Keep losing net connection

Tr00p3r_x2 · 12-13-2007, 05:15 PM

I’ve been having a frequent problem with my Westell DSL modem model # A90-210015-04. I have been losing my net connection intermittently over the past several weeks and it has become frequent enough that it disrupts a number of net activities.

The modem has 4 LED lights on the front, USB/ETHERNET/READY/POWER. Since I have it connected via CAT-5 the USB light is off. When the net connectivity interrupts the READY light begins a slow steady flash (I assume this is the modem syncing with the ISP) and I am unable to connect to the net during this process and it is happening more frequently. If I’m gaming online the game will freeze suddenly and the light will begin it’s steady flash.

The only common thread I have noticed is that it happens more frequently when starting an application. Such as when I’m starting IE or Outlook, but at the same time it will occur at random right when I’m in the middle of something. It does not seem to happen when I’m downloading large files from the net. I have downloaded several large game demos in excess of 1gb, Bioshock, World in Conflict, Company of Hero’s, etc, etc and they all downloaded complete. My DSL is 768k so those downloads take approx 2hrs.

I’ve contacted my ISP, Verizon DSL, numerous times to try and troubleshoot this dilemma however they tell me they can “see me on the network”, they ping’d me a few times and I them and everything appears on the up and up. They told me to call them back if it happens again and they’ll go through the same process. I asked if they could replace the modem since it is 5 years old and I was told it was out of warranty so no replacement could be sent. In summary Verizon is no help.

I have a custom built PC with the following specs:

Gigabyte GA-965p-ds31s3 MD
Intel Core 2 Duo E6350
2 GB G.Skill DDR2 SDRAM PC-800
MS Win XP w/SP2
MSI 8600GTS PCIe 256MB

I have exhausted all avenues of help, Westell.Com offers no support, Verizon is a dead end. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated….Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope.

THX

**johnwill** · 12-13-2007, 06:34 PM

Well, you either have a modem issue or the ISP. The fact that the ready light is flashing is telling you that the modem has lost the connection.

If I got a response like that after having an ISP for years, I'd be shopping for a different ISP!

udaykhan · 12-17-2007, 02:39 AM

Yes, it's definitely a sync issue, (intermittent sync, precisely, is what ISPs classify them as.)

Troubleshooting intermittent sync is very difficult than no sync issues.

1. Try changing the DSL filters. Also try putting the modem in without the filters on, meaning, can't use the phone for some time.
2. Go over to a friend's who has a happy internet connection and try using this modem, see if it makes any difference.
3. May be you could try exchanging the modem for a few days to test your modem on his connection and also the his modem on your connection, so you could make out if it's the modem or the connection.
3. You may indeed need to get a new modem. since you've been with Verizon for 5 years, call them and demand for a free new modem and threaten to cancel service if they don't give you one. ISPs generally have a "Save" dept who'll try to "save" long standing customers.

Having noted that it happens when you are in the middle of something but not when downloading, you got to help your ISP with the following if you want to stick to this one and troubleshoot: Of course this is a general checklist.
1. Is it happening at a certain time during the day/night
2. Is there a radio tower nearby, that's possibly interfering with the frequencies?
3. If it's happening during night, is there some sort of halogen lamp that's focusing directly on the modem?
4. A surge protector / Satellite Receiver / TIVO / anyother stuff that could be interfering with the signals?

I know it is pretty difficult to observe these and figure out a pattern, if any.

12-13-2007, 05:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tr00p3r_x2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 1 OS: xp	Keep losing net connection I’ve been having a frequent problem with my Westell DSL modem model # A90-210015-04. I have been losing my net connection intermittently over the past several weeks and it has become frequent enough that it disrupts a number of net activities. The modem has 4 LED lights on the front, USB/ETHERNET/READY/POWER. Since I have it connected via CAT-5 the USB light is off. When the net connectivity interrupts the READY light begins a slow steady flash (I assume this is the modem syncing with the ISP) and I am unable to connect to the net during this process and it is happening more frequently. If I’m gaming online the game will freeze suddenly and the light will begin it’s steady flash. The only common thread I have noticed is that it happens more frequently when starting an application. Such as when I’m starting IE or Outlook, but at the same time it will occur at random right when I’m in the middle of something. It does not seem to happen when I’m downloading large files from the net. I have downloaded several large game demos in excess of 1gb, Bioshock, World in Conflict, Company of Hero’s, etc, etc and they all downloaded complete. My DSL is 768k so those downloads take approx 2hrs. I’ve contacted my ISP, Verizon DSL, numerous times to try and troubleshoot this dilemma however they tell me they can “see me on the network”, they ping’d me a few times and I them and everything appears on the up and up. They told me to call them back if it happens again and they’ll go through the same process. I asked if they could replace the modem since it is 5 years old and I was told it was out of warranty so no replacement could be sent. In summary Verizon is no help. I have a custom built PC with the following specs: Gigabyte GA-965p-ds31s3 MD Intel Core 2 Duo E6350 2 GB G.Skill DDR2 SDRAM PC-800 MS Win XP w/SP2 MSI 8600GTS PCIe 256MB I have exhausted all avenues of help, Westell.Com offers no support, Verizon is a dead end. Any and all info would be greatly appreciated….Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope. THX

12-13-2007, 06:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,720 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: Keep losing net connection Well, you either have a modem issue or the ISP. The fact that the ready light is flashing is telling you that the modem has lost the connection. If I got a response like that after having an ISP for years, I'd be shopping for a different ISP! __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

12-17-2007, 02:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
udaykhan Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 18 OS: Win XP SP2	Re: Keep losing net connection Yes, it's definitely a sync issue, (intermittent sync, precisely, is what ISPs classify them as.) Troubleshooting intermittent sync is very difficult than no sync issues. 1. Try changing the DSL filters. Also try putting the modem in without the filters on, meaning, can't use the phone for some time. 2. Go over to a friend's who has a happy internet connection and try using this modem, see if it makes any difference. 3. May be you could try exchanging the modem for a few days to test your modem on his connection and also the his modem on your connection, so you could make out if it's the modem or the connection. 3. You may indeed need to get a new modem. since you've been with Verizon for 5 years, call them and demand for a free new modem and threaten to cancel service if they don't give you one. ISPs generally have a "Save" dept who'll try to "save" long standing customers. Having noted that it happens when you are in the middle of something but not when downloading, you got to help your ISP with the following if you want to stick to this one and troubleshoot: Of course this is a general checklist. 1. Is it happening at a certain time during the day/night 2. Is there a radio tower nearby, that's possibly interfering with the frequencies? 3. If it's happening during night, is there some sort of halogen lamp that's focusing directly on the modem? 4. A surge protector / Satellite Receiver / TIVO / anyother stuff that could be interfering with the signals? I know it is pretty difficult to observe these and figure out a pattern, if any.