My Bell internet cuts out couple of times per day - is it my end or theirs ?

[oldpro]

Hi all :)

I'll try to make this as short as possible. For years now I have had intermittent problems with Bell DSL internet. It works perfectly for days or even weeks sometimes and then suddenly, out of nowhere, it starts loosing internet connection every15 minutes or so, and after a day, all is back to perfection. I had endless rounds with Bell, but they always ask the same questions, like "how long is my telephone cable", or "do I have filters on all my phones".

I get really frustrated when this happens, and was so close many times to switching to Rogers, but I have been with Bell since immigrating to Canada 40 years ago. And recently, Bell lowered my cost significantly, so I am hesitant to leave them. And I am old enough to know, that if I switch, I might get into another set of problems, probably even worse than this one. At least my internet works - most of the times :cheesygri

I can provide all the details later, if any one might be interested to help me out with this situation.

Many thanks in advance !

Cheers.

P.S. I was thinking of buying a new DSL modem and a wifi router to see if this would help, but hate to spend moneys to just "experiment". What do u think - maybe that would be an easy test to narrow down the problem ?

[townie22]

i suspect its a Bell problem, but try a modem reboot next time it happens, turn off computer, unplug modem, wait ten minutes, plug modem back in, what ten more minutes, then start computer. you could also run a speed test before and after to compare results.

[oldpro]

i suspect its a Bell problem, but try a modem reboot next time it happens, turn off computer, unplug modem, wait ten minutes, plug modem back in, what ten more minutes, then start computer. you could also run a speed test before and after to compare results.
Thanks - Yes this is what I do to "fix" the problem. But in most cases, after cutting out, the connection returns on its own in less then a minute, i.e., I have to do nothing, but wait a bit.
The speedtest.net always reports my max. speed of 6 mbps (I'm on Fibe 6).

[Busybuyer888]

Few possible issues. Let me share my experiences.

1) Call Bell support and ask them to do a line/signal quality test.

I had these problem(s).

The house was too far from the Bell junction/CO. So the line quality to my house was barely adequet to support the DSL - lots of line errors. (So I would constantly disconnect.)

Wireless router was malfunctioning. Disconnected family's wireless internet constantly. Replaced with new wireless and problem solved.

DSL also requires filters to be placed on all the phones/fax/equipment.

For Bell's Fiber DSL service, they need to install a filter outside and run the DSL line directly into the house. (I tried it without the filtered direct line ... lots of disconnects too. Perfect service after installing the filtered direct line.)

[Calmuser]

What are your line stats?

If you don't know how to get them.

Then post your modem info, someone might know how to pull them.

And 'out of nowhere' what do you mean?

does it happen only during certain times or can it happen at 3pm one day? 5pm the next time it happens, 10pm and so forth?

[oldpro]

Few possible issues. Let me share my experiences.

1) Call Bell support and ask them to do a line/signal quality test.

I had these problem(s).

The house was too far from the Bell junction/CO. So the line quality to my house was barely adequet to support the DSL - lots of line errors. (So I would constantly disconnect.)

Wireless router was malfunctioning. Disconnected family's wireless internet constantly. Replaced with new wireless and problem solved.

DSL also requires filters to be placed on all the phones/fax/equipment.

For Bell's Fiber DSL service, they need to install a filter outside and run the DSL line directly into the house. (I tried it without the filtered direct line ... lots of disconnects too. Perfect service after installing the filtered direct line.)
Many thanks for this. OK, briefly, here is what Bell has done on this issue for the last couple of years:

1) 2 years ago, they placed a new cable (the one that goes 1 foot under the sod) from the junction box of some kind (cca 300 feet away). No change.

2) 1 yesr ago, Bell dugout a huge, 8 foot deep hole in my front yard and connected my house to some sort of "quality connection" that is "down there". No change.

3) 6 months ago, Bell send me a new ADSL modem/wifi router (one time cost to me of $50) manufactured by 2wire.com. No change.

I have only one phone in the house, and it has a filter supplied by Bell.

[lostintransit]

are you connected to the router via wifi or ethernet cable?
if you generally fix the problem by resetting the modem/router then i would suspect those first.
I would not suspect the line at this stage.
You could check the logs in the router to identify any errors.
On the modem what do the lights show when there is a problem, versus normal?

