I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I also
have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge suppressor. My CPU
and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly Cox)
at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I was not
getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room, and the
reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He solved that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one. That
is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable and to the
Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a fairly large
e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times without any
warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing the Internet,
reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is suddenly gone. When I
check the little connectivity icon in the task bar, it will then show "Local
access" only instead of "Local and Internet access." I can usually (but not
always) regain connection if I turn off the surge suppressor that is
connected to everything *except* the CPU and monitor. As I said, they are
on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and Zoom modem are all new. Only the
router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older. This problem has been occurring with
increasing frequency for more than a year, so it started while I had my
older computer but has continued with the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with no
noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at fault.
However, he tested the router and it responded correctly. Moreover, the
cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office. Does anyone have
any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but that will involve more
expense than just the router because I had a networking rep come out to set
up some of the equipment because I wanted to make sure that my laptop was
not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers." They supposedly set a type of
security that is better than what I had done through Control Panel. So, I
really hate to do that unless I can be fairly certain that the router is at
fault. Incidentally, I have a lot of experience with several types of
software, but I have absolutely no knowledge of hardware and would not even
be comfortable with software that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He said
that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few years
ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and I thought
it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had been destroyed,
but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly after I discarded
that surge suppressor.

MaryL

On Nov 16, 9:33*am, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I also
have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge suppressor. *My CPU
and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly Cox)
at the house twice. *He solved one problem but not the other. *I was not
getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room, and the
reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. *He solved that
problem. *However, he was not able to do anything about the other one. *That
is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable and to the
Internet. *This happens regularly immediately after I send a fairly large
e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times without any
warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing the Internet,
reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is suddenly gone. *When I
check the little connectivity icon in the task bar, it will then show "Local
access" only instead of "Local and Internet access." *I can usually (but not
always) regain connection if I turn off the surge suppressor that is
connected to everything *except* the CPU and monitor. *As I said, they are
on a separate UBS. *The CPU, monitor, and Zoom modem are all new. *Only the
router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older. *This problem has been occurring with
increasing frequency for more than a year, so it started while I had my
older computer but has continued with the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with no
noticeable effect on the system. *He suspects that the router is at fault.
However, he tested the router and it responded correctly. *Moreover, the
cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office. *Does anyone have
any ideas? *I can replace the router, of course, but that will involve more
expense than just the router because I had a networking rep come out to set
up some of the equipment because I wanted to make sure that my laptop was
not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers." *They supposedly set a type of
security that is better than what I had done through Control Panel.

There is no reason you need a network tech at your house to set up a
wireless router. Millions do it right out of the box. There is no
security that a network tech is going to enable beyond that which
comes with the equipment and the std setup can be used to enabe. The
key is to make sure you put security keys into the wireless router and
any wireless connected PC's and make sure the encryption is turned on.





*So, I
really hate to do that unless I can be fairly certain that the router is at
fault. *Incidentally, I have a lot of experience with several types of
software, but I have absolutely no knowledge of hardware and would not even
be comfortable with software that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He said
that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. *He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. *Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. *He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few years
ago. *My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and I thought
it was ruined. *It turned out that the surge suppressor had been destroyed,
but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly after I discarded
that surge suppressor.

MaryL


First question is what exactly goes through the surge protector. Does
it include the coax cable from the cable modem, or just the power?
For protection against surges, both should go through the same surge
protector. I have not heard of any issues related to surge protectors
and cable performance. Also, since the cable folks were out there,
they should have been able to measure the signal strength at the cable
modem. Actually, that can be done right from the PC or remotely as
well.

In any case, if you want to rule out that it has anything to do with
the surge protection, just temporarily eliminate the one you may have
the cable modem routed through. For that matter, you could just
eliminate all the ones connected to any of the PC, router, etc.

Also, cable modems have status lights on the front. What do they
show when you're having this problem? If there is a signal problem
between the cable modem and the cable network, the online, send,
receive ligts wlll generally go out. Then the modem recovers and
you'll see the receive, transmit, then online lights come back on in
that order. If that is happening, then something is wrong either
with the signal from the cable system to the modem or the modem
itself. If it's not happening, then it suggest it's probably not the
modem and something could be wrong with the router.

Also, look in the manual for the cable modem, their website or google
online. The cable modems have an IP address that you can just put
into your browser and pull up the internals for the modem. That will
show you many things, including it's error log. The error log will
show what time it lost signal, last rebooted, etc. This is also
accessible remotely, so the folks at the cable company should be able
to tell you if the modem shows hickup when you're seeing the
connection loss at your PC.

Consider how many splits you have on the cable signal coming in.
Where possible it's recommended that the incoming signal be divided
once, with one leg then going to the cable modem, the other gets split
as needed for TV.

"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
. ..
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I also
have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge suppressor. My
CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly
Cox) at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I was
not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room, and
the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He solved that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one.
That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable and
to the Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a fairly
large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times without
any warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing the
Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is suddenly
gone. When I check the little connectivity icon in the task bar, it will
then show "Local access" only instead of "Local and Internet access." I
can usually (but not always) regain connection if I turn off the surge
suppressor that is connected to everything *except* the CPU and monitor.
As I said, they are on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and Zoom modem
are all new. Only the router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older. This problem
has been occurring with increasing frequency for more than a year, so it
started while I had my older computer but has continued with the new
equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with no
noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at fault.
However, he tested the router and it responded correctly. Moreover, the
cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office. Does anyone
have any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but that will
involve more expense than just the router because I had a networking rep
come out to set up some of the equipment because I wanted to make sure
that my laptop was not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers." They supposedly
set a type of security that is better than what I had done through Control
Panel. So, I really hate to do that unless I can be fairly certain that
the router is at fault. Incidentally, I have a lot of experience with
several types of software, but I have absolutely no knowledge of hardware
and would not even be comfortable with software that involved editing the
Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He
said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few years
ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and I
thought it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had been
destroyed, but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly after
I discarded that surge suppressor.

MaryL



Far from an expert on the subject but will share the little I know more or
less as random comments.

Wireless routers are subject to interference from 2.4 GHz phones and some
microwaves. Really from any device in that general bandwidth.

Routers are generally the failure or problem point in a lost cable
connection. Try a direct connect to a single computer and see if the problem
goes away. I don't use wireless I have wired. even so I have to reboot the
router every now and then.

I can't see where an AC surge protector would affect anything. Running the
cable connection through a suppressor might.

Newer wireless routers are fairly easy to lockdown if you can read and
follow directions. There are in fact two different levels of encryption I do
not recall the names. (/?wep and wap?)


Colbyt

MaryL wrote:

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me:
He said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of
surge suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I
don't understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable
company would take that position. He also said, "They don't do any
good anyway." Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved
its worth a few years ago. My microwave would not work after a major
thunderstorm, and I thought it was ruined. It turned out that the
surge suppressor had been destroyed, but it had done its job -- the
microwave worked perfectly after I discarded that surge suppressor.



Well, there you are. Your microwave worked after you discarded the surge
suppressor. Obviously surge suppressors can fail.

So ditch the surge suppressors on your computer equipment and see if the
problem goes away.

If the problem disappears, add the surge suppressors back, one at a time,
until the problem reappears.

If you have the "cheap" surge suppressors (less than about $30), they will
degrade.

"HeyBub" wrote in message
m...
MaryL wrote:

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me:
He said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of
surge suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I
don't understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable
company would take that position. He also said, "They don't do any
good anyway." Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved
its worth a few years ago. My microwave would not work after a major
thunderstorm, and I thought it was ruined. It turned out that the
surge suppressor had been destroyed, but it had done its job -- the
microwave worked perfectly after I discarded that surge suppressor.



Well, there you are. Your microwave worked after you discarded the surge
suppressor. Obviously surge suppressors can fail.

So ditch the surge suppressors on your computer equipment and see if the
problem goes away.

If the problem disappears, add the surge suppressors back, one at a time,
until the problem reappears.

If you have the "cheap" surge suppressors (less than about $30), they will
degrade.


The surge suppressor on the microwave did its job. It "absorbed" the shock
during the storm (obviously, not a direct hit), so the suppressor was then
burned out but the microwave still worked.

As for the computer equipment, it's definitely not the surge suppressors
unless there is some reasonable explanation for why the cable company would
prefer that we not use *any* surge suppressors. I have one surge suppressor
(Philips) for the laser printer, Zoom modem, phone, router, and small TV. I
have an APC backup USP for the CPU, monitor, and cable connection. Both of
those units are new, and the problems I described pre-date them. In fact,
the only thing on my current system that is *not* new is the router. So, it
does seem likely that the router is the problem, and I am willing to buy
another one. However, I am concerned because the technician tested it when
he was here, and it was fine. The cable company could also "ping" it when I
called them. Nevertheless, the technician suspects the router. I am going
to follow the advice of one of the people on this group and try to call
LinkSys before I try to change out the router.

