Cable Modem Question

S

SComp23

New Member
Hello all,

I have a Motorola Surfboard Cable Modem, which is probably about 4 or 5 years old, and just yesterday I purchased a brand new Dynex Enhanced G Router to replace MY THIRD Linksys WRT54G router.

This is my issue: I have an XBOX360 and one laptop hooked up to this router, the laptop via wireless, the XBOX via ethernet cord. Every once in a while, whether it be on my computer or on the XBOX, the connection will completely drop. It's not as annoying on the computer as it is when I am watching a movie or playing a game through the XBOX. I would say it happens about once an hour, but has significantly improved since I purchased the new router.

My question is this: Is this modem perhaps the problem? I think it has always been plugged in to a surge strip. Also, my apartment for whatever reason has 3 jacks connected to one incoming cable, I split one of the jacks for a TV and the modem.

I greatly appreciate any help, thanks!
 
Hello, I experience the problem as well.

It's a problem with the router. You do have the router connected to the modem correct?
Routers typically do this after every so often...it could happen once a day or more. I believe it refreshes the IP settings...the connection comes back right?

If not, you simply will just have to restart your router to get the connection back. :)
 
EGS said:
Hello, I experience the problem as well.

It's a problem with the router. You do have the router connected to the modem correct?
Routers typically do this after every so often...it could happen once a day or more. I believe it refreshes the IP settings...the connection comes back right?

If not, you simply will just have to restart your router to get the connection back. :)
Click to expand...

Yep, it comes back very quickly, within 4 or 5 seconds I would say. I have the modem connected to the router, and my XBOX is connected directly to my router with a cable, and my computer is connected to the router via wireless.
 
With my router, my connection doesn't drop with my PC (which is connected directly to the router). My laptop, however, does experience occasional drops using wireless. Is is the same problem for you, or does it happen to your Xbox as well?
 
EGS said:
With my router, my connection doesn't drop with my PC (which is connected directly to the router). My laptop, however, does experience occasional drops using wireless. Is is the same problem for you, or does it happen to your Xbox as well?
Click to expand...

It actually happens more with the XBOX which is connected directly to the router.

I've basically ruled out the router as the problem, the LinksysWRT54G is one of the best routers on the market, and I just bought a brand new one yesterday and experienced the same thing.

It happens even if I plug the XBOX directly into the modem, so I am thinking it is either the modem, or that fact that I have a single cable running into my house split so many different ways.
 
I also have this problem, though it probably only drops connection once a week, and power cycling fixes it. I have WRT54G and CM600 Modem (I think).
 
My friend was having an issue with his connection to his Xbox 360 dropping (it's connected wirelessly), and for some odd reason it was because he did NOT have security enabled. As soon as he secured the wireless connection with WPA the connection was rock solid. That could've been due to people piggybacking off of his unsecured network or for any other reason, but nevertheless once he secured it the connection was stable. I doubt that is the problem in your case though because you say that your wireless AND wired connections drop.

Would it be possible to call your ISP and have them run some tests or try and diagnose the issue from their end? It's always a pain trying to solve these type of random disconnection issues.

Also, another thing it could be is an old firmware on the modem. What model # is your modem? Call and ask your ISP if you can try out a new modem or at least see if a firmware update is available. That is a fairly old modem, perhaps it's the problem in your situation. See if your ISP would send you a new modem to let you test it out and see if that's the problem.

Hopefully you find out what's wrong because I do know how annoying things like this can be.
 
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th3ha1og0d said:
My friend was having an issue with his connection to his Xbox 360 dropping (it's connected wirelessly), and for some odd reason it was because he did NOT have security enabled. As soon as he secured the wireless connection with WPA the connection was rock solid. That could've been due to people piggybacking off of his unsecured network or for any other reason, but nevertheless once he secured it the connection was stable. I doubt that is the problem in your case though because you say that your wireless AND wired connections drop.

Would it be possible to call your ISP and have them run some tests or try and diagnose the issue from their end? It's always a pain trying to solve these type of random disconnection issues.

Also, another thing it could be is an old firmware on the modem. What model # is your modem? Call and ask your ISP if you can try out a new modem or at least see if a firmware update is available. That is a fairly old modem, perhaps it's the problem in your situation. See if your ISP would send you a new modem to let you test it out and see if that's the problem.

Hopefully you find out what's wrong because I do know how annoying things like this can be.
Click to expand...

Ahh you know what I never even considered the modem firmware. If I had to guess I would say this modem is 4 or 5 years old, it is the Motorola Surfboard SB5120 that I own rather than rent. I will definitely check into that today.

As for the security, it was the first thing I set up when I purchased this new router. I go to a University and live in an apartment complex with a bunch of students, so the use of others wireless connection is pretty widespread, I wanted to make sure I put a stop to that on my end immediately.

If there is no firmware update, or even if there is but it doesn't work I will definitely call Cox and see what the deal is.

Big thanks to everyone who helped me out, it was very much appreciated!
 
Yep, Had the same problem.... I flashed the firmware on the linksys router and had Time Warner come out and replace my cable modem with a Arris VoIP cable modem and all is fine. Id call your ISP on it.
 
dannaswolcott said:
Yep, Had the same problem.... I flashed the firmware on the linksys router and had Time Warner come out and replace my cable modem with a Arris VoIP cable modem and all is fine. Id call your ISP on it.
Click to expand...

I ended up ordering a new modem. I called the ISP and they said that the signal was strong and steady. They also told me the typical life of a modem is from 2-4 years, and I'm fairly sure mine is 5 years old. I got another Motorola Surfboard SB5120. I liked this one (while it worked), so hopefully this will work out, it comes in the mail today.
 
Just an update for those following. I received my new modem and hooked it up, I had to call the ISP to give them my MAC Address. The guy on the line asked me if I had a splitter because the signal going to my modem was not as strong as it should be, I said yes I have a signal amplifier. He explained that this could cause a problem, so I hooked the modem up directly to the cable coming out of the wall, and bam, perfect signal to the modem. Now I have just a regular 2 way splitter on the ingoing line, not a SINGLE problem!
 
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