I wish I could direct you right to the problem, Mr. FixYa, but as it is, I am basing my resolve on the fact that the representative from India (Hughesnet) stated that beyond a shadow of any doubt it was NOT their modem causing the problem, and, furthermore, that it must be the brand-spanking-new ENCORE router that I had purchased same day as their crappy service and modem. I will make you earn this $12 for sure. All I know is that speed is a great issue or lack thereof. Dropped internet signals. When I go into System Pref. for network I see that my iMac is connected but still searching even after I lock it. Needed to download a software update for my iBook laptop. Only 66 hours would it take to complete. Not bad. Rrrrr. So, I drove to the library and had it done in 15 minutes. There are quite a few issues and I am beyond frustrated. Hughesnet is neither user-friendly nor friendly with any Macs or their owners. Feel like the red-headed step-child and I'm pretty sick of it especially since I pay over 100 bucks a month and as I type this I am sitting in the parking lot of our local hotspot (Carmack Fish House), thank you very much. I don't really want to know how it works (unless really, really necessary). I just want it TO work and work efficiently and properly. There are issues, undoubtedly, I have left out, but these are a few to get your little gray cells working. Good luck. Meg
Computers & Internet - Encore - 802.11G WIRELESS LAN ROUTER W/4-PORT SWITCH
Answers & Comments
Power off your IMac.
Power off your router.
Power off your modem.
Power on your modem. Wait until modem is completely restarted before the next step. This may take upward of two minutes.
Power on your router. Wait until router completely restarts. This also can take upward of two minutes.
Power on your Imac.
2.Try disabling the firewall /antivirus
You need to go to System Preferences, then click the security pane. After that, go to the tab that says Firewall, and click allow all incoming connections.
See this link >> http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1810
3.Check that Your Router Configuration Matches Your ISP's Parameters
If you can connect to the router but not to the Internet, check the ISP parameters match in the router settings. The parameters depend on your broadband service. Typically for DSL, you enter the router the Account Name (aka Host Name) and a Password. Domain Name and DNS Server Address are other parameters that may be required.
If unsure which settings to use, or of their values, contact your ISP.
4.Try a wired connection (wireless only)
A wired connection is the fastest and most reliable connection type. If you're using a wireless connection, try switching to a wired connection to see if your Imac performance improves.
Connect an ethernet cable from your imac to your encore router...
5.Update Your Router Firmware
Go to: http://www.encore-usa.com/mz/support/
Select your encore router model and click go ..see if any firmware files are available to download.
To firmware update your router..you need to access the router's main page using the web browser ..please refer to encore's user manual.
6.Adjust Your Wireless Router Settings
Lower the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) from 1500 to 1492 or less (usually found on your router's main/ basic setup page)
Adjust the following advanced wireless settings:
Lower the beacon interval from 100 to 50
Lower the fragmentation threshold from 2346 to 2306
Lower the RTS threshold from 2347 to 2304
Try connecting to your router using a windows based computer...and see the result..
Change 802.11 spec on router. Try changing your router's wireless spec mode from B, G and N to G only, this can be accomplished by accessing the router's configuration page - open a browser and enter the Address 192.168.1.1 .
Reset SMC (System management controller )
visit >> http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964?viewlocale=en_US
Change or turn off wireless security .You may want to try toggling the settings on your wireless router,switching from WPA to WEP, or turning wireless security off altogether.This can usually be accomplished by accessing the router's configuration page .open a browser and enter the address 192.168.1.1.
Please let me know if you need further assistance on this issue. Please include the model # of your encore router