Intermittant Internet fault.

[dazzac1965]

HI,

 

I have a strange problem. It is even baffled Virgin Media.

 

Occasionally, my Internet connection stops working. BUT only when I surf the net. I can still send & receive E-mails & MSN can be used.

I am on a wireless connection with 3 laptops & Xbox 360 connected. With the help of Virgin Media on 2 occasions, I have tried to "ping" various websites to see what readings I get. Virgin Media have not the same tests their end & had similar results. If I disconnect the Modem 90% of the time it will reset & work OK. When I first told Virgin Media, they sent me a new modem. The only suggestion I've had from them now, is to surf the net with a totally unpractical wired connection to see if the makes any difference.

As the problem is completely random I'm getting more frustrated as I can switch the laptop about 08:30 in the morning any day of the week & read my e-mails start to surf the net & BANG! it stops. It makes no difference if there is 1 or 3 laptops connected at the same time.

I have tried switching off my Virus & firewall.

 

Anyone got any ideas?

 

Thanks

[Jelly Bean]

Hello there.

 

Ok I am not sure of the problem yet.

 

But lest see what we can do.

 

Have you asked Virgin to resend your signal to check the modem?

 

Do you do a fare share of downloading as Virgin now cap your downloads to a certain meg then cut your speed wich may appear if you are being disconnected?Or is anyone in your house hold downloading a lot?A combination of several people downloading will soon mount up and virgin will cut your speed.

 

Are you able to trace your BB cables and check for any damage or breakages?

 

Can you check your speeds for me and post results:

 

Speedtest.net - The Global Broadband Speed Test

 

Update all drivers for network cards on each machine vvia device manager.

 

Could you possibly have an infection on any of the computers?

[dazzac1965]

Hello there.

 

Ok I am not sure of the problem yet.

 

But lest see what we can do.

 

Have you asked Virgin to resend your signal to check the modem?

 

Do you do a fare share of downloading as Virgin now cap your downloads to a certain meg then cut your speed wich may appear if you are being disconnected?Or is anyone in your house hold downloading a lot?A combination of several people downloading will soon mount up and virgin will cut your speed.

 

Are you able to trace your BB cables and check for any damage or breakages?

 

Can you check your speeds for me and post results:

 

Speedtest.net - The Global Broadband Speed Test

 

Update all drivers for network cards on each machine vvia device manager.

 

Could you possibly have an infection on any of the computers?

 

 

OK

 

 

Heres the Speedtest results: http://www.speedtest.net/result/684427109.png

 

As far as I know, the network card drivers on all 3 laptops are up to date. I have performed this test as part of Virgin Medias tests.

 

Yes Virgin Media have resent the signal to test the modem.

 

I do do some downloading, but its only around 700 meg a month ave. Occasionally its more, some times its less.

 

My BB cables are buried in the ground (and they are old!) - but its a very good point. I'll suggest that to Virgin.

 

The last virus scan performed by my wife & daughter found no viruses?! - I may check them myself, as I understand the scan results more than them (just) lol

 

Second Speedtest using that link on a different server: http://www.speedtest.net/result/684437253.png

 

Third test using that link on a different server: http://www.speedtest.net/result/684439628.png

 

One other point, this problem only seems to have started since we upgraded our TV package with them - I did suggest that to Virgin, but they said no not the cause?

[Jelly Bean]

Is your BB run from the TV box as connected to it?

 

I ment the cable that runs around the inside of your home not external.

 

I know my internal cables were pinched at the junction box that entered my home.

[dazzac1965]

I've also tried the "ping test" Results are: http://www.speedtest.net/result/684439628.png

 

Second test to same server: http://www.pingtest.net/result/8002464.png

 

Third test different server: http://www.pingtest.net/result/8002539.png

[dazzac1965]

Is your BB run from the TV box as connected to it?

 

I ment the cable that runs around the inside of your home not external.

 

I know my internal cables were pinched at the junction box that entered my home.

 

Sorry - Internal cables are all new, & in good order.

 

The TV Box & Modem are connected to the same external connection - just on a splitter.

[Jelly Bean]

Your Ping appears fine:

 

Troubleshooting: intermittent connection - Broadband - Help - Virgin Media

 

Are you connected via USB to modem or eithernet cable?

 

1. Click the Start menu button on the Windows taskbar.
   
2. Click Run... on this menu.
   
3. If the computer is holding a current IP address, type 'cmd' (without the quotes) in the text box that appears. A command prompt window appears on the screen.
   
4. Type 'ipconfig' (without the quotes) to view the status of the computer's IP address(es).
   
5. If the computer is holding a current IP address, type 'ipconfig /release' to let go of the address.
   
6. Type 'ipconfig /renew' to obtain a new IP address (whether or not the computer is holding a current address).
   

Also try this command:

 

ipconfig /flushdns

 

 

Open your internet explorer and click tools/internet options and delete cookies,history and temp files.

[dazzac1965]

I'm connected wirelessly. But I can connect via USB.