MaryL

On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:33:46 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:

I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I also
have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge suppressor. My CPU
and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly Cox)
at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I was not
getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room, and the
reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He solved that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one. That
is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable and to the
Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a fairly large
e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times without any
warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing the Internet,
reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is suddenly gone. When I
check the little connectivity icon in the task bar, it will then show "Local
access" only instead of "Local and Internet access." I can usually (but not
always) regain connection if I turn off the surge suppressor that is
connected to everything *except* the CPU and monitor. As I said, they are
on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and Zoom modem are all new. Only the
router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older. This problem has been occurring with
increasing frequency for more than a year, so it started while I had my
older computer but has continued with the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with no
noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at fault.
However, he tested the router and it responded correctly. Moreover, the
cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office. Does anyone have
any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but that will involve more
expense than just the router because I had a networking rep come out to set
up some of the equipment because I wanted to make sure that my laptop was
not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers." They supposedly set a type of
security that is better than what I had done through Control Panel. So, I
really hate to do that unless I can be fairly certain that the router is at
fault. Incidentally, I have a lot of experience with several types of
software, but I have absolutely no knowledge of hardware and would not even
be comfortable with software that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He said
that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few years
ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and I thought
it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had been destroyed,
but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly after I discarded
that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Try and re-install the software drivers for the hardware devices. The
drivers can become corrupted. Reset the router, via the small button,
if necessary.

If the ISP changed, what are the DNS server IP numbers. Are they set
in the router?

"Oren" wrote in message
news
On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:33:46 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:

I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I
also
have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge suppressor. My
CPU
and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly
Cox)
at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I was not
getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room, and the
reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He solved that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one.
That
is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable and to the
Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a fairly large
e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times without any
warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing the Internet,
reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is suddenly gone. When
I
check the little connectivity icon in the task bar, it will then show
"Local
access" only instead of "Local and Internet access." I can usually (but
not
always) regain connection if I turn off the surge suppressor that is
connected to everything *except* the CPU and monitor. As I said, they are
on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and Zoom modem are all new. Only
the
router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older. This problem has been occurring
with
increasing frequency for more than a year, so it started while I had my
older computer but has continued with the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with no
noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at fault.
However, he tested the router and it responded correctly. Moreover, the
cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office. Does anyone
have
any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but that will involve
more
expense than just the router because I had a networking rep come out to
set
up some of the equipment because I wanted to make sure that my laptop was
not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers." They supposedly set a type of
security that is better than what I had done through Control Panel. So, I
really hate to do that unless I can be fairly certain that the router is
at
fault. Incidentally, I have a lot of experience with several types of
software, but I have absolutely no knowledge of hardware and would not
even
be comfortable with software that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He
said
that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few years
ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and I
thought
it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had been
destroyed,
but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly after I
discarded
that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Try and re-install the software drivers for the hardware devices. The
drivers can become corrupted. Reset the router, via the small button,
if necessary.

If the ISP changed, what are the DNS server IP numbers. Are they set
in the router?


All of that has been done. My ISP number changes every time I log on (or
maybe every time I access the Internet) -- a dynamic ISP number, not static.

MaryL

That plug-in protector did nothing useful. It failed. A grossly
undersized surge protector that does nothing useful also fails so that
the naive will promote it.

How many other appliances in the kitchen were destroyed by that
surge. If the surge protector did anything useful, then the blender
and dishwasher (without protectors) were damage. Why were each not
damaged? Because protection inside a microwave, dishwasher, and
blender protected themselves. A grossly undersized and obscenely
overpriced protector was so pathetic as to be destroyed by a surge
that could not even damage other appliances? So how many GFCIs in the
bathrooms and kitchen were destroyed. Where is surge protection that
protected those electronics? Even GFCIs are more robust than that
grossly undersized protector?

Cable guy was 100% correct. This from an engineer who also did
this stuff. That protector did nothing useful but may degrade TV
signals. Cable companies constantly recommend removing those
obscenely overpriced protectors that ... do not even claim to protect
from a type of surge that typically causes damage. Don’t take my word
for it. Post numeric specs where the protector manufacturer actually
claims protection. Little hint. You cannot. The manufacturer does
not make those protection claims in numbers. The honest claim comes
with numbers.

Those protectors do reduce TV and computer signals. Reduced signals
mean some channels and internet may drop out periodically. Are those
your symptoms? Well, your cable signals may still be weak also due to
protectors that don’t even claim to provide surge protection.

Does that UPS provides protection? Where does it also list each
type of surge and protection from that surge? Again, massive profits
when they get you to *know* without first learning facts. The
informed consumer always needs numbers. APC claims what protection in
its manufacturer specs? Post those numbers here. Again, you can’t
because APC does not make those claims.

One number that the UPS is required to provide is joules. How many
joules? Your reasoning assumes a surge protector or UPS stops or
absorbs surges. Fine. How many joules? 300 joules? Lets see.
Surges are tens or hundreds of thousands of joules. Why did that
power strip fail? It was so grossly undersized (but probably not as
undersized as APC UPSes) as to provide ineffective protection. With
numbers provided by that manufacture, you again know why the surge
protector failed. So grossly undersized as to not provide
protection. So grossly undersized that a surge too small to harm a
microwave, instead, destroyed a grossly undersized protector.

Why do they grossly undersize that protector in a power strip or UPS
(both contain the same protector circuit)? Less joules means an even
greater profit. And a failed protector will get the naive to
recommend more ineffective protectors. Even here, the grossly
undersized protector got recommended.

Where is a spec number that claims protection from a typically
destructive type surge? Never posted above. Where is a joules number
sufficiently sized to absorb that surge? Does not exist. Where is
the manufacturer spec that even claims to provide protection from
typically destructive surges? Does not exist. Even the cable guy
accurately recommended removing that protector because properly
installed cables already have superior and effective surge protection
- installed for free.

Review what you have posted. You have assumed your power strip (or
a UPS) will stop or absorb what even three miles of sky could not
stop. Effective protectors don't claim to stop or absorb surges.
Effective protection means a surge does not enter a building.
Effective protectors cost about $1 per protected appliance.

You have a 'whole house' protector and still had a damaged plug-in
protector? Canary in the coalmine. A most easily failed item was
damaged by a surge that should have never been inside the building.
What any protector must connect to may be improperly installed,
missing, or insufficient. Protection is not a magic box - a concept
even understood 100 years ago. Protection is earth ground – a concept
that plug-in protectors and APC will do anything to avoid. An
effective protector connects surge energy short to earth. Follow that
wire from that 'whole house' protector (from fuse box) to earth
ground. It should be less than 10 feet. No sharp bends. If that
bare copper wire goes up over the foundation and down to earth, then
that wire is installed improperly - too long and too many sharp
bends. If your earthing violates those principles, then that would
explain why grossly undersized protector was damaged.

Cable must also make a short (ie less than 10 foot) connection to
the same earth ground. Why? What must absorb surge energy? What
dissipates hundreds of thousands of joules harmlessly - without
damage? Earth ground. That required common connection from both
fuse box and cable may also make your TV and computer connections more
reliable.

Why was a grossly undersized (and obscenely overpriced) plug-in
protectors damaged? Your installation let a surge into the house.
That correction might (not likely but might) also correct a cable
problem. But moreso, that correction provides massive and superior
surge protection for tens or 100 times less money per protected
appliance.

The APC is for temporary power when AC power is lost – nothing
more. It claims surge protection. But again, look at its numbers.
Nothing is known without numbers. It has near zero joules. Well, it
is not zero joules. Therefore it can claim surge protection on color
glossy sales brochures - to intentionally deceive the naive. Near
zero joules means all but no surge protection inside that APC.

Two suggestions to make your cable more reliable. Verify earthing
is correct where that cable enters the building. Improper earthing can
be one reason for signal loss. Disconnect those obscenly overpriced
plug-in protectors, as all cable companies recommend, because those
protectors degrade cable signals.

On Nov 16, 5:32 pm, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
Thesurgesuppressoron the microwave did its job. It "absorbed" the shock
during the storm (obviously, not a direct hit), so thesuppressorwas then
burned out but the microwave still worked.

As for thecomputerequipment, it's definitely not thesurgesuppressors
unless there is some reasonable explanation for why the cable company would
prefer that we not use *any*surgesuppressors. I have onesurgesuppressor
(Philips) for the laser printer, Zoommodem, phone, router, and small TV. I
have an APC backup USP for the CPU, monitor, and cable connection. Both of
those units are new, and the problems I described pre-date them. In fact,
the only thing on my current system that is *not* new is the router. So, it
does seem likely that the router is the problem, and I am willing to buy
another one. However, I am concerned because the technician tested it when
he was here, and it was fine. The cable company could also "ping" it when I
called them. Nevertheless, the technician suspects the router. I am going
to follow the advice of one of the people on this group and try to call
LinkSys before I try to change out the router.

