Trouble with the internet

[Miss Chicken]

For several weeks I have been having problems with my internet connection which keeps dropping out.

I usually have no problems when I log on first things in the morning but after a couple of hours the DSL and Intrnet lights on my modem go off but my power light and ethernet lights stay on.

Often if I pull the power cord out for a quarter or half an hour and then plug it back in it works.

When I ohone my ISP support they said it wasn't their problem - that it was either a problem with my cords or with my modem. I replaced the cords but the problems persist.

I thought I would buy a new modem but when I bought the cords the guy I talked to the guy at the computer shop and he didn't seem to think it was a problem with the modem but with either my phone line or my electricity connection. He suggested I get the phone company to check the line but if I do this and there is no problem with the line I will be charged by the phone company.

I know that there are peopel here with more knowledge than me. Should I buy a new modem (as I have no-one to borrow one from). Also will any modem do?

 

[cultcross]

A new modem may solve the problem, they're not that expensive these days - if you use it as just one PC hooked up to the modem, which is hooked up to the phone line (i.e. not through a network) you can get a modem for around £10-15 here, eg. http://www.ebuyer.com/product/141792 which is a USB modem (ie the output form the modem goes into your computer's USB port, rather than your ethernet port.)
Generally, any modem should work with any ISP, but you should check the model with them before purchase to make sure.

If your ISP is sure their service is working, and your phone works OK, odds are it's not the line itself that's the issue. Which leaves your computer or the modem as the source of the problem. As you say it affects the indicator lights on the modem itself I'd say it is likely the problem is in the modem, particularly if a restart works.

 

[Miss Chicken]

Thanks for the advice.

I know it isn't my computer because we have tested the other two computers in the house and they have the same problem.

I will phone the ISP and asked about the modem models. I hate phoning technical because I have trouble understanding the accents (I believe tech support is in Malaysia).

 

[Pingfah]

Could always try ebay for a modem, people often offload the free ones their ISPs send them when they sign up.

 

[DiSiLLUSiON]

Perhaps this is better suited for Technology, you're bound to get more answers there, I think.

That being said, is it not up to your ISP to change your modem if it's faulty?

 

[137th Gebirg]

I had no end of problems from day one with DSL. I don't know about your systems, but with Verizon DSL, you had to count on the integrity of copper wire leading up to, and going through the house, which may have been okay for voice usage, but for something more sensitive as data transfer, I had drop outs all the time. Switching to FIOS cleared it all up and I've never looked back.

To the OP, it may be an insulation problem in one of your copper wires that's been getting bad for some time and has degraded to the point where it's no longer able to support the DSL signal.

 

[Australis]

I think the problem is the ISP, despite what they say. We've had issues in the past of a similar nature. They don't admit it, but then we change ISP and, lo, the problem goes away.

That aside, remember your state is getting the new broadband rollout first, and that could be interfering with da interwebz in some way. Ask someone local who might know a bit more.

 

[Alpha_Geek]

Wait for the modem to go into the fault state, then call the ISP. Have them try to "talk to" and run some remote diagnostics on the DSL modem from their end while it's in the failed state. Ask them if they can see your modem from their end of the connection. Ask what signal levels are being reported by the modem.

Either the ISP or the telco (I'm uncertain of their relationship in Tasmania!) or both have the ability to run remote diagnstics on the modem... providing there is no line issue preventing communication or an actual hardware fault with the modem.

In the US, the phone company will only charge for a site visit. Don't know if its the same there, but if the ISP isn't helping, try the telco and see if they only charge for a site visit.

 

[Cakes488]

I had no end of problems from day one with DSL. I don't know about your systems, but with Verizon DSL, you had to count on the integrity of copper wire leading up to, and going through the house, which may have been okay for voice usage, but for something more sensitive as data transfer, I had drop outs all the time. Switching to FIOS cleared it all up and I've never looked back.

To the OP, it may be an insulation problem in one of your copper wires that's been getting bad for some time and has degraded to the point where it's no longer able to support the DSL signal.

Yeah I couldn't believe that I live in one of the most heavily saturated areas yet I couldn't get DSL at my apartment. I was forced to use dial up and pay 60 bucks a month to do so. I would use cable...but I refuse to give my slumbitch lord anymore of my money. She's a real skank.

So it could be worse Miss Chicken.....you could be me and have no internet at all at home.

 

[trekkiedane]

Perhaps this is better suited for Technology, you're bound to get more answers there, I think.

That being said, is it not up to your ISP to change your modem if it's faulty?

I know it's 'anecdotal evidence', but a friend of mine had her ISP change her modem THREE times before she got one that worked

 

[Count Zero]

That being said, is it not up to your ISP to change your modem if it's faulty?

Depends on the ISP, not all of them supply routers/modems. I had to buy my own router when I got DSL a few years ago.