to factory defaults. The settings you have above is what most are using. You might need a stronger wireless N router for you needs that uses a 3rd ANT. You have 2T= 2x transfer and 2R= 2x receive. 3T3R 3T=3x transfer and 3R=3x receive.

DIR-655 or your 2.4Ghz is crowded and you might be better with DIR-825 dual band offers 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz.

Are you basically saying that too many devices (computers) are using the same frequency and are thus getting confused when getting assigned an IP address?

Now, is the fact that it's near a cordless 2.4ghz telephone an issue?

Heh, absolutely. When I rearranged the room where my wireless router resides, I temporarily parked my wireless phone on the same table as the router since a phone jack was conveniently nearby. The throughput to my LAN wireless devices immediately dropped by 90%. Definitely keep those guys apart!

Yes all the wireless is fighting with the 2.4GHz devices. Unless you buy cordless phones that use 5.8GHz DSS or DECT 6 which is 1.9GHz band. So that the 2.4GHz side won't be so crowded in your place.