Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Verizon DSL/Network Connectivity Issues

Nov 19, 2007 4:56AM PST

I am having issues with intermittent internet connectivity. Sometimes, even for a day or so, the connection will be fine. Other times (like now) I can't stay connected for more than five minutes or so. As I mentioned, I have Verizon's DSL service. I am using a Westell 6100 modem and a Linksys BEFW11S4 router. I live with roommates and we are using three laptops and an Xbox 360 on the network. I have tried working through Verizon's tech support in troubleshooting but even in the event I was able to get back up for a while, the problem would inevitably resurface. I feel like I've exhausted the limits of my ability to correct this problem and would appreciate any assistance in stabilizing my connection.

Please let me know if I am potentially missing any important information.

Thanks in advance,
Alex

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
The BEFW11S4 is getting quite old.
Nov 19, 2007 6:20AM PST

Does a new router work ok?

- Collapse -
Router Seems to Work Alright
Nov 19, 2007 6:34AM PST

How might I isolate the router to make sure it's fine? It seems on the modem I will have a solid green light most of the time on the "DSL" but and getting intermittent blinks on the internet then ethernet. I understand the BEFW11S4 is getting old and am wondering if I should just go ahead and upgrade. If you still believe the router may in fact be the root of my troubles what is a good router to try?

- Collapse -
This can be a little rough since...
Nov 19, 2007 11:12AM PST

You may have to install PPPoE software on a PC and directly connect it to the DSL modem. I'd borrow some newer router to test this.

Just to check the usuals. Latest firmware and nothing less than WPA if wifi is enabled?

Bob

- Collapse -
Okay, I'm Trying to Start from Scratch
Nov 19, 2007 1:13PM PST

I have reset the modem, disconnected the router, shut off all other computers/wireless devices in the house. I fired the modem back up directly connected to one laptop and have restored a solid connection to this one, hard-wired computer. As Verizon instructed, the modem is set to PPPoE. Below is the connection summary....

---------------------------------------------

DSL Connection Information

Connection Rate (Down/Up): 3360 KBits/Sec by 736 KBits/Sec

Connection Status In Packets 2003
Out Packets 1713

In Error Packets 0
Out Error Packets 43

IP Network Address PPP 70.108.161.XXX*
Primary DNS 71.252.0.12
Secondary DNS 68.237.161.12

*I've excluded these last few numbers as I'm not sure if I should be posting them in open forum.


Ethernet Status
In Packets 3397
Out Packets 4177

ATM NetworkAddress
VPI 0
VCI 35

Firewall Status
Passed In: 0 Out: 0
Dropped In: 0 Out: 0


Connection Information

Connection Name Connection Duration Status Number of Reconnects
Verizon 00:06:28 UP 1


------------------------------------------------

Now, I was able to get ahold of a Netgear WGR614 v5 wireless router; however, when I set the modem to bridge and am able to log into the router, it does the initial setup search that tells me I have a static ip address and ask for it along with the gateway and dns information. I'm told of course (by Verizon) that I do not have a static ip address .

So, good news - I believe I have confirmed a solid internet connection. Bad news - I am still having issues setting up the new router.

Alex

- Collapse -
The Westell 6100 modem/router
Nov 20, 2007 7:54AM PST
- Collapse -
You say you have setup trouble but...
Nov 19, 2007 10:21PM PST

I couldn't tell where.

Bob