MaryL

On Nov 16, 9:33*am, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I also
have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge suppressor. *My CPU
and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly Cox)
at the house twice. *He solved one problem but not the other. *I was not
getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room, and the
reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. *He solved that
problem. *However, he was not able to do anything about the other one. *That
is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable and to the
Internet. *This happens regularly immediately after I send a fairly large
e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times without any
warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing the Internet,
reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is suddenly gone. *When I
check the little connectivity icon in the task bar, it will then show "Local
access" only instead of "Local and Internet access." *I can usually (but not
always) regain connection if I turn off the surge suppressor that is
connected to everything *except* the CPU and monitor. *As I said, they are
on a separate UBS. *The CPU, monitor, and Zoom modem are all new. *Only the
router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older. *This problem has been occurring with
increasing frequency for more than a year, so it started while I had my
older computer but has continued with the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with no
noticeable effect on the system. *He suspects that the router is at fault.
However, he tested the router and it responded correctly. *Moreover, the
cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office. *Does anyone have
any ideas? *I can replace the router, of course, but that will involve more
expense than just the router because I had a networking rep come out to set
up some of the equipment because I wanted to make sure that my laptop was
not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers." *They supposedly set a type of
security that is better than what I had done through Control Panel. *So, I
really hate to do that unless I can be fairly certain that the router is at
fault. *Incidentally, I have a lot of experience with several types of
software, but I have absolutely no knowledge of hardware and would not even
be comfortable with software that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He said
that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. *He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. *Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. *He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few years
ago. *My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and I thought
it was ruined. *It turned out that the surge suppressor had been destroyed,
but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly after I discarded
that surge suppressor.

MaryL

A couple of things come to mind. One is a general comment on testing
routers, the other is more specific to your problem.

General comment:

You said: "I frequently...lose connection to cable and to the
Internet."

Which obviously means that sometimes you have a good connection.

You said: "He suspects that the router is at fault. However, he tested
the router and it responded correctly. Moreover, the
cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office. "

Which means the router was working when the tech tested it and when
the cable company pinged it.

Has the tech tested the router (from your side) when the cable/
internet *wasn't* working?
Has the cable company pinged it (from their side) when the cable/
internet *wasn't* working?

Not finding something wrong when the system is working doesn't mean
the router is OK. If it has an intermittent problem, the problem may
only show up - ready? - intermittently. :-)

Now, specific to your problem:

I'm assuming you have 2 routers: The LinkSys Wireless-G that you own,
and the cable company's router, right?
OK, you said "I frequently...lose connection to *cable* and to the
Internet."

If you are losing your cable connection at the same time, it can't be
your LinkSys router can it? Your cable TV doesn't go through the
LinkSys does it? If that's correct, then tell the cable to change
their router whether it passes their tests or not.

Once the peripheral problem (see other post) is removed as a reason
for your problem (earthing is properly connected to a common ground
electrode and protectors removed everywhere from the cable), then we
move on to solving the problem using facts rather than speculation.

For example, do you have multiple computers on the same router?
Then setup a task so that both ping each other continuously. Ask if
you don't know how to do this. (ie ping -t 192.168.1. x) When
internet is lost, do both machines still see (ping) each other? Do
ping response times remains constant?

I am not completely sure what you do and do not have. For example, I
assume your Linksys connects to a cable mode which in turn connects to
the cable. So how is each box setup? Is the cable modem operating as
a router or only as a bridge? That gets answered by how the Linksys
is setup. Even Linksys will need those facts before saying anything,
so you may as well get those facts (especially the numbers) now. To
answer the above question, information such as the Linksys in PPPoE
mode (or what other setting) is necessary to get anything other than
wild speculation (it could be this or could be that).

Did the cable guy come with a meter to measure signal strength?
Cable companies should provide that $5000 device to every tech. Many
do not leaving the tech to also swap splitters without first learning
where the signal is diminished. In fact some cable guys buy their own
$5000 meter because without it, they too can only wildly speculate (no
numbers).

Well, you can also get useful information doing a tracert (which
means ‘trace route’). For example, tracert wwww.suddenlink.com
or tracert www.cox.com provides a list of IP addresses (numbers)
and response times so that the better informed know what exists
(rather than speculating).

Cable TV is actually frequencies all over the place. Specifically
which channels (which numbers) do and do not work during the
intermittent failure. Again, numbers that would say which frequencies
do and do not cut out.

On Nov 16, 5:32*pm, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
Thesurgesuppressoron the microwave did its job. *It "absorbed" the shock
during the storm (obviously, not a direct hit), so thesuppressorwas then
burned out but the microwave still worked.

As for thecomputerequipment, it's definitely not thesurgesuppressors
unless there is some reasonable explanation for why the cable company would
prefer that we not use *any*surgesuppressors. *I have onesurgesuppressor
(Philips) for the laser printer, Zoommodem, phone, router, and small TV. *I
have an APC backup USP for the CPU, monitor, and cable connection. *Both of
those units are new, and the problems I described pre-date them. *In fact,
the only thing on my current system that is *not* new is the router. *So, it
does seem likely that the router is the problem, and I am willing to buy
another one. *However, I am concerned because the technician tested it when
he was here, and it was fine. *The cable company could also "ping" it when I
called them. *Nevertheless, the technician suspects the router. I am going
to follow the advice of one of the people on this group and try to call
LinkSys before I try to change out the router.

clipped


If you are losing your cable connection at the same time, it can't be
your LinkSys router can it? Your cable TV doesn't go through the
LinkSys does it? If that's correct, then tell the cable to change
their router whether it passes their tests or not.


I don't know anything about the system being discussed, but wonder about
the cable company.
I have dial-up internet and satellite TV. Of course, the satellite
signal disappears whenever a
storm blows through. When at my daughter's home, I use their cable TV
and internet, which has fairly frequent drops of internet connection and
unavailability (this
was on comcast). The cable company probably sends/receives everything
by satellite,
right? A friend of mine, when her cable TV service was iffy, called the
cable TV folks
and they could communicate with her cable box. Have you called cable
folks when the
stuff is not working?

One other thought, and this is recollection of something I read long,
long ago.......when
I owned my first UPS, it said that it should not be plugged into a
plug-in strip with surge
protection. Any such warning with yours that might apply to the
whole-house surge
protection?

On Nov 16, 8:10*pm, Norminn wrote:
clipped



If you are losing your cable connection at the same time, it can't be
your LinkSys router can it? Your cable TV doesn't go through the
LinkSys does it? If that's correct, then tell the cable to change
their router whether it passes their tests or not.

I don't know anything about the system being discussed, but wonder about
the cable company.
I have dial-up internet and satellite TV. Of course, the satellite
signal disappears whenever a
storm blows through. *When at my daughter's home, I use their cable TV
and internet, which has fairly frequent drops of internet connection and
unavailability (this
was on comcast). *The cable company probably sends/receives everything
by satellite,
right? *A friend of mine, when her cable TV service was iffy, called the
cable TV folks
and they could communicate with her cable box. *Have you called cable
folks when the
stuff is not working?

One other thought, and this is recollection of something I read long,
long ago.......when
I owned my first UPS, it said that it should not be plugged into a
plug-in strip with surge
protection. *Any such warning with yours that might apply to the
whole-house surge
protection?

One thing the cable tech should have done is measure the signal level
at your cable modem and TV. This can also be done using some cable
boxes. F connectors are notorious for being bad. He should have gone
through the installation, cut all the ends off the cables and replaced
the connectors. Sometimes this doesnt help because its the female part
of the connector thats bad. Usually it only takesa small improvement
in signal quality to cure the problem. My problem went away with only
a 1 db improvement and he continued working on it and managed to get a
3 db improvement. No problems for over a year now.

Jimmie

On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:32:05 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:

In fact,
the only thing on my current system that is *not* new is the router

Look into FLASH [ing] the EPROM, updated software. Know what you are
doing when you do this. Do not kill the device.

EPROMS loose memory and the router fails.

Install the router software, is a good - first start.

MaryL wrote:
If you have the "cheap" surge suppressors (less than about $30),
they will degrade.


The surge suppressor on the microwave did its job. It "absorbed" the
shock during the storm (obviously, not a direct hit), so the
suppressor was then burned out but the microwave still worked.

The microwave didn't work until you removed the surge suppressor, did it?
Doesn't that tell you that a problematic surge protector can interfere with
the proper operation of that which is connected to it?


As for the computer equipment, it's definitely not the surge
suppressors unless there is some reasonable explanation for why the
cable company would prefer that we not use *any* surge suppressors.

There IS a good reason, goddamnit! Evidently you belong to that fairly large
group of blonde non-electrical-engineers.

Cheap surge suppressors contain two or three MOVs (metallic oxide
varistors). These act like reverse fuses: when the detected potential is
greater than the nominal voltage, they short the two conductors to which
they are connected. MOVs fail in several ways: If the surge is large enough
or long enough, they will simply melt, smoke, and heat up. At that point,
they have acted exactly like a reverse fuse - they no longer work and will
provide no further protection. The other way they fail is they degrade such
that they "leak" voltage from one conductor to another. This generates
"noise" on the line and other undesirable things.

Further, the complete and catastrophic failure of a cheap surge suppressor -
as was the case with your microwave - is abnormal. Usually cheap surge
suppressors weaken or simply fail to do their job.


I have one surge suppressor (Philips) for the laser printer, Zoom
modem, phone, router, and small TV. I have an APC backup USP for the
CPU, monitor, and cable connection. Both of those units are new, and
the problems I described pre-date them. In fact, the only thing on
my current system that is *not* new is the router. So, it does seem
likely that the router is the problem, and I am willing to buy
another one. However, I am concerned because the technician tested
it when he was here, and it was fine. The cable company could also
"ping" it when I called them. Nevertheless, the technician suspects
the router. I am going to follow the advice of one of the people on
this group and try to call LinkSys before I try to change out the
router.

