How do I know if my modem, router, or set up are causing a dropped DSL connection?

Question

I've got an old SpeedStream modem, a not-so-new Linksys wireless router, one PC running XP, and one laptop running XP Pro. Lately, I've noticed I am loosing my DSL connection often. I contacted AT&T (ISP) and they said it was likely my modem going out. HOWEVER, if I take the router out of the mix, and connect to the SBCIS network, like I did when I first got my DSL 5 yrs ago, I have no problems - - except that I no longer have a home network! Is it a configuration problem, could Linksys be dropping me or could my modem really be that wishy-washy with the router connected?

I consider myself a very BASIC level of this networking stuff...

THANKS!

It will ask me if I want to re-connect - that's how I know my connection is gone. Sometimes, I can simply say connect and it works fine. It seems that I never loose the lights on the modem -- which is what really confuses me. My modem and router lights are always green, so you'd think they are not the problem. I guess I'll look for a firmware update...

THANKS!!

Answer 1

It does sound like your modem, but one thing you could readily do is update the firmware on your router to its latest version. I had a similar story happening to me, even though I have cable, and a firmware update for the good old Linksys completely made the problem go away.

There should be a link for updating the firmware somewhere in the router setup area.

Answer 2

Continue the troubleshooting - you're doing great.

When you go back to a PC, modem, and DSL it works fine so you can eliminate the modem and DSL as being the cause. What next?

Well, add the router back in but keep it to one computer and don't use wireless. If that's okay...

Add the other computer on a wired connection. If that works...

Add wireless to the mix one computer at a time. Make sense?

Rebuilding and adding one thing at a time will help you narrow down the cause. Don't forget that it could be a problem with an ethernet cable.

Oh yeah, you might want to look for a software update to your LinkSys router - you may have run into a known bug.

Answer 3

Your Router or the cables you are using are the problem it seems. First I would recommend that you make sure your router is configured properly. Reset it and reconfigure it. Also check to make sure your cables are not crimped or otherwise damaged. Update the firmware as a last resort as it is difficult to go back.

Answer 4

What do you mean by losing your DSL connection? Is your DSL modem getting disconnected (forcing you to reconnect over and over again) or does it remain connected but you are unable to surf the web?