Disarmer
join:2009-07-03
Mexia, TX
| [Other] How to fix terrible cable service?
Sorry if this is in the wrong forum... I wasn't quite sure where it should go.
For the past several months, my cable internet with Northland Cable has been absolutely terrible. I'm on a 6mbps plan and I get that some of the time... but other times, it can be down to 1mbps or less for hours at a time. It also randomly kicks completely for about 30 seconds around 10-15 times a day. This may not be annoying to most of you, but I play a game called Tibia (MMORPG), and when the net kicks while I'm hunting, I can lose up to 6 hours worth of work. Also annoying as hell while trying to play Xbox Live.
I have called and complained to my ISP several times, but they always send a technician out and he tells me nothing is wrong and there isn't anything they can do.
Is there anything you guys can tell me about this situation? What might be causing this? Suggestions for ISP to fix it? I have read that them creating a new cable channel and splitting the users on this one channel could solve the problem... is this a feasible option for the ISP, or is it more work than it sounds?
Thanks for any help you guys can offer. |
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pandora
Premium
join:2001-06-01
Outland
 ·ooma
·Future Nine Corpor..
 ·Comcast
|  You may want to look in the Comcast HSI forum, and read posts about signal levels on cable modems. See if your modem is within spec.
If it is well, there is always a chance that an ISP is over-subscribed (has too many people sharing a connection). When that happens speed can drop, and connections can become unstable. If that is the case, and the ISP won't fix it, you may need to look for another broadband provider.
You may want to first check signal levels. Then make certain your router is reasonable for your use. Finally talk to neighbors, see if they have similar internet problems with your provider.
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"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use." |
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Disarmer
join:2009-07-03
Mexia, TX
| When I check the signal levels on my modem, this is what it says
quote:
Downstream Value
Frequency 111000000 Hz Locked
Signal to Noise Ratio 36 dB
Power Level -1 dB
The Downstream Power Level reading is a snapshot taken at the time this page was requested. Please Reload/Refresh this Page for a new reading
Upstream Value
Channel ID 5
Frequency 29008000 Hz Ranged
Power Level 41 dBmV
I don't really know what these numbers mean.
Also, the problems persist regardless of router or no router.
I would have switched ISP's long ago if there was another option here... sadly, there is not. |
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pandora
Premium
join:2001-06-01
Outland
·ooma
·Future Nine Corpor..
·Comcast
| There is a cable modem FAQ in the Comcast HSI forum here - »Comcast High Speed Internet FAQ »What should my Signal Levels be?
According to that link your modem numbers are good (at least that is my interpretation of them, you should check for yourself).
If the modem and router aren't the problem ... you may be stuck with an over-subscribed ISP. There isn't much that can be done about it other than to complain or hope they are bought out by a company like Comcast. Wish I had better news for you. 
I know it wouldn't be possible for me to move to a place in the future that didn't have very good broadband access. I'm very spoiled at this time and will not return to slow or unstable internet access.
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"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use." |
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Disarmer
join:2009-07-03
Mexia, TX | It would be nice to have solid reliable internet access... The sad thing is, most of the kicks/slow downs happen right in the middle of the day, or in the dead of night. Usually 2-4 PM then 1-3 AM. Just when most people should be asleep or at work. |
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Disarmer
join:2009-07-03
Mexia, TX
| Alright, when the net is kicking/lagging hard, my power level drops to around -8 for the duration of the bad internet. Once the kick/lag is over, it resumes itself at a fairly stable -2 - 0.
Does this give you any more information towards my bad service?
Thanks again for the help. |
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Harddrive
Premium
join:2000-09-20
Norwich, CT
| not to be off topic, but why dont you move to Corsicana and get DSL?
i'm originally from Corsicana. 
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I've come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass and i'm all outta bubblegum. |
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Disarmer
join:2009-07-03
Mexia, TX | Small world 
Corsicana is just a bit too big for me haha  |
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Marcer
VIP
join:2007-07-08
Hamilton, ON
·Mountain Cable
| reply to Disarmer
said by Disarmer  :Alright, when the net is kicking/lagging hard, my power level drops to around -8 for the duration of the bad internet. Once the kick/lag is over, it resumes itself at a fairly stable -2 - 0. Does this give you any more information towards my bad service? Thanks again for the help. Ok, your Downstream Signal to Noise is passable @ 36, but once your power level drops to -8 it likely dips down, causing your modem to have packet loss, and a loss in speed. Both the Downstream Signal to Noise and Power level need to be investigated, so it's time to call your Cable company. |
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Disarmer
join:2009-07-03
Mexia, TX | What do I need to tell them? The power level is dropping randomly causing my internet to go out?
Also, the SNR is constantly changing between 30 and 36.
Thanks |
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Fubar
join:2001-02-20
Phoenix, AZ
| You need to tell them exactly that, WHen you lose connection your downstream drops to -8 and your snr fluctuates between 30 and 36.
To help fix the situation do you have any splitters you can remove? Also you can check to make sure all the connections are tight. |
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Marcer
VIP
join:2007-07-08
Hamilton, ON | reply to Disarmer
Just a Fubar said, tell them what changes. Check your connections, and check the cable between the back of the modem and the wall/splitter for damage (kinks, nicks, pet nibbles, etc.) |
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Disarmer
join:2009-07-03
Mexia, TX
1 edit | reply to Disarmer
Needless to say, they have still done nothing to fix my internet. But for some reason, now my net is kicking/going out at around -3dB and sometimes even when it's right around 0. Any more suggestions guys?
EDIT : Just went out while changing between 3 and 5 dB. |
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