Sounds like something you can do to keep busy. When you eventually get
around to removing or swapping out the dodgy surge suppressors, check back.
Maybe we can find something else to try.

"HeyBub" wrote in message
m...
MaryL wrote:
If you have the "cheap" surge suppressors (less than about $30),
they will degrade.


The surge suppressor on the microwave did its job. It "absorbed" the
shock during the storm (obviously, not a direct hit), so the
suppressor was then burned out but the microwave still worked.

The microwave didn't work until you removed the surge suppressor, did it?
Doesn't that tell you that a problematic surge protector can interfere
with the proper operation of that which is connected to it?


As for the computer equipment, it's definitely not the surge
suppressors unless there is some reasonable explanation for why the
cable company would prefer that we not use *any* surge suppressors.

There IS a good reason, goddamnit! Evidently you belong to that fairly
large group of blonde non-electrical-engineers.

Cheap surge suppressors contain two or three MOVs (metallic oxide
varistors). These act like reverse fuses: when the detected potential is
greater than the nominal voltage, they short the two conductors to which
they are connected. MOVs fail in several ways: If the surge is large
enough or long enough, they will simply melt, smoke, and heat up. At that
point, they have acted exactly like a reverse fuse - they no longer work
and will provide no further protection. The other way they fail is they
degrade such that they "leak" voltage from one conductor to another. This
generates "noise" on the line and other undesirable things.

Further, the complete and catastrophic failure of a cheap surge
suppressor - as was the case with your microwave - is abnormal. Usually
cheap surge suppressors weaken or simply fail to do their job.


I have one surge suppressor (Philips) for the laser printer, Zoom
modem, phone, router, and small TV. I have an APC backup USP for the
CPU, monitor, and cable connection. Both of those units are new, and
the problems I described pre-date them. In fact, the only thing on
my current system that is *not* new is the router. So, it does seem
likely that the router is the problem, and I am willing to buy
another one. However, I am concerned because the technician tested
it when he was here, and it was fine. The cable company could also
"ping" it when I called them. Nevertheless, the technician suspects
the router. I am going to follow the advice of one of the people on
this group and try to call LinkSys before I try to change out the
router.

Sounds like something you can do to keep busy. When you eventually get
around to removing or swapping out the dodgy surge suppressors, check
back. Maybe we can find something else to try.


Look, it's obvious that you enjoy being rude. I simply don't have the
technical knowledge to follow through with some of the information that has
been given on this group (most, with good intentions, I believe). However,
have you not noticed that I said this problem *pre-dates* both of the surge
suppressors. So, it began before I had the regular surge suppressor and the
backup USB, and the same problem continues with them in place!

MaryL

MaryL wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I
also have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge
suppressor. My CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly
Cox) at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I
was not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer
room, and the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He
solved that problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the
other one. That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection
to cable and to the Internet. This happens regularly immediately after
I send a fairly large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at
other times without any warning and without any real pattern -- I could
be surfing the Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and
access is suddenly gone. When I check the little connectivity icon in
the task bar, it will then show "Local access" only instead of "Local
and Internet access." I can usually (but not always) regain connection
if I turn off the surge suppressor that is connected to everything
*except* the CPU and monitor. As I said, they are on a separate UBS.
The CPU, monitor, and Zoom modem are all new. Only the router (LinkSys
Wireless-G) is older. This problem has been occurring with increasing
frequency for more than a year, so it started while I had my older
computer but has continued with the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with
no noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at
fault. However, he tested the router and it responded correctly.
Moreover, the cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office.
Does anyone have any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but
that will involve more expense than just the router because I had a
networking rep come out to set up some of the equipment because I wanted
to make sure that my laptop was not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers."
They supposedly set a type of security that is better than what I had
done through Control Panel. So, I really hate to do that unless I can
be fairly certain that the router is at fault. Incidentally, I have a
lot of experience with several types of software, but I have absolutely
no knowledge of hardware and would not even be comfortable with software
that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He
said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few
years ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and
I thought it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had
been destroyed, but it had done its job -- the microwave worked
perfectly after I discarded that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Hi,
Both you and your tech did not do most simple basic things.
Did he measured aseband signal level? Every connector incurs ~2db loss
when connection is proper. Is your router properly configured and does
it have a lastest firmware loaded? Utilized ping and ipconfig command to
see what is going on? Eliminated all the gadget accessroies and tried
basic TV or/and Internet hook up? Use common sense, think logic.
Replacing this and that is a good method of trouble-shooting. When you
replace something you must have a valid reason.
Good luck,

"Tony Hwang" wrote in message
...
MaryL wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I
also have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge suppressor.
My CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly
Cox) at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I was
not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room, and
the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He solved that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one.
That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable and
to the Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a
fairly large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times
without any warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing
the Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is
suddenly gone. When I check the little connectivity icon in the task
bar, it will then show "Local access" only instead of "Local and Internet
access." I can usually (but not always) regain connection if I turn off
the surge suppressor that is connected to everything *except* the CPU and
monitor. As I said, they are on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and
Zoom modem are all new. Only the router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older.
This problem has been occurring with increasing frequency for more than a
year, so it started while I had my older computer but has continued with
the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with
no noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at
fault. However, he tested the router and it responded correctly.
Moreover, the cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office.
Does anyone have any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but
that will involve more expense than just the router because I had a
networking rep come out to set up some of the equipment because I wanted
to make sure that my laptop was not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers."
They supposedly set a type of security that is better than what I had
done through Control Panel. So, I really hate to do that unless I can be
fairly certain that the router is at fault. Incidentally, I have a lot
of experience with several types of software, but I have absolutely no
knowledge of hardware and would not even be comfortable with software
that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He
said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few
years ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and I
thought it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had been
destroyed, but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly
after I discarded that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Hi,
Both you and your tech did not do most simple basic things.
Did he measured aseband signal level? Every connector incurs ~2db loss
when connection is proper. Is your router properly configured and does it
have a lastest firmware loaded? Utilized ping and ipconfig command to see
what is going on? Eliminated all the gadget accessroies and tried
basic TV or/and Internet hook up? Use common sense, think logic.
Replacing this and that is a good method of trouble-shooting. When you
replace something you must have a valid reason.
Good luck,

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea how to do most of what you described.
I can tell you that the tech measured signal level (but I don't know what
"aseband" is). He measured at each connection point and also went outdoors
to check the entry into the house. My computer is only a few months old,
and I hired tech support to set everything up, including wireless for the
laptop (but the desktop is not wireless). That person went through a number
of ipconfig commands. The cable company was able to ping the router.
Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any. I have
the CPU, monitor, printer, and a small TV. And, of course, there is the
router and cable modem. The tech support I hired downloaded all drivers.
I'm not even sure what you mean by "basic" TV and/or Internet hook up. I
went through a routine -- numerous times -- where SuddenLink had me unhook
just about every cable and connect and re-connect components. Finally, they
sent someone out as I described in my original message. We did lose
Internet access on one occasion while he was here, so he saw it but still
did not solve the problem. He did call the home office, and they could ping
the router and modem. The technician they sent "suspects" that it is the
router even though they could ping it.

MaryL

MaryL wrote:
..

Sounds like something you can do to keep busy. When you eventually
get around to removing or swapping out the dodgy surge suppressors,
check back. Maybe we can find something else to try.


Look, it's obvious that you enjoy being rude. I simply don't have the
technical knowledge to follow through with some of the information
that has been given on this group (most, with good intentions, I
believe). However, have you not noticed that I said this problem
*pre-dates* both of the surge suppressors. So, it began before I had
the regular surge suppressor and the backup USB, and the same problem
continues with them in place!

I apologize for sounding rude - I only meant to be impatient.

If you refuse to try the most obvious diagnostic (swapping or removing the
surge suppressors), you are, frankly, incapable of accepting help. The only
legitimate excuse you can have is lack of sufficient technical knowledge to
operate a plug. I admit that is possible.

Do you know any 12-year old males?

On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:57:59 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:

Look, it's obvious that you enjoy being rude. I simply don't have the
technical knowledge to follow through with some of the information that has
been given on this group (most, with good intentions, I believe). However,
have you not noticed that I said this problem *pre-dates* both of the surge
suppressors. So, it began before I had the regular surge suppressor and the
backup USB, and the same problem continues with them in place!

MaryL


Anyone that says the surge suppressor is the problem is a complete
idiot who has no knowledge of networks. Replace your dodgy router and
be done with the problems.

On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:29:30 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:

I would also post your question to 24hoursupportdesk.help Lots of
computer geeks over there.

On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:29:30 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:


Sorryy, that's 24hoursupport.helpdesk

On Nov 17, 2:05*am, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"Tony Hwang" wrote in message

...





