Time to replace my modem?

[azmike74]

Over the last few months, I've noticed that every device we use in our house over our wi-fi (iPad, macbook, phones) seems slow. In fact, sometimes, websites load annoyingly slow even on my macbook pro which shouldn't have a problem browsing ASFN or other sites I visit. I've never known where to put blame but I've cursed both Cox and my (probably) 5 year old Motorola surfboard equally .

Tonight I ran a speed test within seconds of each other, the larger monitor on an ethernet connection and I can't get the picture to load dang it. Here are my results:

Ethernet: 32.83mb download, 8.86mb upload
WiFi: 15.47mb download, 9.03mb upload

I did notice that when I ran the speed tests at exactly the same time, both download speeds were around 16 or 18 iirc so the above results were done one right after the other.

The other issue I notice is that sometimes the wifi isn't as slow as other times (seems inconsistent).

My wifi bars on all devices show a full antenna so I believe the signal is strong, I am not sure if this is normal behavior for wi-fi and I am not sure how else to troubleshoot the connection before I waste money on a new modem or fix the problem with a new modem.

Anyone have advice or experience?

 

[BillsCarnage]

Are you using a separate router too? I'm trying to determine if I'm in the same boat too with my surfboard.

My internet will completely crash and be down for about 2min and come right back up fine. It's like an agonizing collapse for about 45sec and then be down for a min or so and come back up just fine. And, really only happens with large data transfers.

I'm able to watch it while ftping or with torrent downloads.

If your modem doesn't have docsis 3.0, it might be worth upgrading to it anyways.

 

[Chaz]

A basic indicator is look at the lights on the modem when the internet is interrupted.

If the modem is disconnected the lights will be flashing in sequence (like a reboot) to reconnect to the ISP.
If the modem is staying connected to the ISP I would suspect the router. Make sure firmware is up to date and check to see what devices are connected in case you have someone piggybacking and using bandwidth.

 

[azmike74]

Are you using a separate router too? I'm trying to determine if I'm in the same boat too with my surfboard.

My internet will completely crash and be down for about 2min and come right back up fine. It's like an agonizing collapse for about 45sec and then be down for a min or so and come back up just fine. And, really only happens with large data transfers.

I'm able to watch it while ftping or with torrent downloads.

If your modem doesn't have docsis 3.0, it might be worth upgrading to it anyways.

I'm really not very knowledgeable but I'm pretty sure I have a router and modem combo.

I'm going to check the lights as Chaz recommends, google it and see what happens.

 

[BillsCarnage]

A basic indicator is look at the lights on the modem when the internet is interrupted.

If the modem is disconnected the lights will be flashing in sequence (like a reboot) to reconnect to the ISP.
If the modem is staying connected to the ISP I would suspect the router. Make sure firmware is up to date and check to see what devices are connected in case you have someone piggybacking and using bandwidth.

Yeah, I've been too lazy to go check the modem yet. The router firmware is updated, but ironically that's when it started and the vendor doesn't have any newer version since.

Transfers w/in my home network still plug along fine. That's what makes me think it's the modem. Also, each device has it's own ip assigned.

 

[PDXChris]

Take an eathernet cable and go to http://www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/ Do the test, then do the same test on wireless. Then post both sets of results there. Make sure you do both tests tot he same location

 

[jw7]

Anyone have advice or experience?

Yes. I had Cox replace my surfboard and router last April. They support a Netgear router/modem combo.

It cost about $150 for everything, the hardware, service call and installation, but the tech guy made sure my wireless was working for all my devices. The r/m comes preconfigured with a wireless ID and password, so no work on your part.

Guy spent an hour at my house and even checked my external cable connection and fixed an issue there as well. I have no more ethernet cables.

But 15.5 Mb for a wireless device should be more than fine. Something is wrong with that.

 

[MadCardDisease]

If your modem doesn't have docsis 3.0, it might be worth upgrading to it anyways.

Got to make sure that you have a DOCSIS 3.0 modem as BC mentioned. If you have a older modem that isn't 3.0 you are trying to water your lawn with a hose the size of a straw.

 

[azmike74]

Yes. I had Cox replace my surfboard and router last April. They support a Netgear router/modem combo.

It cost about $150 for everything, the hardware, service call and installation, but the tech guy made sure my wireless was working for all my devices. The r/m comes preconfigured with a wireless ID and password, so no work on your part.

Guy spent an hour at my house and even checked my external cable connection and fixed an issue there as well. I have no more ethernet cables.

But 15.5 Mb for a wireless device should be more than fine. Something is wrong with that.

I misunderstand your last sentence. It seems you say that 15.5 for a wireless device is fine but then say "Something is wrong with that". So I'm confused if 15.5 is fine or wrong, hope I explained my confusion so it can be understood lol.

Got to make sure that you have a DOCSIS 3.0 modem as BC mentioned. If you have a older modem that isn't 3.0 you are trying to water your lawn with a hose the size of a straw.

I will check on that tonight, hate to have to spend money, but we'll see.

Thanks

 

[jw7]

I misunderstand your last sentence. It seems you say that 15.5 for a wireless device is fine but then say "Something is wrong with that". So I'm confused if 15.5 is fine or wrong, hope I explained my confusion so it can be understood lol.

I'm just saying that 15.5 for a wireless device should be fine for 99% of what you want to do. I just speed-tested my iphone over Wi-fi and I'm only getting 17 right now and I have no problem browsing websites. So the bandwidth should be fine, but if your devices aren't working it maybe something else.

Agree with MCD's advice.