Cable Modems

[dougc]

Quick question that I hope someone can help me out with….

I have NTL broadband via cable at home and have had the same cable modem for years. It was provided by NTL when we connected to their service. I have had a couple of instances recently when the modem, despite all the lights being on to signify connection, simply refuses to work – the activity light remains off and all I get is error screens in IE.

I’m struggling to figure out whether this is an service provider problem or does this sound like the modem is on its last legs? Can older cable modems handle ever increasing broadband speeds and need upgrading?

If its any use it looks like this but I can't remember off the top of my head what the model number is - it may not be as up to date as the one pictured.

I'm not hugely clued up when it comes to networking so apologies if this is a bit of a numpty question!

Thanks in advance

[Plotloss]

Do you use P2P filesharing applications?

[rednotdead]

I used to have that modem - had loads of problems with it re-booting itself for no reason, no activity like you're experiencing etc etc. It worked fine for about 4 years then started to misbehave once they'd upped my line to 2Mb.

Got NTL out - they tested the line, no problems there so they just replaced the modem no questions asked. If they replace yours make sure you get one with an RJ45 plug not just USB............

[dougc]

Thanks for the replies chaps.

Plotloss - No I don't. Would this make a difference then?
rednotdead - Funny you should say this as the connection (when it works) does seem to have got quicker recently. Also, powering the modem off and leaving for a minute before re-starting sometimes cures it.

I wonder if it could be overheating?

[Plotloss]

It could.

Large amounts of concurrent web connections cause the NAT tables to fill up in certain routers which knackers your browsing ability.

Its a right pain to track down so I thought I would get it out of the way first.