Intermittent Broadband Connection

[saeltmarae2k]

Hey guys,

I have noticed that lately, my broadband connection is very "spotty." It works GREAT at times and then unexpectedly drops out for a few minutes, only to reconnect later on. This is happening on all of my PCs, so I know that the problem isn't there. Also, I have a brand new modem (for about three months) that has been working great. What software can I run to monitor the frequency of my connectivity breaks? When I call my provider, I want to be able to provide them with exacts.

Thanks!

 

[kcnychief]

Pending on if you have Cable or DSL you may want to call your ISP and have them run a test on your line. Other than that, it may be your Router since you have multiple machines.

On the Router, you can ensure the firmware is updated as well.

 

[gonaads]

You should really look at the Router for the possible source of the problem. I had an SMC router that was spotty for a good while. It got to the point of havin SBC come out to check the lines and all. Tech dood was cool and told me that the router is not supported by them but it could be firmware or just simply that the router is goin bad. Got another SMC (same model) and I updated the firmware and it has been a champ since. Oh, and I did update firmware on old one before condeming it, still didn't help.

Now this is all on the assumption that there is a router involved here since you say that there is more than one computer involved. One thing you could also do is disconnect all of the other computers and run just one connected to internet through the modem. No other equipment, just internet-modem-pc. See if it still drops connection or not. Then connect router (if you do have one) into this setup, no other computers just the one. See if it drops connection.

 

[gonaads]

One other thing, is this prob of dropped connectivity very recent. Or did this begin around the time of the new modem? Also, could you be loosing your connection due to inactivity? Is your connection a dynamic or static one?

 

[saeltmarae2k]

You should really look at the Router for the possible source of the problem. I had an SMC router that was spotty for a good while. It got to the point of havin SBC come out to check the lines and all. Tech dood was cool and told me that the router is not supported by them but it could be firmware or just simply that the router is goin bad. Got another SMC (same model) and I updated the firmware and it has been a champ since. Oh, and I did update firmware on old one before condeming it, still didn't help.

Now this is all on the assumption that there is a router involved here since you say that there is more than one computer involved. One thing you could also do is disconnect all of the other computers and run just one connected to internet through the modem. No other equipment, just internet-modem-pc. See if it still drops connection or not. Then connect router (if you do have one) into this setup, no other computers just the one. See if it drops connection.

Yeah, I'm using a WRT54G right now...just upgraded the fw to .9 from .4, so maybe that will clear things up with it. No, the new modem has been fine since day one...everything is dynamic here...really dont have a need for static. Guess I'll keep an eye on my router for the next couple of days. Thanks!

 

[tdinc]

If you have a cable connection this little program is nifty.

Cable Modem Diagnostic

features:
* Output level,Upstream power level
* Input level,Downstream power level
* Ping of modem
* Upstream frequency
* Downstream frequency
* Model of modem
* Downstream signal to noise ratio
* Name of config file
* Detect standby mode of modem

Version: 1.0.0
Released: 07/20/2006
File Size: 1.0MB
OS: Windows 2000/XP

link

 

[gonaads]

Yeah, I'm using a WRT54G right now...just upgraded the fw to .9 from .4, so maybe that will clear things up with it. No, the new modem has been fine since day one...everything is dynamic here...really dont have a need for static. Guess I'll keep an eye on my router for the next couple of days. Thanks!

Hmmm, wireless____. Found this tidbit.

Re Dropped Connection

I had a similar problem. I was connected using windows zero configuration (is this how you are connected?) and would experience a dropped connection on one of my computers. After reading through this forum it appears that windows searches for a better signal/network and then tries to connect, hence the dropped connection. It also appears that having your network 'secured' causes windows to not reconnect. What I did was disable security on my router and then used Mac Filtering as my only security measure. I have had no problems since and have two teenagers constantly playing online games at the same time.

Hope this helps.

Also found this.

Eureka!

I think I've found the problem. The router is the same 2.4 ghz as our phone system. I moved the laptop to another room (just on a hunch) and everything is hunky dory - at least for now. Better speed and no drops. Unfortunately, where I HAD the laptop is where I really want it. But short of ripping the main phone and answering system out of the wall the only other solution is to move the laptop.

Now this one I am not sure could be helpful but if you have a Laptop and a 2.4Ghz phone, well ya never know.

 

[saeltmarae2k]

If you have a cable connection this little program is nifty.

Cable Modem Diagnostic

features:
* Output level,Upstream power level
* Input level,Downstream power level
* Ping of modem
* Upstream frequency
* Downstream frequency
* Model of modem
* Downstream signal to noise ratio
* Name of config file
* Detect standby mode of modem

Version: 1.0.0
Released: 07/20/2006
File Size: 1.0MB
OS: Windows 2000/XP

link

Thanks for the link...I'll check it out!

Hmmm, wireless____. Found this tidbit.



Also found this.



Now this one I am not sure could be helpful but if you have a Laptop and a 2.4Ghz phone, well ya never know.

Thanks for the info, but 4 of my PCs are hardwired and I have one laptop on the WLAN...which has been working fine...I think I'll RMA my router soon.

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