MaryL wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I
also have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge suppressor.
My CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly
Cox) at the house twice. *He solved one problem but not the other. *I was
not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room, and
the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. *He solved that
problem. *However, he was not able to do anything about the other one.
That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable and
to the Internet. *This happens regularly immediately after I send a
fairly large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times
without any warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing
the Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is
suddenly gone. *When I check the little connectivity icon in the task
bar, it will then show "Local access" only instead of "Local and Internet
access." *I can usually (but not always) regain connection if I turn off
the surge suppressor that is connected to everything *except* the CPU and
monitor. *As I said, they are on a separate UBS. *The CPU, monitor, and
Zoom modem are all new. *Only the router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older.
This problem has been occurring with increasing frequency for more than a
year, so it started while I had my older computer but has continued with
the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with
no noticeable effect on the system. *He suspects that the router is at
fault. However, he tested the router and it responded correctly.
Moreover, the cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office..
Does anyone have any ideas? *I can replace the router, of course, but
that will involve more expense than just the router because I had a
networking rep come out to set up some of the equipment because I wanted
to make sure that my laptop was not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers."
They supposedly set a type of security that is better than what I had
done through Control Panel. *So, I really hate to do that unless I can be
fairly certain that the router is at fault. *Incidentally, I have a lot
of experience with several types of software, but I have absolutely no
knowledge of hardware and would not even be comfortable with software
that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He
said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. *He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. *Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. *He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few
years ago. *My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and I
thought it was ruined. *It turned out that the surge suppressor had been
destroyed, but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly
after I discarded that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Hi,
Both you and your tech did not do most simple basic things.
Did he measured aseband signal level? Every connector incurs ~2db loss
when connection is proper. Is your router properly configured and does it
have a lastest firmware loaded? Utilized ping and ipconfig command to see
what is going on? Eliminated all the gadget accessroies and tried
basic TV or/and Internet hook up? Use common sense, think logic.
Replacing this and that is a good method of trouble-shooting. When you
replace something you must have a valid reason.
Good luck,

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea how to do most of what you described..
I can tell you that the tech measured signal level (but I don't know what
"aseband" is). *He measured at each connection point and also went outdoors
to check the entry into the house. *My computer is only a few months old,
and I hired tech support to set everything up, including wireless for the
laptop (but the desktop is not wireless). *That person went through a number
of ipconfig commands. *The cable company was able to ping the router.
Gadget accessories? *Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any. *I have
the CPU, monitor, printer, and a small TV. *And, of course, there is the
router and cable modem. *The tech support I hired downloaded all drivers.
I'm not even sure what you mean by "basic" TV and/or Internet hook up. *I
went through a routine -- numerous times -- where SuddenLink had me unhook
just about every cable and connect and re-connect components. *Finally, they
sent someone out as I described in my original message. *We did lose
Internet access on one occasion while he was here, so he saw it but still
did not solve the problem. *He did call the home office, and they could ping
the router and modem. *The technician they sent "suspects" that it is the
router even though they could ping it.

MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any

I believe that Mr. Hwang is referring to the surge supressors, UPS,
etc. Calling them "gadgets" might be excessive, but a fairly standard
troubleshooting technique is to get the "system" (all components from
input to output) down to it's simplest configuration and get it
working. If the problem goes away, you can start adding "gadgets" back
in to see which one is causing the problem.

In your case, you might want to start with just one computer and the
cable modem, then add in the LinkSys router, then add other devices to
the router, then add in the surge supressors and UPS's, one at a time.

BTW - and don't take this wrong way, I'm only trying to help...

In various posts, you have used both UBS and USB. I believe you mean
UPS as follows:

UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply, essentially your battery backup
system.
UBS - An investment firm headquartered in Switzerland
USB - Universal Serial Bus, the modern day standard for connecting
peripherals to a computer.

"HeyBub" wrote in message
m...
MaryL wrote:
.

Sounds like something you can do to keep busy. When you eventually
get around to removing or swapping out the dodgy surge suppressors,
check back. Maybe we can find something else to try.


Look, it's obvious that you enjoy being rude. I simply don't have the
technical knowledge to follow through with some of the information
that has been given on this group (most, with good intentions, I
believe). However, have you not noticed that I said this problem
*pre-dates* both of the surge suppressors. So, it began before I had
the regular surge suppressor and the backup USB, and the same problem
continues with them in place!

I apologize for sounding rude - I only meant to be impatient.

If you refuse to try the most obvious diagnostic (swapping or removing the
surge suppressors), you are, frankly, incapable of accepting help. The
only legitimate excuse you can have is lack of sufficient technical
knowledge to operate a plug. I admit that is possible.

Do you know any 12-year old males?


Haven't *you* listened? This all started *before* I had the surge
suppressors. It continued through one set of surge suppressors, and these
two are *new* -- with the same problem. The SuddenLink tech did not suggest
that they were at fault. He was responding to one of my own questions and
simply said that the cable company prefers that *no* surge suppressors be
used. But he is primarily suspicious of the router. Finally, I have swapped
all of the cables on directions from their tech support -- disconnecting
from the wall, disconnecting from the surge suppressors, bypassing the
router, etc. I was worn out from all the connecting and disconnecting
because it is extremely difficult to get to the back of my computer. I even
labeled each cord simply because it was so difficult to find the various
ends. Nothing worked!

MaryL

"MCSE" wrote in message news
On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:57:59 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:

Look, it's obvious that you enjoy being rude. I simply don't have the
technical knowledge to follow through with some of the information that
has
been given on this group (most, with good intentions, I believe).
However,
have you not noticed that I said this problem *pre-dates* both of the
surge
suppressors. So, it began before I had the regular surge suppressor and
the
backup USB, and the same problem continues with them in place!

MaryL


Anyone that says the surge suppressor is the problem is a complete
idiot who has no knowledge of networks. Replace your dodgy router and
be done with the problems.

I think that's what I am going to have to try, but that does take me back to
my original question - setting up security that I had paid for originally.
I know one responder said that's "easy," and I will call LinkSys if the
manual doesn't help. The "manual" with my current router was simply a
leaflet that showed how to connect it, but there was no information on
security. Of course, the router is several years old. Ironically, it is
the only component that is not new -- so, the "weak link," I suppose.

Thanks,
MaryL

"MCSE" wrote in message ...
On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:29:30 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:

I would also post your question to 24hoursupportdesk.help Lots of
computer geeks over there.

Yes, I have used them in the past. That should probably be my next step.

Thanks,
MaryL

"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:05 am, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"Tony Hwang" wrote in message

...





MaryL wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I
also have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge
suppressor.
My CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly
Cox) at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I was
not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room,
and
the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He solved
that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one.
That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable
and
to the Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a
fairly large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times
without any warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing
the Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is
suddenly gone. When I check the little connectivity icon in the task
bar, it will then show "Local access" only instead of "Local and
Internet
access." I can usually (but not always) regain connection if I turn off
the surge suppressor that is connected to everything *except* the CPU
and
monitor. As I said, they are on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and
Zoom modem are all new. Only the router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older.
This problem has been occurring with increasing frequency for more than
a
year, so it started while I had my older computer but has continued
with
the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case," with
no noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at
fault. However, he tested the router and it responded correctly.
Moreover, the cable company was able to "ping" it from the home office.
Does anyone have any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but
that will involve more expense than just the router because I had a
networking rep come out to set up some of the equipment because I
wanted
to make sure that my laptop was not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers."
They supposedly set a type of security that is better than what I had
done through Control Panel. So, I really hate to do that unless I can
be
fairly certain that the router is at fault. Incidentally, I have a lot
of experience with several types of software, but I have absolutely no
knowledge of hardware and would not even be comfortable with software
that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me: He
said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few
years ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm, and
I
thought it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had been
destroyed, but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly
after I discarded that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Hi,
Both you and your tech did not do most simple basic things.
Did he measured aseband signal level? Every connector incurs ~2db loss
when connection is proper. Is your router properly configured and does
it
have a lastest firmware loaded? Utilized ping and ipconfig command to
see
what is going on? Eliminated all the gadget accessroies and tried
basic TV or/and Internet hook up? Use common sense, think logic.
Replacing this and that is a good method of trouble-shooting. When you
replace something you must have a valid reason.
Good luck,

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea how to do most of what you described.
I can tell you that the tech measured signal level (but I don't know what
"aseband" is). He measured at each connection point and also went outdoors
to check the entry into the house. My computer is only a few months old,
and I hired tech support to set everything up, including wireless for the
laptop (but the desktop is not wireless). That person went through a
number
of ipconfig commands. The cable company was able to ping the router.
Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any. I have
the CPU, monitor, printer, and a small TV. And, of course, there is the
router and cable modem. The tech support I hired downloaded all drivers.
I'm not even sure what you mean by "basic" TV and/or Internet hook up. I
went through a routine -- numerous times -- where SuddenLink had me unhook
just about every cable and connect and re-connect components. Finally,
they
sent someone out as I described in my original message. We did lose
Internet access on one occasion while he was here, so he saw it but still
did not solve the problem. He did call the home office, and they could
ping
the router and modem. The technician they sent "suspects" that it is the
router even though they could ping it.

MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any

I believe that Mr. Hwang is referring to the surge supressors, UPS,
etc. Calling them "gadgets" might be excessive, but a fairly standard
troubleshooting technique is to get the "system" (all components from
input to output) down to it's simplest configuration and get it
working. If the problem goes away, you can start adding "gadgets" back
in to see which one is causing the problem.

In your case, you might want to start with just one computer and the
cable modem, then add in the LinkSys router, then add other devices to
the router, then add in the surge supressors and UPS's, one at a time.

BTW - and don't take this wrong way, I'm only trying to help...

In various posts, you have used both UBS and USB. I believe you mean
UPS as follows:

UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply, essentially your battery backup
system.
UBS - An investment firm headquartered in Switzerland
USB - Universal Serial Bus, the modern day standard for connecting
peripherals to a computer.

