... network problem

hi
my problem goes like this I always seem to loose connection after really short periods of time, like 5 or 10 minutes. My cablemodem wont stay connected for more than that...
when this happens, I have to either reset the modem or unplug it and plug it again in order to reconect.
By the way, the computer does not display any sort of error message & I dont think its my NIC because Ive also tried connecting the cablemodem using the USB port and the same thing kept happening. Also if I switch to a dialup connection everything goes fine and Im never disconected...
Well, I hope you guys can help me w/this.

1. RE: ... network problem
DJ Net2Infinity Jul-16-02 10:07 PM
In response to message 0

What operating system do you have? What kind of computer (make and model) is it? When did this start? What was the last software you installed? And who is your ISP?

2. RE: ... network problem
trumpetr Jul-16-02 10:54 PM
In response to message 0

As a cable modem tech, I would call up your ISP and have them come out to check your signal levels and noise on the line. Do you notice things drop when it is windy, raining, etc. These can be signs that a drop needs replaced, Possibly there is a loose connection somewhere along the line, make sure all connections are tight from the modem to the cable drop. Make sure that your modem line is not split unnecessaraly (usually the first split off the drop with no other splits on that branch). With out any other details, it's tough to say but I would gusess signal issues. What brand modem do you have?
Trumpetr

3. RE: ... network problem
guandum Jul-17-02 00:29 AM
In response to message 2

Im running W98 se.
Actually Ive called my ISP quite a few times now, and Ive even reformatted my HD and reinstaled Windows and the problem is still going on...
Im using a motorola SurfBoard SB4100
I also thought it had to do with signal issues but the ISP techs say that if that was the case the top lights of my modem would go off... but they remain lit.
Anyway, theyre coming tomorrow to check the cable drop and the connection...

4. RE: ... network problem
DJ Net2Infinity Jul-17-02 00:39 AM
In response to message 3

Look at this it should apply, try surfing to 192.168.100.1 when you lose your connection because if you can/cannot it will track down the problem.
http://duxcw.com/digest/Reviews/Modems/cable/sb2100D_2.htm

6. RE: ... network problem
trumpetr Jul-17-02 11:30 AM
In response to message 4

The 192.168.100.1 address should lead you to some type of internal page to the modem if it has that feature (some brands do some don't) Look for something like return level signal, Signal/Noise Ratio etc. If it pops a dialog some modems use User and Password as the default user and passwords (note caps) although your system may have changed that. You really don't want a return signal level any higher that around 45 dBmv and a s/n ratio lower than around 30.
A compitent tech should be able to show/tell you what all of the readings are.
Most modems will work with an incoming signal of anwhere between -15 and 15 db but the closer to 0 you are the better.
Another scenearo is that you are loosing half (either the incoming or the outgoing)of the signal. Theoretically your cable light on your modem should die, but I've seen plenty where it does not.

5. RE: ... network problem
animam Jul-17-02 08:49 AM
In response to message 0

guandum,
I was at this point myself about a month ago. I agree with Brian's advice. You are best to get yourself a gateway/router for your CM. Your ISP will only support you with one external IP Address. You need to set this IP Address up in your gateway/router. Then you need to specify public IP Addresses to the PCs on your network. ie
192.168.0.1 The default IP Address for you gateway.
192.168.0.2 PC#1
192.168.0.3 PC#2
192.168.0.4 PC#3
Also be sure to they all have the same subnet mask, ie 255.255.255.0
In your browser, you need to set it up to use your gateway as the proxy. Set the proxy address to 192.168.0.1 (as it is above).

7. RE: ... network problem
lbyard Jul-17-02 12:37 PM
In response to message 5

Most broadband routers have a DHCP server (http://duxcw.com/faq/network/dhcp.htm). I have always set my PCs to get their IP address automatically from the DHCP server. That has worked well for years for my customers and I. The only time you need static IPs is for servers and the like behind the router. One does not usually have to use proxy settings when using a router. Larry