Start by connecting your computer to the router via Ethernet cable, wait for problem to occur..
Not possible? What kind of router and modem is it?



Hi all :)

I'll try to make this as short as possible. For years now I have had intermittent problems with Bell DSL internet. It works perfectly for days or even weeks sometimes and then suddenly, out of nowhere, it starts loosing internet connection every15 minutes or so, and after a day, all is back to perfection. I had endless rounds with Bell, but they always ask the same questions, like "how long is my telephone cable", or "do I have filters on all my phones".

I get really frustrated when this happens, and was so close many times to switching to Rogers, but I have been with Bell since immigrating to Canada 40 years ago. And recently, Bell lowered my cost significantly, so I am hesitant to leave them. And I am old enough to know, that if I switch, I might get into another set of problems, probably even worse than this one. At least my internet works - most of the times :cheesygri

I can provide all the details later, if any one might be interested to help me out with this situation.

Many thanks in advance !

Cheers.

P.S. I was thinking of buying a new DSL modem and a wifi router to see if this would help, but hate to spend moneys to just "experiment". What do u think - maybe that would be an easy test to narrow down the problem ?

[oldpro]

What are your line stats?

If you don't know how to get them.

Then post your modem info, someone might know how to pull them.

And 'out of nowhere' what do you mean?

does it happen only during certain times or can it happen at 3pm one day? 5pm the next time it happens, 10pm and so forth?
Thanks for helping :)
The modem/router from Bell is:
Manufacturer: 2Wire, Inc.
Model: 2701HG-G Gateway

On "line stats" - don't know how to obtain those, but will "dig" around...

I happens randomly, not tied to any time of day, or similar.

[Calmuser]

hmm you might be out of luck since Bell locked down the line stats in the latest 2wire firmware.

if these links don't work, your out of luck for line stats!

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/r18983051-How-do-you-get-line-stats-from-2Wire-Modem

[lostintransit]

Thanks for helping :)
The modem/router from Bell is:
Manufacturer: 2Wire, Inc.
Model: 2701HG-G Gateway

On "line stats" - don't know how to obtain those, but will "dig" around...

I happens randomly, not tied to any time of day, or similar.

are you using wireless and configured security as WEP?
If so I would either call bell and tell them to replace your old router modem with a new model that supports wpa 2 (if they do) because WEP is hackable pretty quickly, and it is causing problems..(possibly and most likely)

or buy your own modem , speedtouch st516 (v6?) and a new wireless router, many options here (look for other threads what people recommend), .. and test and learn something

Note: you probably pay rent to bell for your modem, which even if you have your own equipment you have to pay.

[oldpro]

are you using wireless and configured security as WEP?
If so I would either call bell and tell them to replace your old router modem with a new model that supports wpa 2 (if they do) because WEP is hackable pretty quickly, and it is causing problems..(possibly and most likely)

or buy your own modem , speedtouch st516 (v6?) and a new wireless router, many options here (look for other threads what people recommend), .. and test and learn something

Note: you probably pay rent to bell for your modem, which even if you have your own equipment you have to pay.
Thanks for helping :)
My current modem supports both, the WEP and WPA, and I tried both, with no change in my intermittent problem.
I do not pay for the rental any more, because when the new modem bell sent me about 6 months ago, I had to pay one time charge of $50. Bell still owns the modem, though.

[xalex0]

Connect the modem directly to the demarc (the point where the line comes into house). If it doesn't work from there either then it's Bell's responsibility to fix.



I had to pay one time charge of $50. Bell still owns the modem, though.What a ripoff.

[oldpro]

hmm you might be out of luck since Bell locked down the line stats in the latest 2wire firmware.

if these links don't work, your out of luck for line stats!

http://www.broadbandreports.com/forum/r18983051-How-do-you-get-line-stats-from-2Wire-Modem
I think I am "out of luck" here: I checked every page and option when I log into my modem/router, and do not see anything relating to the "stats" of any kind.

[oldpro]

Connect the modem directly to the demarc (the point where the line comes into house). If it doesn't work from there either then it's Bell's responsibility to fix.

