Cable Modem Problems

[oldbutdumb]

I am having a problem with periods when my Linksys cable modem loses its connection to the internet. It is a model BEFCMU10 with USB and ethernet connections. I am using Charter cable as my service provider and Mozilla Firefox/Thunderbird ISP. I have Windows XP home on my computer and I have a wired local network using a Netgear RP614 v3 router. I will be trying to connet or already connected and going to a new address when suddenly the screen times out and I lose my connection. The funny thing is that I found that the only way to remedy the problem is to disconnect power from the modem and then disconnect the cable from it and short the center wire to the cable ground or another ground. Then screw on the cable and attach the power and the modem comes on fully connected. Occasionally I have to repeat this process several times in one hour. I spoke to a friend who also uses Charter cable in this city and he has the same problem except with his modem all he has to do is disconnect the power and replace it. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I think it is a cable problem, but if it is a modem problem and I ask for service on the cable they will charge me an expensive service fee. And they are the ones that do the testing on an incidental problem.

Old.

 

[amdskip]

This is not normal. Have you tried it for a period of time with your computer hooked up directly to the modem? Do you know what your cable line strength #'s are?

 

[oldbutdumb]

Sorry, I didn't know there was such a thing as line strength. Can I request the cable Co. to give me the numbers. I'm afraid they will use some excuse to charge me for coming to my place.

Old

 

[Fardringle]

Call the Internet provider and tell them that you are getting disconnected frequently. Ask them to run a signal test on your line. They should be able to do it while you are on the phone and they should not charge you anything for it. If they find a problem then they will probably send a tech to your house to fix it.