Internet problem

[Shoobie]

Here's my problem. I have DSL. I can connect just fine, and surf/download fine, but every now and then my connection drops. Downloads go to 0 kb/s, web pages refuse to load. The strage thing is that the network icon in the system tray says the connection is fine.

So, is this a problem on my ISPs end? I'm almost positive it is, as the problem has stuck with me through 2 clean WinXP installations and one HDD swap.

 

[prometheusxls]

Does restarting windows and resetting the cable modem/router doesn't fix the problem? If not, then its a problem on their end. This is assuming that as you said all systems go in the local PC. If resetting fixes things then its a problem with one of those internal pieces, probabbly the router or PC.

How often is every now and then every month? Week? Day? just checking. If its once a month then it might just be one of those things routers / modems can need to be reset on a somewhat regular basis.

 

[starwarsdad]

Do you have a USB or Ethernet DSL modem?

A few years ago I suffered the same symptoms with a USB DSL modem. Switched to an Ethernet modem and have run fine for over 2 years. (Knock on wood )



edited for spelling

 

[Zelmo3]

Are you using home networking, or plugged straight into the modem?

 

[JackMDS]

Download DrTCP: <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.dslre
ports.com/front/DRTCP021.exe">http://www.dslreports.com/front/DRTCP021.exe</a>

Run the program, it will show the current settings of TCP/IP parameters. Write them down.

You can change any variable that you want, click Apply, and reboot the computer, if no good; you can always change to your original values.

Start with:

MaxMTU - for DSL =1492, Cable=1500, ISDN -1322, DialUp=576

Tcp Receive - 256960 (This is the variable to play with).

Window Scaling - Yes

Time Stamping - No

Selective Acks - Yes

Path MTU Discovery - Yes.

Black Hole - NO

Max Duplicate - 2

TTL - 64

Notice it said above Start with

These settings are not written in "stone" there is variability depending on the computer other setting. So try few setting and measure your Download for each setting.

In addition, in case a person has a Router the Router's MTU if set differently can affect the general MTU.

Link: Measuring the "Speed" of Internet Connection.

:sun:

 

[Concillian]

Does the DSL/WAN light on the modem stay lit during these times of outage?

It could just be your line, DSL is sensitive to odd sources of noise. Somebody welding near a phone line can cause your modem to lose sync, for example. Flourescent lights on the same circuit as your modem can also be a problem.

It could simply be a combination of the margin your line has for tolerating noise and sources of noise in your area. If that is the case there are some things that can be done from your side that can help. This kind of issue would be evidenced by the modem losing sync and te DSL light going out or starting to blink.

I know in my case, windows doesn't show any different if the DSL line is up or down. Does the tray icon change if you pull the phone line out from the modem?