What a ripoff.
Actually, I did that already, i.e., I brought the modem from upsatairs to the main floor, just a few feet from the wall where the the ouside Bell junction box is - that is as close as I can get to the outside Junction box. And my telephone cable is only 6'

[Calmuser]

I think I am "out of luck" here: I checked every page and option when I log into my modem/router, and do not see anything relating to the "stats" of any kind.

did you try the links in that post I linked?

line stats were never directly linked to in the router pages.

[lostintransit]

Buy your own equipment and return theirs once it is setup and working, wpa is not wpa2. Always try to connect via ethernet cable, if possible.

[oldpro]

did you try the links in that post I linked?

line stats were never directly linked to in the router pages.
I tried all the links and all come back with "Page Not Found" :(

[oldpro]

Buy your own equipment and return theirs once it is setup and working, wpa is not wpa2. Always try to connect via ethernet cable, if possible.
Sorry, the precise protocol it supports and which I also tried is WPA2-PSK.

[xalex0]

Do you notice any correlation with the weather, e.g. rain?

[oldpro]

Do you notice any correlation with the weather, e.g. rain?
You know what - that's a great question, but I just haven't paid any attention to this, so I don't have any good "statistics" on this. But will watch this like a hawk for the next while. Well no rain forecast here in Mississauga, for a while :)

[jackie999]

I own my own 2wire and can access the 'management diagnostic consol', for line stats etc., thru,

192.168.1.124/mdc

are you locked out of there?

[oldpro]

I own my own 2wire and can access the 'management diagnostic consol', for line stats etc., thru,

192.168.1.124/mdc

are you locked out of there?
Returns "Page Not Found". It looks like my Bell version of 2wire is crippled.

[ancnfamily]

Next time you call Bell, have them look at the DMT Graph and if there are any gaps between bars. If there're, then certain frequencies are being cancelled out which is no good. Interference can happen by radio waves, electrical storms, inside wiring, outside wireing, etc.. You want graph to be solid and no gaps.
Also request them to provide you with a POTS SPLITTER. This way, you don't add any extra distance to CO by your existing wireing.Distance measurement stops at POTS SPLITTER and you only need one and there is no need to use a filter at any physical phone or fax machine. You need to make sure that your 2Wire modem/router is not filtered as well.

Here is a good read:
http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/adsl_technology.htm#dmt

[oldpro]

Next time you call Bell, have them look at the DMT Graph and if there are any gaps between bars. If there're, then certain frequencies are being cancelled out which is no good. Interference can happen by radio waves, electrical storms, inside wiring, outside wireing, etc.. You want graph to be solid and no gaps.
Also request them to provide you with a POTS SPLITTER. This way, you don't add any extra distance to CO by your existing wireing.Distance measurement stops at POTS SPLITTER and you only need one and there is no need to use a filter at any physical phone or fax machine. You need to make sure that your 2Wire modem/router is not filtered as well.

Here is a good read:
http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/adsl_technology.htm#dmt
Thanks for this detailed writeup. Unfortunately, many terms u use are "above my head" in knowledge, so I'll have to actively google your stuff for a while...

Re. "calling Bell", while they are polite and quite OK, somehow, I feel very "exhausted" after a session with them - I'm sure it's my bad health and my ancient age, more than anything else :)

[jackie999]

I was reading here (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r26813123-Internet-Line-stats-on-the-2-wire-), as was already mentioned, that bell has crippled the diagnostics in the 2wire, for the user. I think you're out of luck.
For around $20 you could buy a modem that would give you all these tools that bell figures you don't need..just a thought. That's assuming bell will let you run a modem that isn't rented from them. It's been so long since I was with bell....

[oldpro]

I was reading here (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r26813123-Internet-Line-stats-on-the-2-wire-), as was already mentioned, that bell has crippled the diagnostics in the 2wire, for the user. I think you're out of luck.
For around $20 you could buy a modem that would give you all these tools that bell figures you don't need..just a thought. That's assuming bell will let you run a modem that isn't rented from them. It's been so long since I was with bell....
Thanks for this - much appreciated.

Re. buying a new modem - if I knew that my existing modem is my definite problem, I wouldn't mind buying a replacement one at once. But at this stage, I have no clue what the problem is, and in addition, I just paid Bell $50 for the modem I have now.

Re. connecting a third party modem to bell internet, I have no idea if it'll work - anyone tried that ?

