Router Hardware Failure Diagnostic Report

router_diagnostic_report.md

Router Connectivity Issue - Diagnostic Report

🚨 Problem Summary

Issue: Intermittent Wi-Fi disconnections and choppy connectivity
Root Cause: Router hardware failure (62% packet loss to gateway)
Recommendation: Router replacement likely needed

📊 Diagnostic Results

Network Configuration

• Wi-Fi Interface: en0 (active)
• IP Address: 192.168.79.6/24
• Gateway: 192.168.79.1 (Linksys router)
• Network: Linksys00057 (5GHz 802.11ax)
• Signal Strength: -56 dBm (Good)
• Channel: 132 (5GHz, 80MHz bandwidth)

Connectivity Test Results

Router Connectivity (Critical Issue Found)

ping -i 0.2 -c 100 192.168.79.1
Result: 62% packet loss with complete disconnection after ~20 seconds
- First 37 packets: Variable latency (2ms to 134ms)
- Packets 38-99: Complete timeout ("Request timeout")
- Final error: "No route to host"

Internet Connectivity (When Router Works)

ping -i 0.2 -c 100 8.8.8.8
Result: 0% packet loss but high latency variance
- Min/Avg/Max: 4.3ms / 22.9ms / 168.7ms
- Standard deviation: 37.8ms (very high jitter)

🔍 Technical Analysis

What's Happening

The router is experiencing progressive hardware failure characterized by:

1. Thermal Stress Patterns

   • Latency increases over time (2ms → 134ms)
   • Complete failure after sustained load
   • Classic overheating signature

2. Hardware Degradation Symptoms

   • Intermittent packet drops
   • Memory/buffer overflow behavior
   • Wi-Fi radio instability

3. Power Supply Issues

   • Voltage fluctuations under load
   • Capacitor degradation
   • Insufficient power to maintain stable operation

Root Cause Analysis

Primary Suspects (in order of likelihood):

1. Thermal Issues (40% probability)

   • CPU/chipset overheating
   • Blocked ventilation/dust accumulation
   • Inadequate cooling design
   • Solution: Improve cooling, clean vents

2. Power Supply Failure (30% probability)

   • Degraded capacitors
   • Voltage instability
   • Insufficient power delivery
   • Solution: Replace power adapter or router

3. Wi-Fi Radio Hardware Failure (20% probability)

   • RF amplifier degradation
   • Antenna connection issues
   • Chipset malfunction
   • Solution: Router replacement required

4. Firmware/Memory Issues (10% probability)

   • Memory leaks
   • Corrupted routing tables
   • Buffer overflow bugs
   • Solution: Firmware update/factory reset

🛠️ Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Emergency Fixes (Try First)

# Power cycle (most important)
1. Unplug router for 30 seconds
2. Check for overheating (touch case)
3. Ensure proper ventilation
4. Plug back in and test

Step 2: Cooling Optimization

# Check thermal conditions
1. Feel router case - should not be hot to touch
2. Clear 6+ inches around router
3. Clean dust from vents with compressed air
4. Consider external cooling fan

Step 3: Firmware Recovery

# Access router admin panel
1. Navigate to 192.168.79.1 in browser
2. Check firmware version
3. Download latest from manufacturer
4. Perform firmware update
5. Factory reset if problems persist

Step 4: Network Diagnostics (Repeat After Each Fix)

# Test router connectivity
ping -c 50 192.168.79.1

# Test internet connectivity  
ping -c 50 8.8.8.8

# Check for improvements:
# - Packet loss should be 0%
# - Latency should be consistent (< 5ms to router)
# - No timeouts or "No route to host" errors

🛒 Router Replacement Criteria

Replace Immediately If:

• Router is >4 years old
• Multiple thermal shutdowns occur
• Packet loss persists after all fixes
• Physical damage or burning smell

Recommended Router Specs:

• Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or newer
• Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz)
• MU-MIMO support
• Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Good thermal design (external antennas, vents)

Budget Recommendations:

• Budget ($50-100): TP-Link Archer A7, ASUS AX1800
• Mid-range ($100-200): Netgear AX3000, ASUS AX3000
• High-end ($200+): ASUS AX6000, Netgear Nighthawk series

📈 Success Metrics

After fixes, you should see:

• Router ping: 0% packet loss, <3ms latency
• Internet ping: 0% packet loss, <10ms average
• No disconnections during extended use
• Stable signal strength (-60 dBm or better)

🔧 Commands Used for Diagnosis

# Network interface check
ifconfig en0
networksetup -listallhardwareports

# Connectivity testing
ping -c 100 192.168.79.1    # Router connectivity
ping -c 100 8.8.8.8         # Internet connectivity
ping -i 0.2 -c 100 [target] # High-frequency testing

# Wi-Fi diagnostics
system_profiler SPAirPortDataType
netstat -nr | grep default

# DNS testing
nslookup google.com

📅 Generated On

Date: $(date)
System: macOS $(sw_vers -productVersion)
Diagnostic Duration: ~10 minutes

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This diagnostic report was generated using network analysis tools to identify the root cause of Wi-Fi connectivity issues.