Spotty internet -- router or modem to blame?

kj01

We recently installed a wireless router, replacing a wired router. Problem is, ever since then, our internet gives out in intervals as soon as 5 minutes. Not all computers on the network are wireless -- some are through a hub which connects the router's connection to the rest of the house. The wireless router is downstairs so it can connect to the main network computer, as is the cable modem. The hub is upstairs in the master bedroom closet -- where the cable out is located. I was just curious as to what causes the cable modem to lose connection, and what could be done to make it stable.

Odinious

What router is it? I know I had some issues with my DI-524 wireless router that were resolved with a firmware update.

racyrefinedraj

Does the TV go out at the same time? (provided you have cable TV from the same company)

kj01

It's the WPN824 Netgear router... I thought, too, that a firmware upgrade would solve the problem, but it didn't do anything, unfortunately. The cable for the TV is fine 100% of the time -- it's just internet access. I thought it might be that the router or the modem thinks a foreign computer, not from the network, is trying to get connection, so it drops the connection. I've heard ISPs do this. But every computer and game console on the network using both the wired and the wireless connection have seemed to lose connection at one point in time.

Grimm

How often does it go out and how long does it usually last?

It might just be the cable running to the modem isn't strong enough. How many times is the connection split before it gets to the modem?

kj01

It varies how often it goes out. Sometimes it can be as little as 5 minutes. Other times it may last an hour or so. The only way to re-connect to the internet is to unplug the modem and wait, and then plug it back in.

The connection isn't split before it gets to the modem, to my knowledge. I don't know if you're talking cable cable or ethernet cable... but the cable cable goes straight into the wall, and the ethernet goes straight into the main network computer.

Grimm

Well i was talking about the cable line. It has to split somewhere if you have it connected to the modem and the tv. You should have just one line coming into the house and then it gets split from there.

Atlus Parker

First off, when it goes check out the lights on the modem to make sure that they're "normal". I don't know what kind of modem you have but most of the ones I come across will have a Ready light and a Sync light. Those must be solid. If they're flashing, it's the modem. If not, goto step 2.

Step 2 is to take a computer and wire it directly into the back of the modem bypassing the router completely. Renew your IP address or restart the computer if you don't know how. If it comes online, it's the router. If it doesn't, it's the modem or the signal and you should book a service call with your cable provider.

But based one the information that you've given us, the problem only started once you changed the router. It sounds like the router is the issue.

GrimmyTOA

I have to say that I've got the same router, and the same problem. I know that wireless phones can interfere with them -- one of the neighbors knocks out my internet every time she makes a phone call -- and I've yet to find a workable long-term fix. It makes online gaming almost an impossibility.

I'm afraid that I don't have any further advice to give you. The problem is most likely router-related.