Thanks :)

[Revva7]

We have the best internet service in our area. We live in an older apartment building which I have found out has old cable wiring in it. The complex will not spend the money to replace the wiring. It becomes very frustrating because I work from my home office and when the internet service is off and on - it totally affects my business.

Do you live in a rented living space? Or, do you own your home? This could make a difference!

[oldpro]

...Do you live in a rented living space? Or, do you own your home? This could make a difference!
it's a house

[lostintransit]

Can you run an ethernet cable from the bell router to the computer temporarily to see if its the wireless? You can buy one(ethernet cable) at your local computer store. Canada computers/ncix are least likely to rip you off, futureshop / radioshack will be overpriced.
Personally i would spend $50 on a modem and $100 on a decent gigabit router and send the bell modem router back. Then connect via ethernet. With wireless you will always have disconnects but the quality of the router is going to determine how often these happen.

Its possible to do with Bell, you just need all your connection info handy and patience.

[oldpro]

Can you run an ethernet cable from the bell router to the computer temporarily to see if its the wireless? You can buy one(ethernet cable) at your local computer store. Canada computers/ncix are least likely to rip you off, futureshop / radioshack will be overpriced.
Personally i would spend $50 on a modem and $100 on a decent gigabit router and send the bell modem router back. Then connect via ethernet. With wireless you will always have disconnects but the quality of the router is going to determine how often these happen.

Its possible to do with Bell, you just need all your connection info handy and patience.
Good post - much appreciated :)

YES !!! this problem has too many "variable parts", and wireless part is not a small one. And yes, I do have an ethernet cable, but at this point, the system is all working perfectly (for at least 2 days now) so I want to leave it as is (wireless) until it starts to fail again and then I can do the wired option experiment.

Thanks.

P.S. Any suggestions on a good ADSL modem and a separate wifi router ?

[xalex0]

Any suggestions on a good ADSL modem?Speedtouch 516 usually gets the vote.

[tomjose]

Ive been on the Fibe25/7 profile with teh Sagemcom modem and for the last few weeks, ive been having disconnects every 45minutes. its insane!

I got the modem replaced once and now its happening again.

So now the Bell rep downgraded my upload speed from 7Mbps to 3Mbps... and im still paying the same amount. wtf

the connections stable so far but if it disconnects, oh man oh man, im going HAM on em

[jackie999]

Depending on who you ask you will get a different recommendation on modem and/or routers :)
Personally, I like the TP-link..a quick search over on DSLr brings up this discussion
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r26935448-DSL-19-meg-Profile-with-TP-Link-8840T
That modem is around $34 on bewawa atm...you can expect to spend between $20 and $40 for a DSL modem. Perhaps you are on the basic DSL 6Mbps plan (as I am with acanac) so a basic modem will do you.
As for the router..I asked here on RFD a while back for some recommendations and have been shopping ever since :) Here, you'll pay between $50 and $200 ... I was leaning towards an ASUS router but everytime I looked there was a faster, newer, shinier one being released..so I'm still using my old WRT54GLs linked for distance.

[oldpro]

Ive been on the Fibe25/7 profile with teh Sagemcom modem and for the last few weeks, ive been having disconnects every 45minutes. its insane!

I got the modem replaced once and now its happening again.

So now the Bell rep downgraded my upload speed from 7Mbps to 3Mbps... and im still paying the same amount. wtf

the connections stable so far but if it disconnects, oh man oh man, im going HAM on em
I' with with u :)
Re. lowering the spped - actually I forgot to mention this too: a few months back they tried to lower my speed from 6 mbps to something like 3 mbps and it became stable as rock. Would that indicate a bad/unadequate Bell system outside of my house/control ?





Speedtouch 516 usually gets the vote.
Thanks, will investigate this one. Hope it can provide some statistics about the network quality ?





Depending on who you ask you will get a different recommendation on modem and/or routers :)
Personally, I like the TP-link..a quick search over on DSLr brings up this discussion
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r26935448-DSL-19-meg-Profile-with-TP-Link-8840T
That modem is around $34 on bewawa atm...you can expect to spend between $20 and $40 for a DSL modem. Perhaps you are on the basic DSL 6Mbps plan (as I am with acanac) so a basic modem will do you.
As for the router..I asked here on RFD a while back for some recommendations and have been shopping ever since :) Here, you'll pay between $50 and $200 ... I was leaning towards an ASUS router but everytime I looked there was a faster, newer, shinier one being released..so I'm still using my old WRT54GLs linked for distance.
Yes, the TPLink seems to have good reviews and their stuff is really reasonably priced.
Thanks for your help.

