Cable Power Variations

[orindaman]

I finally gave up with DSL when it no longer would connect more than 50% time. I'm now on "the cable" but have similar issues with intermittent connectivity. Now not able to connect say 10% time. I use T-Mobile at Starbucks as my backup office. I am a home based mechanical engr and need better access. All utilities here are buried. Rains cause some of this. The cable company (Comcast) finds problems in their equipment every time I call them out. My question is, have others had this level of poor cable connectivity. And, does anyone know of a relatively low cost cable power monitor (recording even) so I can argue with the cable people. I think it is their system, not mine.

[Cellus]

In the end if it stems from your cable box and out your house, it's not your responsibility to fix but theirs (and in some cases if you rent your modem, the modem is theirs as well). Contact them, pester them, and file complaints. Sometimes it is necessary to kick them in the pants a little.

There is no need to get a "cable monitor" as it already is monitored. If, for example, there is a poor signal, you can easily ask them to check your connection and the signal problem will register on their end. Also, depending on the make and model of the cable modem, you may even be able to check the SNR and various ranges yourself as some modems spit out diagnostic reports freely. However in the end it is up to them to of course fix it.

Worse case scenario you may be SOL, in which case you may have to consider an alternative, such as a different DSL provider. Rain can be a real hazard for cable Internet sometimes (it is important to note due to how it works that it is far more sensitive than cable TV).

I feel for you - I used to have a similar problem myself where components inside the outdoor cable box would constantly become corroded due to the weather (we have several different words for "rain" here).

[johnwill]

When I had Comcast, I had many issues until they finally came and buried a new cable to the house, that solved the issue. Now I have a fiber connection that's been rock solid since installation about 18 months ago.

[orindaman]

Thanks for your comments. Buried utilities look good but do cause problems. The main cable for my TV was replace two years ago when the TV was so poor I called. This was before I used them for the Internet. I'll keep on their case.

[johnwill]

If they replaced the cable two years ago, one would hope it's not the issue at this point. My cable was replaced a number of years ago, right after I got Comcast Internet service. Now the cable is unused, since the Verizon FiOS fiber brings in phone, Internet, and TV service.

[Cellus]

You just love your Verizon FiOS, don't you? You certainly never make anyone forget about it.

A lot of people have had issues with Comcast, which is somewhat unfortunate. Keep at them - if things are going too slow, do file a complaint. It is your right and, hopefully, it will give them the swift kick in the behind they deserve to take action.

[johnwill]

I believe that Comcast needs the competition, and I like to see people switching to FiOS, it can only help with the competitive environment and keep getting us better and better high speed access.