Broadband connection working intermittently

Ian_S · 13-04-2006, 17:59

Hi,
I was hoping someone would be able to help me with my problem. For the last couple of months my broadband connection has stopped working every 20 minutes or so, then turns itself back on after a minute or two. I had an NTL engineer come out and look and my cable modem and he said it was a weak signal and the problem had been sorted. However, I am still getting this problem. When the connection stops working the USB button on the cable modem goes out for a bit. Is it possible that my USB port on my computer is faulty, is there any way to test this?
Thanks
Ian

Florence · 13-04-2006, 20:11

Would be better if you spent the ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£10 and fitted an ethernet card in your PC if there is room and you are happy going inside the pc. The only other way would be to change the USB port you are using now for the modem incase its going faulty. Al;l PC's normally have two at the back.

Martin Rowley · 13-04-2006, 20:24

This isn't anything to do with USB vs. Ethernet; I too have been having these problems (Bracknell) since the recent network re-engineering started - despite several calls to Tech. Support (expensive!), no further forward. The CM will spontaneously reboot itself (power light on though), and does this several times in a few minutes - but at other times will stay on-line for several hours. Doing a search this evening, I see this is a 'known' problem with NTL and might imply that network resources aren't sufficient to maintain the link. I'm going to leave it until after Easter and have another go at them, as I'm paying for an 'always on' service that ain't always on

Martin.

Florence · 13-04-2006, 20:29

Have you tried switching hte USB port at the back of the pc incase its going faulty.

I wasnt making it a fight between USB and Ethernet it was a way around the problem if its the USB on the modem faulty. The problem is everytime they test if its working they will keep saying there is no fault I know I used to have the connection via USB and the only way I was able to fix the problem was by fitting an ethernet card.

Martin Rowley · 13-04-2006, 20:34

Yes, my primary method of connection is Ethernet, and I only went back to USB to eliminate card, cable, connector faults etc. You can actually see the CM re-setting itself (it does it even when the PC is off), so I'm sure that it is a network problem here.

Martin.

Ian_S · 13-04-2006, 20:34

I too am based in Bracknell, so it looks like I can almost certainly rule out a problem with the pc then.

Martin Rowley · 13-04-2006, 20:36

I think all we can do is to keep badgering NTL about this and they *may* do something! Not going to hold my breath though ...

Martin.

nopcode · 13-04-2006, 21:14

Welcome to the forums Ian and Martin.

If it is the USB light going out and not the cable/signal light, It would appear to be a usb problem.
I know its a pain, but you could try checking that both ends of the cable are securely inserted and when they are in, see if there is any play (wiggle) in the socket. I had my cable modem on usb and it would disconnect when accidentally kicked the PC desk. (happened alot when dying on counter strike

)
If you have a usb printer, you could also try connecting the modem with that cable instead to see if it helps, also as florence suggested try using other usb sockets on your pc.

On a side note, are you sure that your pc dosnt have an onboard ethernet port? Alot of motherbaords these days come with them, and generally they are far more reliable than USB for the Cable modem.

Good Luck

Ian_S · 14-04-2006, 10:28

Hi,
Do you know how I can get my modem to work with the ethernet cable. Are there any drivers that I need to install?
Thanks
Ian

nopcode · 14-04-2006, 11:22

If there is already an ethernet port on the back of your pc, then the chances are that the drivers are already installed. You can check by looking in ,
start/control panel/system/hardware/device manager/
If its installed it will show up under network adapters, if its not then you may find that you have a yellow exclamation mark next to an adapter there.

To switch between USB abd Ethernet I just have to change the cable , and reboot the modem , sometimes the pc. Everything is auto detected for me.
If you can give some details about the type of ethernet interface you have, (if its on board then we need the motherboard make and model, or stand alone etc then the make and model of the card) , then I or someone else can point you towards the right drivers.

Regards

If you fancy looking yourself, they can be found on the website of your pc manufacturer, or ethernet card makers site.

Ian_S · 14-04-2006, 16:08

I have managed to set up my modem using the ethernet cable but am still getting the same problem.

nopcode · 14-04-2006, 16:26

what make of cable modem do you have? I wouldnt think that the USB light is active if you are using the ethernet connection, did you leave the USB cable in as well as the Ethernet cable by accident?

As the problem is still there, seems like more badgering of tech support is required

Ian_S · 14-04-2006, 17:33

nope completely removed the USB cable. When the internet disconnects the USB or ENET light (depending which is plugged in) goes out momentarily, then turns back on after a few seconds, but the internet does still not work for another minute or so. Will give NTL again as it seems a lot of people in my area are having the same problem.

---------- Post added at 17:33 ---------- Previous post was at 16:35 ----------

Well I have spoken to NTL tech support again and they have apparantly diagnosed a problem with my modem, even though in the same phone call earlier he said my modem was working fine! An engineer has been booked for Monday, I will post the outcome here, though I dont hold much hope!

nopcode · 14-04-2006, 19:35

Ahh, glad to hear you got some attention. Good luck with engineer. Its a shame that it goes pear shaped just as we all get an easter weekend to play

Please do post back when you get the problem sorted .

greyripper · 14-04-2006, 20:20

I'm having very similar problems, it works for an hour or two, then drops for anything between 10 seconds and two hours. Three engineer visits so far - new CM today but problem not resolved. I have had one call 'cancelled' by NTL without adequate explanation.
I am also fed-up with some uneducated Indian treating each call as a fresh one.
They are coming again on Monday, if no resolution, I'm off to BT (or equivalent but need the BT landline reconnecting!) and Sky for TV.
I have a little program that pings a selected web address at regular intervals and reports if it is reachable so I have 'ammunition' to give NTL.
The customer service is pathetic, they pass you from person to person and no-one takes ownership to get reasonable answers.
I will pursue compensation, and probably invoke the official complaints procedure.

Right, off soap box!!! Have a good Easter everyone!