[Jimboski]

tl;dr
You need a new ISP..

[Jimbobs]

it starts loosing internet connection every15 minutes

Firstly, I would not advise you buy or replace anything until you, or someone else, identifies the problem. If your service runs well most of the time, it's unlikely to be a connectivity or hardware issue. Have you checked your line speeds when the service is running correctly using speedtest.net? That's always good to do from time to time so that you can see how your performance is changing.

Also, what symptons are you experiencing when you loose connectivity? Is your moden actually loosing sync - DSL light going from green to amber, Internet light going out, etc.? Or do you just fail to connect to a web page? If the latter, it could be a DNS problem (IMO, the worst ongoing problem with Bell). One way to test this is to enter an IP address rather than a URL. I switched to OpenDNS years ago and my Bell service is much improved as a result :)

[oldpro]

Firstly, I would not advise you buy or replace anything until you, or someone else, identifies the problem. If your service runs well most of the time, it's unlikely to be a connectivity or hardware issue. Have you checked your line speeds when the service is running correctly using speedtest.net? That's always good to do from time to time so that you can see how your performance is changing.

Also, what symptons are you experiencing when you loose connectivity? Is your moden actually loosing sync - DSL light going from green to amber, Internet light going out, etc.? Or do you just fail to connect to a web page? If the latter, it could be a DNS problem (IMO, the worst ongoing problem with Bell). One way to test this is to enter an IP address rather than a URL. I switched to OpenDNS years ago and my Bell service is much improved as a result :)
Thanks very much. OK, I'll try to give as brief summary as possible to your questions (so Jimboski doesn't give me his "tl;dr" again :))

1) Speedtest.net is always at full speed, in my case for Fibe 6 I get 5-6 mbps.

2) The problem manifests itself by not displaying the desired web page, but instead, I get the web page with my modem picture on it telling me that internet is not available, or something like this. Then, I just wait a minute or two, and a new page automatically pops up, again with the picture of my modem, telling me that the problem has been resolved and that I must restart my browser, which I do, and all is OK again. This business of restarting the bowser is especially annoying, especially if I have many tabs open, since I loose them all.

[xalex0]

2) The problem manifests itself by not displaying the desired web page, but instead, I get the web page with my modem picture on it telling me that internet is not available, or something like this. Then, I just wait a minute or two, and a new page automatically pops up, again with the picture of my modem, telling me that the problem has been resolved and that I must restart my browser, which I do, and all is OK again.Sounds fishy. I never seen a modem do that. And you really should never need to restart your browsers.


This business of restarting the bowser is especially annoying, especially if I have many tabs open, since I loose them all.Check if your browser has an option to recover tabs on restart. If it doesn't then replace it with the one that does. I know that firefox has "session manager" addon for that.

[jackie999]

Agreed - I'm not sure what the "modem picture on it telling me that internet is not available" is. Is it possible this is the windows connectoid that was used in the old days. In this case a screen shot would be worthwhile...
Normally, your modem has the username/password and negotiates the connection...this is done automatically when you start up your PC. If, after that, your PC loses connection all you should get is the page constantly trying to load and eventually timing out. No 'modem picture' ...very strange...

[oldpro]

Sounds fishy. I never seen a modem do that. And you really should never need to restart your browsers.
Check if your browser has an option to recover tabs on restart. If it doesn't then replace it with the one that does. I know that firefox has "session manager" addon for that.
Re. web page with modem picture: Ever since I started this thread 3 days ago, my darn modem is 100% rock solid, w/o a single disconnect. Is it possible that this is the RFD effect :cheesygri. I'll try to capture the the page when it happens.

Re. Firefox tabs: will investigate that.





Agreed - I'm not sure what the "modem picture on it telling me that internet is not available" is. Is it possible this is the windows connectoid that was used in the old days. In this case a screen shot would be worthwhile...
Normally, your modem has the username/password and negotiates the connection...this is done automatically when you start up your PC. If, after that, your PC loses connection all you should get is the page constantly trying to load and eventually timing out. No 'modem picture' ...very strange...
Will post the picture when it happens.