You're right, I did mean UPS. "Starting with one computer" is easy. I have
a laptop with networking capabilities, but it is seldom used. So, this all
relates to my desktop computer. It also started with my previous computer
(replaced just a few months ago) and continues with the current computer.
All peripherals or "gadgets" are new and have been replaced since the
problem started *except* the router. We did bypass the router as a "test."
That did not have an effect. Following instructions by phone, I also
disconnected the surge protector and used the wall plug. Again, no effect.
And you can't imagine how difficult it is for me to do that because I have
to crawl on the floor under a very heavy desk to get to the outlet, and it
is difficult to see the back of the CPU. That's not a problem that anyone
on a newsgroup can alleviate, of course, but it does mean that I get very
tired of doing the same thing over and over again as each person I contact
instructs me to go through the same routine -- and the results by then are
predictable. That is, we still have not eliminated the problem.

Thanks,
MaryL

On Nov 17, 12:34*pm, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"MCSE" wrote in messagenews273i4pmvjkavehoa1pp3fc2h2j9bddl27@4ax .com...
On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:57:59 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:

Look, it's obvious that you enjoy being rude. *I simply don't have the
technical knowledge to follow through with some of the information that
has
been given on this group (most, with good intentions, I believe).
However,
have you not noticed that I said this problem *pre-dates* both of the
surge
suppressors. *So, it began before I had the regular surge suppressor and
the
backup USB, and the same problem continues with them in place!

MaryL

Anyone that says the surge suppressor is the problem is a complete
idiot who has no knowledge of networks. Replace your dodgy router and
be done with the problems.

I think that's what I am going to have to try, but that does take me back to
my original question - setting up security that I had paid for originally..
I know one responder said that's "easy," and I will call LinkSys if the
manual doesn't help. *The "manual" with my current router was simply a
leaflet that showed how to connect it, but there was no information on
security. *Of course, the router is several years old. *Ironically, it is
the only component that is not new -- so, the "weak link," I suppose.

Thanks,
MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I did not see a response to something I said earlier:

If, as you stated, you are losing your cable connection also, how
could it be your LinkSys router?

Your Cable TV does not go through the LinkSys.

"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 12:34 pm, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"MCSE" wrote in messagenews273i4pmvjkavehoa1pp3fc2h2j9bddl27@4ax .com...
On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:57:59 -0600, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:

Look, it's obvious that you enjoy being rude. I simply don't have the
technical knowledge to follow through with some of the information that
has
been given on this group (most, with good intentions, I believe).
However,
have you not noticed that I said this problem *pre-dates* both of the
surge
suppressors. So, it began before I had the regular surge suppressor and
the
backup USB, and the same problem continues with them in place!

MaryL

Anyone that says the surge suppressor is the problem is a complete
idiot who has no knowledge of networks. Replace your dodgy router and
be done with the problems.

I think that's what I am going to have to try, but that does take me back
to
my original question - setting up security that I had paid for originally.
I know one responder said that's "easy," and I will call LinkSys if the
manual doesn't help. The "manual" with my current router was simply a
leaflet that showed how to connect it, but there was no information on
security. Of course, the router is several years old. Ironically, it is
the only component that is not new -- so, the "weak link," I suppose.

Thanks,
MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I did not see a response to something I said earlier:

If, as you stated, you are losing your cable connection also, how
could it be your LinkSys router?

Your Cable TV does not go through the LinkSys.

Sorry, I did not mean my cable TV. I meant that I lose the Internet and
also lose capability to send or receive e-mail. I use Eudora for e-mail,
and of course that needs access to the Internet to function -- so I did not
describe it correctly. I go directly to Eudora from the desktop, and I
didn't think about the fact that it was really "one and the same" when I
wrote that statement. The TV continues to function during those periods.

MaryL

On Nov 17, 12:42*pm, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"DerbyDad03" wrote in message

...
On Nov 17, 2:05 am, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:





"Tony Hwang" wrote in message

...

MaryL wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and I
also have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge
suppressor.
My CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink, formerly
Cox) at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I was
not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room,
and
the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He solved
that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one..
That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable
and
to the Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a
fairly large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other times
without any warning and without any real pattern -- I could be surfing
the Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is
suddenly gone. When I check the little connectivity icon in the task
bar, it will then show "Local access" only instead of "Local and
Internet
access." I can usually (but not always) regain connection if I turn off
the surge suppressor that is connected to everything *except* the CPU
and
monitor. As I said, they are on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and
Zoom modem are all new. Only the router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is older.

"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 12:42 pm, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"DerbyDad03" wrote in message

...
On Nov 17, 2:05 am, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:





"Tony Hwang" wrote in message

...

MaryL wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and
I
also have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge
suppressor.
My CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink,
formerly
Cox) at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I
was
not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room,
and
the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He solved
that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one.
That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable
and
to the Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a
fairly large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other
times
without any warning and without any real pattern -- I could be
surfing
the Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is
suddenly gone. When I check the little connectivity icon in the task
bar, it will then show "Local access" only instead of "Local and
Internet
access." I can usually (but not always) regain connection if I turn
off
the surge suppressor that is connected to everything *except* the CPU
and
monitor. As I said, they are on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and
Zoom modem are all new. Only the router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is
older.
This problem has been occurring with increasing frequency for more
than
a
year, so it started while I had my older computer but has continued
with
the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case,"
with
no noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at
fault. However, he tested the router and it responded correctly.
Moreover, the cable company was able to "ping" it from the home
office.
Does anyone have any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but
that will involve more expense than just the router because I had a
networking rep come out to set up some of the equipment because I
wanted
to make sure that my laptop was not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers."
They supposedly set a type of security that is better than what I had
done through Control Panel. So, I really hate to do that unless I can
be
fairly certain that the router is at fault. Incidentally, I have a
lot
of experience with several types of software, but I have absolutely
no
knowledge of hardware and would not even be comfortable with software
that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me:
He
said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of
surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company
would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few
years ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm,
and
I
thought it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had
been
destroyed, but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly
after I discarded that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Hi,
Both you and your tech did not do most simple basic things.
Did he measured aseband signal level? Every connector incurs ~2db loss
when connection is proper. Is your router properly configured and does
it
have a lastest firmware loaded? Utilized ping and ipconfig command to
see
what is going on? Eliminated all the gadget accessroies and tried
basic TV or/and Internet hook up? Use common sense, think logic.
Replacing this and that is a good method of trouble-shooting. When you
replace something you must have a valid reason.
Good luck,

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea how to do most of what you
described.
I can tell you that the tech measured signal level (but I don't know
what
"aseband" is). He measured at each connection point and also went
outdoors
to check the entry into the house. My computer is only a few months old,
and I hired tech support to set everything up, including wireless for
the
laptop (but the desktop is not wireless). That person went through a
number
of ipconfig commands. The cable company was able to ping the router.
Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any. I have
the CPU, monitor, printer, and a small TV. And, of course, there is the
router and cable modem. The tech support I hired downloaded all drivers.
I'm not even sure what you mean by "basic" TV and/or Internet hook up. I
went through a routine -- numerous times -- where SuddenLink had me
unhook
just about every cable and connect and re-connect components. Finally,
they
sent someone out as I described in my original message. We did lose
Internet access on one occasion while he was here, so he saw it but
still
did not solve the problem. He did call the home office, and they could
ping
the router and modem. The technician they sent "suspects" that it is the
router even though they could ping it.

MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any

I believe that Mr. Hwang is referring to the surge supressors, UPS,
etc. Calling them "gadgets" might be excessive, but a fairly standard
troubleshooting technique is to get the "system" (all components from
input to output) down to it's simplest configuration and get it
working. If the problem goes away, you can start adding "gadgets" back
in to see which one is causing the problem.

In your case, you might want to start with just one computer and the
cable modem, then add in the LinkSys router, then add other devices to
the router, then add in the surge supressors and UPS's, one at a time.

BTW - and don't take this wrong way, I'm only trying to help...

In various posts, you have used both UBS and USB. I believe you mean
UPS as follows:

UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply, essentially your battery backup
system.
UBS - An investment firm headquartered in Switzerland
USB - Universal Serial Bus, the modern day standard for connecting
peripherals to a computer.

You're right, I did mean UPS. "Starting with one computer" is easy. I have
a laptop with networking capabilities, but it is seldom used. So, this all
relates to my desktop computer. It also started with my previous computer
(replaced just a few months ago) and continues with the current computer.
All peripherals or "gadgets" are new and have been replaced since the
problem started *except* the router. We did bypass the router as a "test."
That did not have an effect. Following instructions by phone, I also
disconnected the surge protector and used the wall plug. Again, no effect.
And you can't imagine how difficult it is for me to do that because I have
to crawl on the floor under a very heavy desk to get to the outlet, and it
is difficult to see the back of the CPU. That's not a problem that anyone
on a newsgroup can alleviate, of course, but it does mean that I get very
tired of doing the same thing over and over again as each person I contact
instructs me to go through the same routine -- and the results by then are
predictable. That is, we still have not eliminated the problem.

Thanks,
MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

In an earlier post someone suggested "Replace your dodgy router and be
done with the problems."