 

I have done the IP tests but get the error message:

could not flush DNS resolver cache: function failed during execution.

Internet browser cookies/cache are cleared weekly anyway. - But I've done this now .

[Jelly Bean]

Are you leaving the space in the commands?

 

Its ipconfig then a space /

 

Do you have a main computer connected via cable?

 

Ahhhh the possibility could be hardware not good enough to hold a good signal.Other laptops hogging the network.

 

Interference from cordless phones,mobiles and other wireless products.

 

To close to a wireless router can cause drop outs in signals.

 

To far away and thicker walls cause a drop of signal/connection.

 

Using the XBOX could actualy be the cause also.

 

What make and model is your wireless router?

[dazzac1965]

Are you leaving the space in the commands?

 

Its ipconfig then a space /

 

Do you have a main computer connected via cable?

 

Ahhhh the possibility could be hardware not good enough to hold a good signal.Other laptops hogging the network.

 

Interference from cordless phones,mobiles and other wireless products.

 

To close to a wireless router can cause drop outs in signals.

 

To far away and thicker walls cause a drop of signal/connection.

 

Using the XBOX could actualy be the cause also.

 

What make and model is your wireless router?

 

 

OK, I'll try the commands again.

 

There is no main computer connected via cable.

 

The hardware issue, possible on the oldest laptop. But the problem still exists on the newest - only 5 months old! and it occurs with 1, 2, or 3 laptops connected to the internet at the same time. We can use any laptop on its own to surf the net & it will still have this fault.

 

Mobile phone & cordless phone - yes they are in the same room but mobiles are not always switched on & the cordless phone has always been in the same place, which is near the router. I will monitor this & maybe move the phone. - would the problem only occur when a phone is in use?

 

The Xbox is not always on & if it is, there would only be 1 laptop on at the same time. Also, the Xbox is not connected to xbox live for gaming purposes.

 

All laptops are used in the same room as the router.

 

The Router is a BELKIN. I Can't remember the model No. It is a few years old though. 1 laptop connects to the internet via a BELKIN G wireless adapter. Virgin Media has sent me a brand new one, which I intend to set up. Only to eliminate the router - although I certain its not the cause, as this fault occurs wireless or when connected via a cable.

 

Sorry if I'm sounding a bit negative - I'm not. I'm just answering your queries as best as possible. Thank you for your patience & help - hopefully we'll get there - then I should phone Virgin & tell them how to solve the problem!:):)

[dazzac1965]

I've just re-cleared the IP cache commands & worked OK this time. Thanks

[Jelly Bean]

Hey you didnt sound negative to me,I can fully understand that this is annoying for you.

 

Firstly I would setup the new wireless router and this would rule in or out the old one.

 

Sorry for late reply to,small child refused to get dressed and I had to go shopping at Tesco.

[dazzac1965]

No worries, I'll say TTFN & set up the new router & let you know how I get on.

 

In the mean time.... has anyone else had a similar problem with Virgin Media?

[Jelly Bean]

To be honest I always found Virgin to be great and gave me a good constant speed.

 

Dont worry I am sure others will input and help here.

[dazzac1965]

To be honest I always found Virgin to be great and gave me a good constant speed.

 

Dont worry I am sure others will input and help here.

 

I agree - I've been with Virgin/Cable-tel/NTL for 10 years a least. Always given good consistent speed & helpful - even when NTL has being slated for poor response in the call centers I still had no problem.

 

I've just installed the new wireless router on all 3 laptops & the Xbox connects to it as well. On that subject, I was using it over the weekend, & 1 laptop was in use. Everything was fine for about an hour, then connection was lost on the laptop, the the Xbox popped up with error message - cannot find connection to server. The Xbox is connected with a wire directly to the router.

[norman]

hi i have 2 desk top pcs 1 xp 1 vista wireless connection to belkin wirelessrouter usb wireless dongle belkin for both for 3 months similer problen connection stops no reason icon sais dissconnected try repair in taskbar connection icon sooner or later 3-25 mins suddenly reconnects again could be longer as somtimes leave it for 1+hrs isp is orange had a major fail in connectio last october BT finally found a internet cable, a underground idsn major rout cable, was flooded neighbour is a water man, he was called to pump out the underground gpo cable conduite, is how we know We were off 6 days orange sent bt open reach repair man he came and when we tolsd him the reason didnt belive till he wrang bt then was mad as 100 calls to make having no success we still have intermittent probs

so weather the problem just a thought as so similer a problem everyone said there was no problem bt found the problen on 3ed check on line ask for a prolonged check on the line isp needs to ask BT to check may help ? norman

[dazzac1965]

Replace the new router - so far so good, but it may just be luck! I'll keep you posted.

[dazzac1965]

Hi,

Latest update:

Its been a while now since my last post on here. Happy times as I have not had this fault again. So it must have been caused by my old wireless router, BUT I have moved the router slightly, so my be I had a little interferance as well. Many thanks to the suggestions/help that have ben posted.

 

Dazzac1965