Cable Modem and NIC

[haxxorpoop]

Right now, I have a cable modem (RCA DCM305) and it randomly resets at times for no reason. I've had 2 technicans come, and they've both replaced the SAME splitter (yes, the second tech guy replaced the new one the first tech guy put on). But after a few hours, its back to restness. I'm thinking it has to do wtih my Network Card.

Is there a chance that my network card is causing my cable modem to reset?

[Kuasimodem]

I would look into the power source, too. Do you have the modem on a power surge protector?

Also, have the techs do a signal strength test the next time they come out.

If all else fails, go to Best Buy, Circuit City or similar and get yourself a Motorola Surfboard modem (you'll also save money each month on modem rental)

I had the same RCA modem and had inconsistent connection problems, the Surfboard fixed that.

[bailey]

I must agree with fact that the rca modem is problematic,
replace it with eather the surfboard or a linksys one.

[haxxorpoop]

They did a test the both times the guys came out.

1. Signal too weak
2. Signal too "loud" (something about the decibal level?).

Since I'm renting, I can get another better modem from the place i'm renting it from (Cogeco Cable).

Thanks for replys.

<EDIT>

Oh, about the power. Before it was in a power bar, but the technician said I should try it dircetly into the wall, incase the powerbar is faulty. I tried it, to no avail of course, so now its still in the wall.

</EDIT>

[Rand Dusing]

You have to rent modems? I thought they gave you the modem when you signed up.

[haxxorpoop]

Nope, rental :\. Before I had a Samsung modem, then since its a rental, i traded it in for the same type on modem. It didnt work (they were refurbs...), so I got this modem.

Stupid Cogeco...They gave me a free NIC when I singed up though

[DanU]

Try removing the splitter and connecting only the cable modem to the cable. If it works fine, then you have a signal strength problem. You'll have to get the tech to increase the signal strength.

[haxxorpoop]

When they did a test through the splitter, they said that the signal was to low; hence they increased the signal strength. When the second guy came, he said the signal strength was too high (:\), so he lowered it. Now the tech support guy I was on the phone with a few days ago says that the modem (this is the 3rd one i've had) is broken.....

#$!#@!@#$!@#$!@#

[haxxorpoop]

The Tech guy just came. He said the levels were at 0-3 dB, which is good. He didnt see any problems, and he phoned into his own tech support people to see if they could see anything.

Nothing...

So, next time it happens, I call them, I have priority, and they come asap.


Thx for the help guys.

On a side note: The guy also said that this modem was a "good quality; reliable" modem. :\

The tech guy that came is the same tech guy that came the first time :\, so he rememberd our problem :\

[sevenal]

just a little info
Modems need an downstream level (signal hitting modem) between -15 and + 15
Ideal would be zero = 0 db
This would give you the greatest window of operation.
The upstream levels should run typically between a positive
30 db and 50 db .
Many will run a little lower or a little higher but I shoot for
an upstream level of 40-45 though often settle for 47 - 49
as the amount of splitters, length of cables,distance to cable TV hard cable,area design etc.effect these numbers in ways beyond
a service tech's control.
If the upstream numbers are high,"Thats because the modem's built in return boost is maxed out" a tech can help this by installing a return amp in your home system.
That way releaving the load from the modem.
When the downstream or forward signal is low, it's because the cable company is not providing enough signal to the modem.
This too can be resolved by a clean "no shorts" cable drop and house system, or a house amp.

A common prob like high upstream signal can show itself on your TV "sometimes" as a snowy picture on the low channels like Ch 2 and 3 or ch14 and 15.

Also the signal to noise ratio on your fiber node or any node off your node splitter in the Cable TV Headend, can cause intermittant modem failure.

Many cable customers can pull up there modem's operating levels
at home with this url http://192.168.100.1
Use the tabs to navigate around till you find signal or session levels

g/l hope this helps