US Cable Support > Comcast HSI > [Connectivity] Connection turns on and off for a few second -- b

[Connectivity] Connection turns on and off for a few second -- b

Re: [Connectivity] Connection turns on and off for a few second

Your downstream SNR is quite low (32 dB). It is quite likely that it is fluctuating enough that your modem is losing sync.

You should call tech support and have them come out to investigate the signal.

Is the cable modem behind any splitter(s)?
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"I drank what?" -Socrates

No splitters behind cable modem. The cable comes through the wall of the house directly into the modem.

So, you think it could be a Comcast problem rather than the modem going?

Looks like something you need to have Comcast come out and investigate, yes.
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"I drank what?" -Socrates

Thanks, I'll get on it then.

Comcast was here today. After checking inside the tech went outside and looked at the connections. He replaced all of them reporting that they looked "nasty". All seems well now.

I am also inclined to replace my modem. I presently have a Motorola SB5120 which I own.

I was looking at the Motorola SB6141 -- I am on Blast -- will I benefit additionally from a DOCSIS 3 modem?

Yes, a Docsis 3 modem would be a good idea. Even if you're on a lower plan, it can still benefit you by spreading things across multiple channels (assuming your CMTS is D3). This means you're less likely to experience issues during peak times.

»Re: DOCSIS 3.0 Available in Valparaiso, IN
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"I drank what?" -Socrates

I think I spoke too fast that everything was working again -- my service just blinked out again for a few seconds (I can only tell so easily because I'm running a VPN which notifies me as soon as the connection is out).

I am going to order the SB6141 now. We do have D3 here in Chicago as far as I know.

Can you post your signal levels now, post-visit from the tech?
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"I drank what?" -Socrates

reply to Cyndee
All of the Chicago area is DOCSIS 3.0. I'm on the Romeoville headend- I have 8 downstream channels and 3 upstream (I'm pretty sure the entire Chicago area has 8/3). You should notice a difference with the 6141 since you're on Blast- you old modem's single channel capability is barely fast enough to keep up with the Blast package's PowerBoost download speed 30Mb/s. With the channel bonding not only should it be much easier to hit your PB top speed, you won't notice as much congestion either.

reply to Cyndee
Can you post the modem logs? If it only goes out for a few seconds, you could be getting DCC's (Dynamic Channel Change). Since you have an older D2 modem with only one channel, Comcast may occasionally tell it to change channels to help balance the load. That can take a few seconds for the modem itself. Some software may take longer to retry.

reply to pflog

New Signal Levels

Ew. Still not liking those signals and SNR.

Will a new modem make a difference?

Nope. The tech needs to fix them.

reply to andyross

Modem Logs

The next time you notice the dead spot, check the log as soon as possible.

Also, if DCC's are the issue, then going to a newer D3 modem will help. Since they bond channels, they typically do not have to worry about DCC's. If you have a D3 modem that only does 4-down, it could get DCC's if it's in an area with more than 4 downstream available, but I don't know if that's ever done, yet.

It isn't possible to check to log as soon as the connection goes out. Normally I connect through a router. So to get to the logs I need to bypass the router and connect directly to the computer and reboot the modem to get a connection; I guess that wipes the log. I can't stay connected directly to the modem for any amount of time as my printers are all connected to the network and there are other users that need to be connected.