Question for you network guys - how to tell if modem/router is bad?

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Howard_Casto:
Ok so we've clearly all identified a problem in regards to routers. Now is the time for someone to do something about it! Somebody make a open-source Arduino based router stat.

BadMouth:
Update if anyone is interested:

Bought an ASUS RT-N66U router. Disabled wifi on the old Motorola SBG6850 in hopes of still using it as a modem and not having to deal with the cable company to activate a new modem.

The new router kicks butt, but I'm still losing the connection to the internet. Various things I've observed point to various possible problems without confirming anything in particular. Loss of internet (but not wifi signal) has corresponded with the furnace kicking on two times. Maybe the streaming devices are just buffered enough to play through the drops. etc. etc. I'm pulling my hair out.

I'd been watching a modem best buy had on clearance.
Today it dropped to $50 so I snatched it up. I only pay for 10Mbs service, so I don't need a high end one.

Hate having to throw money at the problem just to diagnose it, but I think it's the most direct route in this case.

Xiaou2:
Todays electronics are more sensitive than ever.

First, Heat is a major issue with a lot of these devices. They try to make then too small.. to increase visual appeal.. but it often causes poor air circulation. As metal and other materials heat.. they expand. Expansion on older large trace equipment is one thing... but incredibly small traces, are often effected far more seriously.

- Try putting the modem / routers right next to a small fan.

- Next... Electricity spikes can also be very detrimental to modern electronics. Get a very good surge protector. Not just a power-bar, and not a super cheap surge either... especially if you know that drops and spikes are happening often.

A battery backup / surge may be an even better option actually. Just note, that after a few years time... the batteries will fail. Id guess anywhere from 3 to 5 years... depending on the type. The batteries can be replaced... but often its almost as expensive as buying a new unit.

Also note, I believe that even some of the better surge protectors, lose their ability to filter after some years time.

- Check the voltages in your house wall sockets. See if its abnormally low. You might have an issue that needs some attention.

- Too many things on a single circuitbreaker line?

Different outlets go to different circuit breakers. Sometimes too much power draw can cause issues, especially when something heavy in amps starts up. For example, a laser printer can draw like +10amps when it fires up. It doesnt always cause the breaker to trip, but still can cause an issue with some sensitive electronics.

- Do you notice any lights dimming when the furnace comes on? Thats a sign that there is a power straining issue. My laser printer would cause the lights to dim.. so I had to place it on a different outlet. I suggest trying that as well.

But ultimately, you may have need for an electrician to look things over. There might be an issue, that could eventually become a large problem, in the future.

- Finally... Todays electronics use lead free soldier. Often, it does not flow as well... and causes poor connections. Over some time of heating and cooling... it can eventually break connections, and either be intermittent, or completely fail. I know a guy who has made a side business out of re-flowing soldier on broken electronics. I think he used to use a toaster oven... but Ive never bothered to ask (or just dont remember).

BadMouth:
:angry: problem continues despite installing both a new modem and router.
I've spent $150 so far because my internet drops for 30 seconds maybe once every 90 minutes.
It's a minor inconvenience. I'm not sure why it drives me so nuts. :banghead:

The last stoppage correlated with the furnace blower kicking on again.
I moved the modem to the living room where it's plugged into an APC filtered supply.
It will probably be two days before I use the internet enough to know that it helped.

I wish I'd just ignored the problem until something died completely.

EDIT: just dropped again, no furnace kicking on :cry:
Guess I'll give Comcast a call and see if they can test the line.
The signal levels and noise look ok when I'm looking at them, but I've never been looking at them when it drops.
Starting to wonder if one of my neighbors has some new powerful 2.4 or 5ghz device. :-\

DudeRegular:
I may have missed it, but do you have these on battery backup?

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