faulty connection

[lowcar100]

Currently I am on a primitive contraption (check sig) and we have a cable connection. When i start downloads I can get anywhere from 1mb-1.5mb/sec then it slows to around a steady 200-500k depending on the site so is my connection capable of a steady 1mb-1.5mb/sec if I had a better computer?

Also I am always getting disconnected, I have no reason why, its actually been going on for about a year and I've never bothered to fix it because i didnt really care, but now i do. our modem is out next to the tv and the cable light goes out almost every 30 mins, sometimes more, sometimes less. we still get all of the channels on tv and our phones work but the internet doesn't. I have found that if i unplug the modem and plug it back in that I have a connection. (the light is back on and the internet works again)

I suspect our cable that goes from the modem to the pc (what is that called?) because last it was seen by human eyes was a few years ago. It runs under the carpet and I suspect some kind of fraying or some damage to it. I dont have access to a spare but if i could prove that this was the case I'm sure I could get it replaced.

Another thing is that I will be building my own computer shortly and will have it in my room so I would have a wireless connection to this modem. would I be losing connection constantly too?

 

[lowcar100]

wow i stumped you guys...

i guess my internet is more screwed over than i thought lol.

 

[Greg J.]

If the ethernet cord (that goes to your computer) is unshielded, interference might be causing the problem (unlikely though). You could try buying a new, shielded Cat5e cable to replace the one under the carpet (which may be damaged).

If you're hooked up to the internet via DHCP, then you shouldn't need any drivers besides the software that came with your Internet provider to configure your computer to hook up with their servers.

If you use the A-B to USB cord to connect your computer to the cable modem, there should have been drivers that came with the package box from your Internet provider. Re-installing them may help.

Another thing. If you've had the same Internet provider for cable for quite a while, you could call and ask to see if they have newer cable modem models out so you can trade the old one in for the newest. That might fix the problem.

I would check if the driver for the ethernet card is installed or needs to be re-installed. If it is on-board (integrated into the motherboard), then check the driver CD's that came with your computer.

If you have an ethernet card (PCI), then you may need to reinstall it's driver or find the newest driver for that.

I assume you've already done hard restarts (unplugging the power cord of the modem for ten or more minutes and then plugging it back in (computer off the whole time).

Remember, after re-installing such drivers or software, you should restart your computer.

The cheapest, fastest way to fix an internet connection is to go to Start-Control Panel, Network and Internet Connections, Network Connections, and right clicking on your connection and clicking "Repair", although I don't know if that will help. See if Windows Firewall is on or off by right-clicking the internet connection and clicking "properties", and clicking on the "Advanced" tab to see if the firewall option is check-marked or not. Maybe Windows Firewall is interfering.

 

[Geoff]

Whenever you start downloading something, the speed is always very high. When the speed stays around the same, thats your real download speed. And upgrading your computer wont fix your speed (unless your going from USB 1.1 to 2.0).

As for the disconecting issue, as Greg said, using Ethernet with DHCP enabled shouldnt require any drivers/programs on your computer in order for it to run. USB on the otherhand requires drivers. I would call your ISP if Greg's suggestions dont work out for you.