Cable user - weird problem..

[Bluesky]

I am on Comcast with RCA DCM245 modem connected using USB.

My o/s is WinXP home edition.

Here is my problem.

Sometimes my connection just suddenly go DEAD with no reason, and I have to restart my computer once or sometimes even twice for it to work again.

Just recently, I found out when I checked "Network Connections (XP function)" I saw something weird.

When it's working properly, the display shows
Address type: Assigned by DHCP
IP address: 68.49.XX.XXX
subnet mask: 255.255.248.0
Defualt gateway: 68.49.xx.x

WHEN IT's NOT WORKING
Address type: Auto Private address
IP address: 169.254.XX.XX
subnet mask: 255.255.0.0
Defualty gateway: blank..

What is the problem? Is any of my setting wrong?

Thanks in advance!

[mnosteele52]

Most likely it's the fact that you are connecting via USB, buy yourself an ethernet card and connect that way, you will definitely see an improvement in speed and reliability.

:D :cool:

[Bluesky]

Originally posted by mnosteele52
Most likely it's the fact that you are connecting via USB, buy yourself an ethernet card and connect that way, you will definitely see an improvement in speed and reliability.

:D :cool:

Thanks for the reply Dr. Tweak.. HOWEVER..

I used to use NIC to connect.. it's not a PCI card, but built in on my MB. RealTek 8190 or soemthing. MY MB is VIA KM266 (Pro Savage/XP1800 Emachine)

But the NIC has also gave me problems.. I just recently formated my computer.. but still the same.. I tried with my friend's Motorola SB4200 on my computer and it still suck.. (the SB4200 worked great for my friend).

I've tried everything I KNOW.. but none of themw worked.

Any suggestions?

ps. I have have the newest driver for my NIC.

[mnosteele52]

What firewall are you using? Do the following:

1. Under your LAN connection - properties - general tab, uninstall all the protocols there that you do not need.

2. Open IE and select tools - internet options - connections - LAN settings, make sure NOTHING there is checked.

3. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your NIC from the manufacturer. Set your NIC duplex mode to 10mb half duplex for Cable, for DSL it is ISP dependent unless you are using a router, if so then set it to 100mb full duplex for both Cable & DSL (the instructions are in my Help & Tips link (http://forums.speedguide.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=643301#post643301)). If you are using a router make sure you have the latest firmware.

4. Clear your temporary internet files.

5. Power cycle your modem, unplug it for atleast 15 seconds.

6. Download and update then do a scan with SpyBot (http://beam.to/spybotsd) & Ad Aware 6.0 (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download) to remove any spyware then install and update SpywareBlaster (http://www.wilderssecurity.com/spywareblaster.html) to stay spyware FREE. Make sure you use both apps since one will find what the other misses.

7. Make sure you do the faster web page tweak in my Help & Tips link (http://forums.speedguide.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=643301#post643301).

Also make sure all you cables, connections and splitters on your coax cable are in good condition.


:D :cool:

[Peeker]

Well you may have different problems based on the following questions:

1. is you IP address "Static" or Dynamiclly assigned?


if the IP is Static that means that you will always have the same address every time you access the modem. if this is the case then you will need to probably Re-install Windows (Clean)

If the IP address is dynamiclly assigned that means that the address will be different each time you log on. Another question is required here:

2. Do you leave your computer running for more than 24 hours at a time?

The Most likely answer here is that your lease is expiring and the modem is not asking for renewal.

Translation

with dynamic address assignment your computer Requests a IP address when you log on and the ISP server submits an address for you to use during this session by "leasing" it to you for a specific period of time (usually for about 12-24 hours depending on any time limits that may be imposed by your ISP for being continously on line) When that period of time is over the ISP server Re-assignes that IP address to another user. Your system should be asking for a renewal of the lease at least 30 mins to 1 hour in advance of expiration. either your system is not making the request or the ISP server is rejecting the renewal request.

When the Lease expires your system automaticly reconfigures the network protocals to the Private address system thereby cutting you off from the ISP server.


Solution

1. Request a Static IP address from your ISP (may incur additional charges)

2. Rather than re-starting your system try resetting the Modem instead by turning off the power for at least 15-30 secs and turn back on. When the modem comes back up it will go through the above proceedure for obtaining a IP address and your good to go until the lease expires again.


Hope this helps!

[Kip Patterson]

Well, not quite.

The PC is responsible for requesting a renewal of the lease. It does so when 1/2 the lease time has expired.

The user is on Comcast, which normally provides 7-day leases.

The IP assigned to the computer is always dynamic. Comcast does not offer static. His computer is configured to obtain a dynamic IP as shown in his posts from IPCONFIG.

The IP assigned is based upon his account and the MAC address of this computer. It will not change very often if ever.

A good starting point is to point your browser at 192.168.100.1, the address of the internal pages of the modem. See what your signal levels and SNR are, post 'em here and perhaps they'll give us a clue.