To which you replied: "I think that's what I am going to have to try."

Then in this post you said: "We did bypass the router as a test. That
did not have an effect."

To which I reply: Why would you consider replacing the router if
you've proven that it's not the problem?

Because it's the only thing I can think of to do and it is the only
component that has not been replaced since all of this started (and the
reason I posted my original message). Despite the fact that bypassing the
router -- and even the SuddenLink cable guy did that when it finally
malfunctioned while he was present -- he still says that he suspects the
router. I don't know quite how to describe it, but he talked about being
able to ping a router and have it work on some occasions but not on others.
Actually, bypassing the router -- and also disconnecting *everything* from
the wall -- sometimes works and sometimes has no effect at all. Sometimes,
it is a matter of minutes before I regain connectivity and sometimes it is
hours. I just can't find a pattern. SuddenLink claims that their tests
show that the cable connections are working. Incidentally, the only time
when I can *almost* predict that I will lose a connection (that is, it
happens frequently but not always) is when I send a large e-mail, which I
need to do frequently for a newsletter. That will go slowly and then the
problem often occurs. It is not simply a timeout because I lose all access.
However, even that is not consistent, and I also will sometimes have the
same problem simply by surfing the Internet. I'm even beginning to wonder
if I need to consider DSL instead of cable.

MaryL

On Nov 17, 1:21*pm, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:
"DerbyDad03" wrote in message

...
On Nov 17, 12:42 pm, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:

"DerbyDad03" wrote in message

....
On Nov 17, 2:05 am, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:

"Tony Hwang" wrote in message

...

MaryL wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box, and
I
also have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge
suppressor.
My CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink,
formerly
Cox) at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other. I
was
not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer room,
and
the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He solved
that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one.
That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to cable
and
to the Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a
fairly large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other
times
without any warning and without any real pattern -- I could be
surfing
the Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is
suddenly gone. When I check the little connectivity icon in the task
bar, it will then show "Local access" only instead of "Local and
Internet
access." I can usually (but not always) regain connection if I turn
off
the surge suppressor that is connected to everything *except* the CPU
and
monitor. As I said, they are on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and
Zoom modem are all new. Only the router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is
older.
This problem has been occurring with increasing frequency for more
than
a
year, so it started while I had my older computer but has continued
with
the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case,"
with
no noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at
fault. However, he tested the router and it responded correctly.
Moreover, the cable company was able to "ping" it from the home
office.
Does anyone have any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but
that will involve more expense than just the router because I had a
networking rep come out to set up some of the equipment because I
wanted
to make sure that my laptop was not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers."
They supposedly set a type of security that is better than what I had
done through Control Panel. So, I really hate to do that unless I can
be
fairly certain that the router is at fault. Incidentally, I have a
lot
of experience with several types of software, but I have absolutely
no
knowledge of hardware and would not even be comfortable with software
that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused me:
He
said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of
surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company
would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few
years ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm,
and
I
thought it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had
been
destroyed, but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly
after I discarded that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Hi,
Both you and your tech did not do most simple basic things.
Did he measured aseband signal level? Every connector incurs ~2db loss
when connection is proper. Is your router properly configured and does
it
have a lastest firmware loaded? Utilized ping and ipconfig command to
see
what is going on? Eliminated all the gadget accessroies and tried
basic TV or/and Internet hook up? Use common sense, think logic.
Replacing this and that is a good method of trouble-shooting. When you
replace something you must have a valid reason.
Good luck,

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea how to do most of what you
described.
I can tell you that the tech measured signal level (but I don't know
what
"aseband" is). He measured at each connection point and also went
outdoors
to check the entry into the house. My computer is only a few months old,
and I hired tech support to set everything up, including wireless for
the
laptop (but the desktop is not wireless). That person went through a
number
of ipconfig commands. The cable company was able to ping the router.
Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any. I have
the CPU, monitor, printer, and a small TV. And, of course, there is the
router and cable modem. The tech support I hired downloaded all drivers.
I'm not even sure what you mean by "basic" TV and/or Internet hook up.. I
went through a routine -- numerous times -- where SuddenLink had me
unhook
just about every cable and connect and re-connect components. Finally,
they
sent someone out as I described in my original message. We did lose
Internet access on one occasion while he was here, so he saw it but
still
did not solve the problem. He did call the home office, and they could
ping
the router and modem. The technician they sent "suspects" that it is the
router even though they could ping it.

MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any

I believe that Mr. Hwang is referring to the surge supressors, UPS,
etc. Calling them "gadgets" might be excessive, but a fairly standard
troubleshooting technique is to get the "system" (all components from
input to output) down to it's simplest configuration and get it
working. If the problem goes away, you can start adding "gadgets" back
in to see which one is causing the problem.

In your case, you might want to start with just one computer and the
cable modem, then add in the LinkSys router, then add other devices to
the router, then add in the surge supressors and UPS's, one at a time.

BTW - and don't take this wrong way, I'm only trying to help...

In various posts, you have used both UBS and USB. I believe you mean
UPS as follows:

UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply, essentially your battery backup
system.
UBS - An investment firm headquartered in Switzerland
USB - Universal Serial Bus, the modern day standard for connecting
peripherals to a computer.

You're right, I did mean UPS. "Starting with one computer" is easy. I have
a laptop with networking capabilities, but it is seldom used. So, this all
relates to my desktop computer. It also started with my previous computer
(replaced just a few months ago) and continues with the current computer.

MaryL wrote:


"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:05 am, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:

"Tony Hwang" wrote in message

...





MaryL wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box,
and I
also have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge
suppressor.
My CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink,
formerly
Cox) at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other.
I was
not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer
room, and
the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He
solved that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one.
That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to
cable and
to the Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a
fairly large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other
times
without any warning and without any real pattern -- I could be
surfing
the Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is
suddenly gone. When I check the little connectivity icon in the task
bar, it will then show "Local access" only instead of "Local and
Internet
access." I can usually (but not always) regain connection if I
turn off
the surge suppressor that is connected to everything *except* the
CPU and
monitor. As I said, they are on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and
Zoom modem are all new. Only the router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is
older.
This problem has been occurring with increasing frequency for more
than a
year, so it started while I had my older computer but has
continued with
the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case,"
with
no noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at
fault. However, he tested the router and it responded correctly.
Moreover, the cable company was able to "ping" it from the home
office.
Does anyone have any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but
that will involve more expense than just the router because I had a
networking rep come out to set up some of the equipment because I
wanted
to make sure that my laptop was not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers."
They supposedly set a type of security that is better than what I had
done through Control Panel. So, I really hate to do that unless I
can be
fairly certain that the router is at fault. Incidentally, I have a
lot
of experience with several types of software, but I have
absolutely no
knowledge of hardware and would not even be comfortable with software
that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused
me: He
said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of
surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company
would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few
years ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm,
and I
thought it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had
been
destroyed, but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly
after I discarded that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Hi,
Both you and your tech did not do most simple basic things.
Did he measured aseband signal level? Every connector incurs ~2db loss
when connection is proper. Is your router properly configured and
does it
have a lastest firmware loaded? Utilized ping and ipconfig command
to see
what is going on? Eliminated all the gadget accessroies and tried
basic TV or/and Internet hook up? Use common sense, think logic.
Replacing this and that is a good method of trouble-shooting. When you
replace something you must have a valid reason.
Good luck,

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea how to do most of what you
described.
I can tell you that the tech measured signal level (but I don't know
what
"aseband" is). He measured at each connection point and also went
outdoors
to check the entry into the house. My computer is only a few months old,
and I hired tech support to set everything up, including wireless for
the
laptop (but the desktop is not wireless). That person went through a
number
of ipconfig commands. The cable company was able to ping the router.
Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any. I have
the CPU, monitor, printer, and a small TV. And, of course, there is the
router and cable modem. The tech support I hired downloaded all drivers.
I'm not even sure what you mean by "basic" TV and/or Internet hook up. I
went through a routine -- numerous times -- where SuddenLink had me
unhook
just about every cable and connect and re-connect components.
Finally, they
sent someone out as I described in my original message. We did lose
Internet access on one occasion while he was here, so he saw it but
still
did not solve the problem. He did call the home office, and they
could ping
the router and modem. The technician they sent "suspects" that it is the
router even though they could ping it.

MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any

I believe that Mr. Hwang is referring to the surge supressors, UPS,
etc. Calling them "gadgets" might be excessive, but a fairly standard
troubleshooting technique is to get the "system" (all components from
input to output) down to it's simplest configuration and get it
working. If the problem goes away, you can start adding "gadgets" back
in to see which one is causing the problem.

In your case, you might want to start with just one computer and the
cable modem, then add in the LinkSys router, then add other devices to
the router, then add in the surge supressors and UPS's, one at a time.

BTW - and don't take this wrong way, I'm only trying to help...

In various posts, you have used both UBS and USB. I believe you mean
UPS as follows:

UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply, essentially your battery backup
system.
UBS - An investment firm headquartered in Switzerland
USB - Universal Serial Bus, the modern day standard for connecting
peripherals to a computer.

