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Tech - Cable Modem


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Atma
Title: Dragoon
Joined: Apr 29 2010
Location: Cincinnati, OH
PostPosted: Aug 05 2011 01:47 pm Reply with quote Back to top

So my Cable Modem is acting weird. It'll randomly drop connectivity, and I'll find that no matter what I do, I cannot get it to reconnect UNLESS I switch the Cable it's self.

What I mean is, I have a Cable coming out of the wall, into a Splitter which Splits into A and B. A goes to the TV, B to the cable modem. If the Modem starts acting up, I'll switch it to A, and TV to B, and they both work. I'll leave it like that.

Then the modem will stop working on A, so I'll switch it back to B and it works fine again instantly. TV never has any issues. When I say the Modem will stop working, sometimes it'll work great for Days, then stop, sometimes Hours.

Anytime I switch the Modem to the other side of the splitter, it instantly works again. Weird.

Any thoughts or advice?
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GPFontaine
Joined: Dec 06 2007
Location: Connecticut
PostPosted: Aug 05 2011 02:37 pm Reply with quote Back to top

Cable modems require a higher quality signal than cable boxes do. It is possible that your switch splits enough to bring the line noise high enough on the modem to cause periodic disruptions. There are a few common solutions to this.

First, a split at the line in made by the cable company using a high grade splitter and then a home run line out to each device. This requires a reconfiguration usually, so it may not be possible.

A simple alternative is to use a powered signal amplifier as the splitter. The cable company you have should either offer or recommend them if they are needed.

Of course, the first thing you should do is have the signal measured. Most cable modems actively monitor their signal and if you can find out what the IP address is of the modem, you can read it.

Other potential problems are the modem requiring a clearing, or the service requiring a refresh. The techs at your cable company can send a refresh signal and you should try the clearing.

To clear a cable modem, unplug all of its plugs and just leave it be for about 5 minutes. Plug it back in and see how it goes.



 
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Atma
Title: Dragoon
Joined: Apr 29 2010
Location: Cincinnati, OH
PostPosted: Aug 05 2011 04:44 pm Reply with quote Back to top

I've cleared it before, and I've had them send a refresh. NEITHER will fix the problem.

Only thing I've been able to do is switch the splitter "ports" if you will which seems to instantly fix it.

As far as the splitter, it was put in by Comcast. I have not had the Signal Measured before, Once I get my Modem's IP addy, where do I go from there?
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GPFontaine
Joined: Dec 06 2007
Location: Connecticut
PostPosted: Aug 05 2011 04:57 pm Reply with quote Back to top

It used to be 192.168.100.1, but I have a newer modem and that isn't it.

Do you have "line insurance". If you do, then just have them come out and measure.

If you don't, then I would ask them if you can buy a powered amplifying splitter.



 
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Atma
Title: Dragoon
Joined: Apr 29 2010
Location: Cincinnati, OH
PostPosted: Aug 05 2011 05:15 pm Reply with quote Back to top

Ok, So after pulling that up, here's the info. Completely a different language to me.

RF Parameters
Downstream
Freq/Power: 633.000 MHz -4 dBmV
Signal to Noise Ratio: 36 dB
Modulation: QAM256
Upstream
Freq/Power: 27.900 MHz 51 dBmV
Channel Type: DOCSIS 2.0 (ATDMA)
Symbol Rate: 5120 kSym/sec
Modulation: QAM64

Status
System Uptime: 15 days 3h:50m:51s
Computers Detected: 1
CM Status: Telephony-AC Power Iso OFF Reg Complete
WAN Isolation: OFF-Access to WAN is allowed
Time and Date: FRI AUG 05 16:14:09 2011
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GPFontaine
Joined: Dec 06 2007
Location: Connecticut
PostPosted: Aug 05 2011 06:13 pm Reply with quote Back to top

The numbers look healthy to me. I will say that I realize one major thing though. You have a DOCSIS 2.0 modem. You can request a 3.0 modem as a free update (if they have it in your area). It will provide a higher potential speed for you. That might be your best option since it will clue you into the modem being the problem or not and you'll have a faster device. If it still has trouble, you know it is the line.



 
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Atma
Title: Dragoon
Joined: Apr 29 2010
Location: Cincinnati, OH
PostPosted: Aug 05 2011 06:41 pm Reply with quote Back to top

Thanks, I'll do that. Appreciate the help as always GP.
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