DSL / Messenger interuptions

I just got our DSL working with our Linksys Router and local Intranet.
The problem I am having is MS Messenger and AOL Messenger keep getting disconnected which requires me to log back in.
I have tried changing the settings on the Router to be:
Connect on Demand: Max Idle Time 600 Min. (which keeps the connection unless there is 600 idle minutes)
and
Keep Alive: Redial Period 30 Sec. (which means it sends packets every 30 seconds)
Our internet does not seem interupted when using explorer. ICQ doesn't seem to have a problem with the Hiccups in the connection.
I also have an email checker that runs every 2 minutes so I know the idle time is never more than that.
Any suggestions on how to keep either messenger runnin? It is happening on Win 98 se and Win 2K machines.
Thanks,
Tim

1. RE: DSL / Messenger interuptions
lbyard Jul-11-02 01:06 PM
In response to message 0

Does this problem have anything to do with the router? That is, what is the behavior if connected directly? What LinkSys router do you have? Is the latest firmware installed? Larry

2. RE: DSL / Messenger interuptions
timmyjoe42 Jul-11-02 01:10 PM
In response to message 1

I'm guessing it is the router, but no matter what I change the settings to messenger still gets disconnected.
The router is a Linksys BEFSR41 v.2
How do you update firmware? Is that the memory/software on the router?

4. RE: DSL / Messenger interuptions
lbyard Jul-11-02 10:58 PM
In response to message 2

>How do you update firmware? Is that the memory/software on the router?
Start here: http://linksys.com/download/. Larry

5. RE: DSL / Messenger interuptions
timmyjoe42 Jul-12-02 01:42 PM
In response to message 4

Larry,
I updated the firmware.
Apparently there have been 4 newer versions than the one the software came with.
All the messenger problems are solved. I can even transfer files now.
Thanks
Tim
I was running version 1.40.2

Version update text:
1.42.7 Apr 2,02 1. Removed ICMP(ping) to check for DHCP server and Keep Alive.
1.42.6 Mar 11,02 1. Support MSN Messager 4.5:
A. Make a phone call,
B. The lengths of router's WAN and Lan IPs are different
2. Fixed tracert under NAT mode problem
3. Fixed UPnP getExternIPAddress action problem
4. Fixed the problem where the DHCP Discovery request is sent when
the lease time expires.
5. Fixed DHCP not senting a request when lease time expires.

1.42.3 Jan 25,02 1. Router can support PCs with small MTU settings
to configure the router.
2. Supports Applying settings without rebooting (Password, DHCP,
MAC Filter, Forwarding, DMZ, MAC Addr.Clone)
3. Added DNS and WINS setting in DHCP User Interface
page.
4. Support for UPnP forwarding loopback
5. Support for multi-IPSec pass-through
6. Fixed Nortel VPN pass-thru
7. Forced MTU enabled and size = 1492,when PPPoE is enabled
8. Added DHCP Lease time for LAN connections

1.41 Dec 19,01 1. Added UPnP Support
2. Added PPTP client for European users.
3. Updated Web upgrade utility
4. New WAN connection setting Interface in the SETUP page.
5. Supports MSN messanger 4.5 (voice and file transfer
without DMZ setting)

1.40.2 Oct 24,01 1. Fixed DHCP server probem that assign one IP address to 2 PCs
2. Fixed traceroute problem under router mode(traceroute can not
find out the Linksys router)
3. Fixed ip filter problem when start ip is bigger then end ip
4. Fixed Log radio disappear when click Cancel button on Log UI page
5. Fixed some time user can see the UI page without password problem
6. Fixed PCC prompts "This version needds the special router" when installation
7. Change the aging time of AOL application (#5190) connection to 90 minutes.
8. Modify UI pages to fix the banner problem in Netscape 4.7, 6.0

3. RE: DSL / Messenger interuptions
dovid Jul-11-02 07:55 PM
In response to message 0

I have found that AIM is very sensitive, and will disconnect of there is even the briefest break in connectivity anywhere between you an Oscar.
Apparently, they use a single TCP/IP transaction for the entore session. Hence, if a router goes down anywhere, the TCP/IP connection is broken. When the router starts up again, any open transactions need to be restarted. To AIM, this is effectively a logout.
You can test this by connecting one computer to the DSL line directly (install a software firewall first). If it continues to go down, its the DSL line or a carrier router. If it works OK, then its your router.
Note: a bad cable can also do this, if it is flaky enough to usually work, but every once in a while not let electrons through.
Note 2: AIM is pretty effective as a keep-alive all by itself, since it transmits something every minute or so, according to my protocol analyzer.