You're right, I did mean UPS. "Starting with one computer" is easy.
I have a laptop with networking capabilities, but it is seldom used.
So, this all relates to my desktop computer. It also started with my
previous computer (replaced just a few months ago) and continues with
the current computer. All peripherals or "gadgets" are new and have
been replaced since the problem started *except* the router. We did
bypass the router as a "test." That did not have an effect. Following
instructions by phone, I also disconnected the surge protector and
used the wall plug. Again, no effect. And you can't imagine how
difficult it is for me to do that because I have to crawl on the floor
under a very heavy desk to get to the outlet, and it is difficult to
see the back of the CPU. That's not a problem that anyone on a
newsgroup can alleviate, of course, but it does mean that I get very
tired of doing the same thing over and over again as each person I
contact instructs me to go through the same routine -- and the results
by then are predictable. That is, we still have not eliminated the
problem.

Thanks,
MaryL

What make/model are the computer? What version of Windows? Tried
changing out antenna?

"Norminn" wrote in message
...
MaryL wrote:


"DerbyDad03" wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:05 am, "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER
wrote:

"Tony Hwang" wrote in message

...





MaryL wrote:
I have a whole-house surge suppressor built into my circuit box,
and I
also have all electronic equipment attached to separate surge
suppressor.
My CPU and monitor are connected to an APC back-up UBS.

I recently had technicians from the cable company (SuddenLink,
formerly
Cox) at the house twice. He solved one problem but not the other.
I was
not getting some channels on the TV that I have in the computer
room, and
the reception on the channels I did receive was terrible. He
solved that
problem. However, he was not able to do anything about the other one.
That is, I frequently (several times a day) lose connection to
cable and
to the Internet. This happens regularly immediately after I send a
fairly large e-mail (using Eudora), but it also happens at other
times
without any warning and without any real pattern -- I could be
surfing
the Internet, reading newsgroups, sending mail, etc., and access is
suddenly gone. When I check the little connectivity icon in the task
bar, it will then show "Local access" only instead of "Local and
Internet
access." I can usually (but not always) regain connection if I
turn off
the surge suppressor that is connected to everything *except* the
CPU and
monitor. As I said, they are on a separate UBS. The CPU, monitor, and
Zoom modem are all new. Only the router (LinkSys Wireless-G) is
older.
This problem has been occurring with increasing frequency for more
than a
year, so it started while I had my older computer but has
continued with
the new equipment.

The cable company technician changed the splitters "just in case,"
with
no noticeable effect on the system. He suspects that the router is at
fault. However, he tested the router and it responded correctly.
Moreover, the cable company was able to "ping" it from the home
office.
Does anyone have any ideas? I can replace the router, of course, but
that will involve more expense than just the router because I had a
networking rep come out to set up some of the equipment because I
wanted
to make sure that my laptop was not vulnerable to "drive-by hackers."
They supposedly set a type of security that is better than what I had
done through Control Panel. So, I really hate to do that unless I
can be
fairly certain that the router is at fault. Incidentally, I have a
lot
of experience with several types of software, but I have
absolutely no
knowledge of hardware and would not even be comfortable with software
that involved editing the Registry.

One thing the SuddenLink technician said surprised and confused
me: He
said that they "preferred" that homeowners not use *any type* of
surge
suppressor. He did not request that I disconnect mine, but I don't
understand that statement. Does anyone know why the cable company
would
take that position. He also said, "They don't do any good anyway."
Actually, I had a small surge suppressor that proved its worth a few
years ago. My microwave would not work after a major thunderstorm,
and I
thought it was ruined. It turned out that the surge suppressor had
been
destroyed, but it had done its job -- the microwave worked perfectly
after I discarded that surge suppressor.

MaryL

Hi,
Both you and your tech did not do most simple basic things.
Did he measured aseband signal level? Every connector incurs ~2db loss
when connection is proper. Is your router properly configured and
does it
have a lastest firmware loaded? Utilized ping and ipconfig command
to see
what is going on? Eliminated all the gadget accessroies and tried
basic TV or/and Internet hook up? Use common sense, think logic.
Replacing this and that is a good method of trouble-shooting. When you
replace something you must have a valid reason.
Good luck,

Unfortunately, I don't have any idea how to do most of what you
described.
I can tell you that the tech measured signal level (but I don't know
what
"aseband" is). He measured at each connection point and also went
outdoors
to check the entry into the house. My computer is only a few months old,
and I hired tech support to set everything up, including wireless for
the
laptop (but the desktop is not wireless). That person went through a
number
of ipconfig commands. The cable company was able to ping the router.
Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any. I have
the CPU, monitor, printer, and a small TV. And, of course, there is the
router and cable modem. The tech support I hired downloaded all drivers.
I'm not even sure what you mean by "basic" TV and/or Internet hook up. I
went through a routine -- numerous times -- where SuddenLink had me
unhook
just about every cable and connect and re-connect components. Finally,
they
sent someone out as I described in my original message. We did lose
Internet access on one occasion while he was here, so he saw it but
still
did not solve the problem. He did call the home office, and they could
ping
the router and modem. The technician they sent "suspects" that it is the
router even though they could ping it.

MaryL- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Gadget accessories? Unless I miss your meaning, I don't have any

I believe that Mr. Hwang is referring to the surge supressors, UPS,
etc. Calling them "gadgets" might be excessive, but a fairly standard
troubleshooting technique is to get the "system" (all components from
input to output) down to it's simplest configuration and get it
working. If the problem goes away, you can start adding "gadgets" back
in to see which one is causing the problem.

In your case, you might want to start with just one computer and the
cable modem, then add in the LinkSys router, then add other devices to
the router, then add in the surge supressors and UPS's, one at a time.

BTW - and don't take this wrong way, I'm only trying to help...

In various posts, you have used both UBS and USB. I believe you mean
UPS as follows:

UPS - Uninterruptible Power Supply, essentially your battery backup
system.
UBS - An investment firm headquartered in Switzerland
USB - Universal Serial Bus, the modern day standard for connecting
peripherals to a computer.

You're right, I did mean UPS. "Starting with one computer" is easy. I
have a laptop with networking capabilities, but it is seldom used. So,
this all relates to my desktop computer. It also started with my
previous computer (replaced just a few months ago) and continues with the
current computer. All peripherals or "gadgets" are new and have been
replaced since the problem started *except* the router. We did bypass
the router as a "test." That did not have an effect. Following
instructions by phone, I also disconnected the surge protector and used
the wall plug. Again, no effect. And you can't imagine how difficult it
is for me to do that because I have to crawl on the floor under a very
heavy desk to get to the outlet, and it is difficult to see the back of
the CPU. That's not a problem that anyone on a newsgroup can alleviate,
of course, but it does mean that I get very tired of doing the same thing
over and over again as each person I contact instructs me to go through
the same routine -- and the results by then are predictable. That is, we
still have not eliminated the problem.

Thanks,
MaryL

What make/model are the computer? What version of Windows? Tried
changing out antenna?

I am currently using a Dell Inspiron 530 and Vista Home Premium. Vista is
full version, not OEM.
HP w2408h widescreen color monitor
Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3200 Laser keyboard and mouse combo

However, the problem started more than a year ago (and has gotten noticeably
worse over time). At that time, I was using a Compaq Presario T8000 and Win
XP-Home Edition. Corded Microsoft mouse.

I also a HP Pavilion dv6830us notebook computer with Vista Home Premium
(OEM). However, this computer is rarely used at home, so it is usually not
turned on. It is primarily used for travel.

Connection to the Internet (for several years) is by cable. Origially Cox,
now SuddenLink.

What antenna?

MaryL

Oren wrote:
On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:58:29 -0800 (PST), wrote:

I guess I'm like HehBub, I've just lost my patience.

He had a reason; being married, to the meanest women in Texas.!!

I NEVER lost my patience with my ex-wife! I was always kind, considerate,
and ever so understanding.

After she told me I had to sleep eventually.

She finally left me. Ran off with a skinny dance instructor with shiny,
pointy-toed shoes and a pencil-thin mustache. Last I heard, they were trying
to make a go of a Clown College in Beaumont.

I, on the other hand, prospered throughout our estrangement. Since women
fight with "words" (except for the occasional baseball bat in the dark of a
moonless and dreary night), I decided to equip myself with the tools of the
wordsmith. Since I mastered the language, it's no longer "(grunt)" or "Yes,
dear." It's more along the lines of "I'll give your suggestion all the
attention it deserves." (This is after I hook 'em with statements like:
"Good lord, woman, you're not beautiful, you're an Audrey Hepburn movie" or
"The best thing in life to hold onto is each other" or "I was born with a
terrible need to give affection.")

I don't think this is the reason I've remained single...

"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
. ..

Mary - for what it's worth - when you respond to google groups postings, you
need to type something to make your response differentiated from the posting.
It's really hard to figure out what you've posted and what you are reaponding
to.

I've never figured out why google group postings fail to be properly marked when
I respond to them.

"Bob F" wrote in message
...

"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
. ..

Mary - for what it's worth - when you respond to google groups postings,
you need to type something to make your response differentiated from the
posting. It's really hard to figure out what you've posted and what you
are reaponding to.

I've never figured out why google group postings fail to be properly
marked when I respond to them.



Thanks. Most messages are marked (as yours are here), and I did not
understand why a few did not include those markers (usually marked with ).
Now I understand: watch for google group postings, and maybe some others.

MaryL