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Question

Problem with WIFI at home

by Jun 26, 2014 7:35AM PDT

I intermediately lose Comcast internet connection. This lose usually is fixed by unplugging the coaxial cable from the modem for about a min then plugging it back in. However this happens at least 5 times per day. I have a really old router (linksys WRT54GS) and a Motorola surfboard modem (SB6120). The modem is about 4 years old.

Can my router make my modem lose connection? and to fix this do I need to replace my equipment?

I already talked to Comcast and they said that all signal levels were good.

Please any help would be great

Discussion is locked

9 Posts
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Answer
Re: losing connection
by Forum moderator Jun 26, 2014 7:41AM PDT

I'd start with trying it for a day without the router. Connect your PC/laptop directly (via a crossed Ehternet cable) to the modem. What happens?

Kees

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Get new modem
by lloyd21--2008 Jun 27, 2014 11:34AM PDT

Connecting directly to modem is looking for trouble. Router provides good firewall. Why a cross cable? Haven't needed crossed cables in years. Devices are auto sensing these days.
Have Comcast change old modem. Then spring for a new router. The Linksys you have was great in its day but it's time for a newer one
I assume you mean you intermittently lose connection, not intermediately.
If you "fix" the connection by rebooting the modem (and not the router) I suggest replacing the modem first and see what happens

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Firewalls
by btljooz Jun 28, 2014 5:07AM PDT

While the router provides an excellent hardware firewall which is optimum, as long as the computer has a good third-party software firewall installed and used instead of the native Windows firewall, that software firewall will suffice for just a day of testing providing one adheres to some rather stringent best practices while using the net. Actually, using both types of firewalls on a permanent basis provides a really good layered approach to protection from nefarious parties and malwarez. Wink

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Yes, but
by lloyd21--2008 Jun 30, 2014 11:40PM PDT

Your reply is technically correct but this started with simple advice to connect directly to a router with a crossed cable. Your additions weren't mentioned and wouldn't likely be followed by a newbie, which the original poster appears to be. They need a router in any event and the current one should be tested by unplugging the power cord and reconnecting to see if that "fixes" the connection problem. If so, a new router is in order. I would guess both modem and router need replacing as both are several years old

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@lloyd21--2008
by btljooz Jul 1, 2014 4:50AM PDT

Yes, a new router seems to be what is needed. That is included in my answer. Why repeat me? And, why repeat what I said about simply re-booting the modem? I think that you need to go re-read my instructions a bit more carefully this time.

In addition to which, since the person does seem to be a "newbie", how is he going to learn if he isn't taught????? That is why I filled in the details that I did. I'm simply trying to help him suss out the real problem so as to save him some money and possible aggravation. What's so wrong with that, pray tell??? No. Never mind. Plain

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Answer
Routers do go bad after a while
by Jun 26, 2014 12:43PM PDT

Last time I had a router crap out, I replaced it with a $15 Tenda router, and have lived happily ever after.

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Answer
If any wifi equip.
by Jun 27, 2014 3:01AM PDT

Is provided by Comcast, then allow them to swap or exchange as in update the setup. In 4yrs. things have changed or Comcast has in some way. Don't rely if it's theirs, put in the call, they're suppose to make you happy. If not thiers then getting something new could very well help, sometimes through no fault of your own, you old items and as stated, it could change abit.

tada -----Willy

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Answer
Intermittant loss of internet connection
by Jun 28, 2014 4:54AM PDT

You say you can "fix" the problem by unplugging the coaxial cable from the modem and then plugging it back in. Have you tried simply shutting off the modem and rebooting it? What does that do?

I have RoadRunner and I've had similar experiences. First, it was on my end as my OLD (as in older than yours) router bit the dust. Othert times it was RoadRunner's modems and a couple of times it was their lines and switches on the signal's way to me and a several more times I simply needed to reset the TCP/IP stack in my Windows operating system. (You don't state what OS you are using. e.g.: Windows XP, Vista or 7, Mac or Linux.) So, as you can see, a LOT of different things can cause Internet connectivity problems.

Since it seems as if you may have yours narrowed down to that modem, if I were you, I would start with making Comcast replace that modem. That may take several ...or more than several calls..., some arguing and even threatening to take your business elsewhere, but GET that replacement! Then you will be able to come to know if it's your router or not or what, if any, problem still exists. If you still have a problem, then you can test things by running for just a day without that router to see how things act. If your problems vanish, then the answer is obvious. If replacing the modem and [either] running without the router and/or placing
it doesn't do the trick, then the problem is either somewhere out in the field between
the modem and
Comcasts main switches -OR- you have a problem with how your OS is making the connection. IF you are still using XP AND you think that it's the OS that is the problem then you can get a utility called
TCP/IP Repair from here in CNet. Otherwise, you can do searches to find out how to reset Windows Vista, 7 or 8.

NOTE: When you run minus that router, DO make sure that you are running a GOOD third party firewall such as Comodo instead of the one in Windows (if yours is a Windows system) and make double-sure that your anti-virus is functional and it's definitions updated. DO be very careful of where you go on the internet (don't click on any links unless you are sure they are safe. I.E.: a lot of links in Facebook are NOT safe. Use WOT to help you with that.) Do not download anything at all including e-mail. This will help keep out any nasties that may be lurking. If you have internet based e-mail, then there is that much less to worry about, but still do not download anything at all to the computer. By doing these things you will be able to check to see if it is, in deed, the router causing the problem and do it in a more protected way. Once you get the hardware issues settled you can still run Comodo along with the firewall in the router for added protection in a more layered approach which is a good thing!

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Answer
could be cable or where it connects.
by Jun 28, 2014 12:58PM PDT

slightly bend the little wire part that sticks out and then reinstall to the modem, to be sure it makes a stronger contact. If you live in a humid area, or it's near a humid area, check for light corrosion on contact points. Direct to modem was a good suggestion too. Have TV service too from the cable? Any problems with it at the same time? How does the cable come to the house? From a pole or buried? Hanging cable due to many movements by wind over time can cause the wire inside to break from fatigue, creating intermittent problems if still touching most of the time.

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