My cable line keeps screwing up...anyone know anything about cable lines?

[BackDoorMan]

and I only get about 5 or six web pages before I have to reset it again (to get back on line...so I'll have to listen to Mike Malloy later on White Rose Society...when I can download the whole show and listen after 9:30...

Anyone have an idea what's wrong with my line...it keeps changing the IP address on me? (had to reset it just to post this...shit, it is frustrating!)

[BigMcLargehuge]

1. sounds like you are getting a bad signal

before calling tech support try this:

Check the coaxial cable and see if it's come loose from the rear of the cable modem. If you haven't had this sort of problem before it's probably something in one of the coax connections.

Always check the physical layer first.

[BackDoorMan]

2. You might be right...

the cable line came loose from the connection and I have it pushed in without the connection...however the cable light on the modem is lit...will that make a difference, if it's getting a connection...why doesn't it work all the time...since, again, the cable light is on...isn't it getting the correct signal?

No, I haven't had this problem before in the year or so since I've had the cable...but I have been moving the modem box around lately to get inside my computer...shit, again I have to reset!!!!

Thanks so much though, you've given me more info than tech support...I'll probably have to reset to see your answer.

[BigMcLargehuge]

3. anytime the connection inside the modem receives any signal

that light will come on. However, the way coax works is sort of (and by that I mean exactly) like a mini antenna, so if the center of the line is touching something and causing interference it will mangle the signal traveling up the waveguide.

Coax works differently than regular copper wire. The signal actuall travels between the core and cladding. If you are missing the connector then you are probably creating interference whenever the coax cable touches the inside the port.

[BackDoorMan]

4. I understand now, almost completely....

but if I can get on line for a few pages and the modem is stationary, why, or how could it change the signal in mid stream?

I mean to say, it works for a bit and gets the correct signal so what would make it change (understanding what you said, I think) how could a bad connection change on it's own when I'm no longer physically moving the modem?

I know this may sound redundant to you...but once more, please be patient.

And truly, thanks so much!!!

[BigMcLargehuge]

5. it's because the poor physical connection is creating

signal interference when the copper core touches the inside of the port. The attenuation grows to a certain point and then the modem cannot determine good signals from bad and the model falls out of synch with the equipment in the head end (the actual building where the CATV company processeses their network traffic.

Here are two solutions:

1. Run a new coaxial cable from the next more geographically close connection (probably a splitter in your office, or from a splitter inside the house there has to be at least one between your cable modem and the network interface box outside).

Buy a coax stripper and crimper and a coaxial cable end at Radio Shack and repair the cable manually. This works, but it's hard. Splicing coax is tricky and a new cable will probably be cheaper.

[BackDoorMan]

6. Thanks, BigMcLargehuge, you were so right on TARGET!

I have an "ideal" cable splicer and crimping tool, although I'm using the old crimp connector (I don't have another lying around)

It really and truly has done the trick. Again, thanks so much...now if you can find a way to get rid of Bush, I nominate you king forever!

(Now no need for a tech to come out NEXT Monday.) Man, this is TOO cool, it worked!

I've came back after 45 minutes ansd still no problems.