DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Yet ANOTHER computer question!

Ok, so here's the sitcheeation...

It actually has to do with my internet connection, not the computers themselves (I have 2 networked...a Mac and a Windows). First of all, I use Verizon DSL. For the past 6 months at least, my connection has been erratic...meaning, there will be times where I can't get online at all on either one of the computers. What I have had to do in the past to remedy the situation is reboot both computers, turn off both the modem and router. Then it would be fine for the next 3-7 days, then it would happen all over again where I have to reboot to get back online.

Lately, (I would say for the past month), it has gotten progressively worse. I can't seem to stay online for more than 15 seconds at a time.

Last year I had to replace the router because it wasn't working at all....so that got me to thinking, do I need to replace the modem now? Because the modem has to be around 8 years old...

I called Verizon a while back, and they said that the problem isn't on their end. Another theory I have is that my Macintosh is so old (at least 10 years old)...I've been having trouble with it lately...I guess you can say that it's pretty much on "life support right now.

SO, would an old modem cause these kind of problems? Or is there something else that I should be checking out?

Stop visiting those Steelers sites and you'll stay connected longer.

If both computers a losing connection I would say it is the modem or the router. You could take the router out of the equation and plug one the computers directly into the modem and see if it happens. If it does, I'd say it's a safe bet that it's the modem.

Check all the wires that connect you to the internet. Sounds like that if the router and modem are working then a connection line is the problem it could just be bend or ripped but that sounds like the problem

One other thing you could try is unplugging your router and modem for at least a minute to reset the equipment then try again, if the problem continues I would bet you have a signal loss in one of your wired connections. I've seen a wire be the problem, a crimped wire can cause a problem so I would check all of the wires.

What do I know though I am just studying computer networking.

Is it a wireless router?

Try what Squires said. Bypass the router and connect a computer directly to the modem. If you are still having trouble, it is the modem. If everything works fine once you bypass the router, it is the router.

Hope that helps!

Besides taking the router out of the equation... if all runs well for awhile without it. Might want to see if there isn't an upgrade for the routers firmware before buying a new one... this is usually on the routers web access page some where. What type of router is it?

It's a newer router....

After reading everyone's responses and doing some testing and whatnot, I've pretty much come to the conclusion that it's the modem, so I'm going to try replacing it and see how that goes...

thanks everyone, I better go now before my 15 seconds are up.

it's the modem, their junk and have a usable life average of about 3 years.

I find it better to by a linksys DSL modem/router, then you don't pay the $5 modem fee on your bill either. But you will have to call them, and tell them you have your own modem, and give them the MAC address off the back off it.