cable internet connection keeps on dropping

sithlink · Post by **sithlink** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 11:27 pm

i have cable internet hooked up onto a router and shared between 2 computers. recently the internet connection has been dropping without reason and the only way to start the connection again is to unplug the cable modem and replug it. i called my internet service provider and they said they cannot help me because i am using a router. this is really weird because i had been running this setup perfectly fine for the last 3 years and it is only giving me this problem now. i did not change any settings or add anything new to my network. i can't figure out why this is happening.

when i plug a computer straight to the cable modem i can't seem to get the internet to work. i think it's because of the settings (it's set to connect to the internet through a router so i guess that's why when i connect directly it doesn't work).

this is getting really annoying because i find that i have to unplug my cable modem serveral times a day to get the internet to work.

please help.

NascarFool · Post by **NascarFool** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 11:51 pm

Try using the modem without the router. Go into the networking settings and write down your settings used with the router and then change it to "auto-detect". If the connection stays on, then I'd say the router is going. Have you tried installing the latest firmware for the router ?

Absolut Talent · Post by **Absolut Talent** » Mon Jan 12, 2004 11:51 pm

what router and cable modem are you using?

is the router a belkin? if so, thats most likely the problem

also, what are you doing when you notice the connection is dropped?

sithlink · Post by **sithlink** » Tue Jan 13, 2004 3:02 pm

the router is a d-link.

the conenction drops randomly, there's no pattern to when it drops.

when i unplug the modem and replug it, the connection picks up again but after a while it will drop.

i've had this setup for a few years and i have not changed anything. i don't know why this is happening all of a sudden.

Absolut Talent · Post by **Absolut Talent** » Tue Jan 13, 2004 4:27 pm

have you tried a different modem/router?

sithlink · Post by **sithlink** » Tue Jan 13, 2004 10:21 pm

i connected the modem directly to a computer and the internet worked without dropping. i think the problem is my router. is it heard of that a router would start dropping connections after working solidly for a few years?

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Tue Jan 13, 2004 11:06 pm

Yes. Try downloading the latest firmware update for the router. If it continues to act up go buy another one. It's not like they cost much anymore.

If the old one is under a year old it's under warranty. Contact the manufacturer and arrange to send it back for RMA replacement and you'll have a spare.

sithlink · Post by **sithlink** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 3:07 pm

grrr, after waiting a little longer while having the internet connected directly to my computer, the connection died again. same problem! i guess the router isn't the problem. i thought i figured it out...but the same problem occurs without the router. i called my isp and they said they can see my computer on their network and the problem is on my side. i can't figure this out. i tried connecting the modem directly to 2 differnt computers and the same problem happened. i don't think any software would cause this. i think the problem is on their side, or the cable modem, but they keep on insisting that it's a problem on my side!

DaMaN · Post by **DaMaN** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 3:58 pm

what kind of NICs are you using? PCI or USB?

sithlink · Post by **sithlink** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 5:29 pm

Originally posted by DaMaN
what kind of NICs are you using? PCI or USB?

pci NIC cards

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Thu Jan 15, 2004 9:17 pm

If the connection keeps dropping when connected directly to your comptuer, and happens on more than one computer then it's only one of two things:

- A weak signal

- A bad modem

Either way it's the ISP's responsibility to come out and troubleshoot it.

This is very common with cable. Your splitter is usually located outside and exposed to the elements. Corrosion could have seeped into a connection and reduced the signal level. Cable modems require a LOT of signal or they start dropping (like the problem you're having). You can have more than enough signal that your picture looks fine, but the modem might not be getting enough.

Sometimes the problem is the cable going to the pole or the tap on the pole. Water gets into things and degrades connections.

Could be your modem is acting up. If it's a leased modem then they can swap it out, otherwise it's up to you to buy a new one but you can still have them come out and troubleshoot it.

They come out and can connect a diagnotic computer to the cable where the modem connects and see if it's getting enough signal.

Yes they can also troubleshoot it remotely, but that's not always reliable. You're definately at the stage where they shoudl send someone out.

Is your modem connected to the splitter outside on a home run? It should be on it's own tap by itself and not sharing that tap with another device. If not, that's the first thing a cable tech will do.

Do you have DSL in your area? If you're not satisfied with the service cable is providing you, and they're not being cooperative, tell them that you're going to switch to DSL unless they resolve the issue.

sithlink · Post by **sithlink** » Fri Jan 16, 2004 5:33 pm

i had the cable company come over and check the connection and guess what? the signal was weak. they put up some temporary cabling (through a tree) until spring when they're going to put the cable underground. i hope this solves my problems.
i'll keep you guys posted.

the technician who came to install the temporary cable was very nice. she was outside running the cable in -30C weather with the windchill. burrr.

sithlink · Post by **sithlink** » Fri Jan 16, 2004 9:16 pm

darnit, i've still got the problem. shortly after the technician left, i connected my computer and started surfting and the connection stopped. same problem as before. im going to call them again tomorrow morning. this is so frustrating.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Sat Jan 17, 2004 9:52 pm

Yeah it's annoying until they track it down.

I had the same problem for a month. Turned out to be a combination of weak signal and an old modem. I bought a newer modem and rewired so that the modem got the most signal.

Eventually the cable going to the pole will probably need to be replaced. We're just barely pulling in enough signal.

Another time my router seemed to be the culprit. Flashed the BIOS to the latest one and that fixed it.

buddhazen · Post by **buddhazen** » Thu Jan 29, 2004 6:45 pm

try goin into internet connections
under connections
and clickin the box that says never dial a connection!