Thank u both for such generous help :):):)


P.S. I hope I am not abusing/overusing these forums with this thread. If I am doing anything wrong here, please tell me.

[Agafaba]

Agreed - I'm not sure what the "modem picture on it telling me that internet is not available" is. Is it possible this is the windows connectoid that was used in the old days. In this case a screen shot would be worthwhile...
Normally, your modem has the username/password and negotiates the connection...this is done automatically when you start up your PC. If, after that, your PC loses connection all you should get is the page constantly trying to load and eventually timing out. No 'modem picture' ...very strange...

I have got that page before when I was with bell on a bell modem/router. For some reason it really does make you restart the browser to go back to that page. I believe it was bells fault but I cant remember exactly as I left bell a long time ago.

[oldpro]

OK now, I am really dumb: I reproduced the web page with the modem picture, but how do I put the capture of this web page into this forum post - PrntScrn doesn't work ?

[oldpro]

OK now, I am really dumb: I reproduced the web page with the modem picture, but how do I put the capture of this web page into this forum post - PrntScrn doesn't work ?
OK, found it: it's the WYSIWYG mode, I think. But now, after copying the page, it complains about too many characters...URGHHH...

Sory guys, I am stretching your patience here, I'm sure :(

[Agafaba]

prntscrn and then paste into paint.

[xalex0]

PrintScreen -> MS paint -> paste -> save -> upload to imageshack (or other service of your choosing) -> insert image URL into your post

[oldpro]

Thanks: OK, finally got the picture, and here it is:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7556993502_895a18869c_b.jpg

[jackie999]

Thanks for the picture oldpro - my 2wire doesn't give me that error..it must be something bell has injected into the firmware. Just another reason to get your own modem so you have full control :)
I found this posting that you may have allready come across - it may be something to try.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r26312992-Having-2WIRE-2701Hg-b-connection-drops-Read-this-tutorial-
Since you are locked out of the line stats ( http://gateway.2wire.net/mdc ) I don't think anyone here can troubleshoot your problem. For what it's worth, my gut feeling is it's the modem, not the connection, that is the problem....
*IF* you ever decided to try another provider the new modem would come in handy...

[oldpro]

Thanks for the picture oldpro - my 2wire doesn't give me that error..it must be something bell has injected into the firmware. Just another reason to get your own modem so you have full control :)
I found this posting that you may have allready come across - it may be something to try.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r26312992-Having-2WIRE-2701Hg-b-connection-drops-Read-this-tutorial-
Since you are locked out of the line stats ( http://gateway.2wire.net/mdc ) I don't think anyone here can troubleshoot your problem. For what it's worth, my gut feeling is it's the modem, not the connection, that is the problem....
*IF* you ever decided to try another provider the new modem would come in handy...
jackie999: Thank you so much for your continuing support on this topic -very much appreciated :)

That link re. 2wire modem problems is very interesting - will definitely study it and try few things: just hope I don't mess up my system even worse than it is now :cheesygri

[lostintransit]

Translation:

Your Bhell connection is currently unavailable

Error: All your base are belong to us

Please check your modem to ensure it is not on fire, because it is the cheapest modem we could provide you with.
It takes 20 minutes for our high quality router/modem to synch after it crashes.
If the DSL and INTERNET lights are still not solid green please call us and repeat the same steps with our agents.

[jackie999]

just hope I don't mess up my system even worse than it is now..
Another reason to have a spare modem :)
FWIW I bought my original 2wire on ebay about 5+ years ago - it was a refurb and it's been running fine ever since. It was around $25. A short while after that I saw the TP-link on for $18 so bought it..just for a spare. I would hold off messing around with anything if you have nothing to fall back on...but that's me :)

[oldpro]

Another reason to have a spare modem :)
FWIW I bought my original 2wire on ebay about 5+ years ago - it was a refurb and it's been running fine ever since. It was around $25. A short while after that I saw the TP-link on for $18 so bought it..just for a spare. I would hold off messing around with anything if you have nothing to fall back on...but that's me :)
ALL GREAT POINTS !
I'll wait a bit - not touching anything (until I get frustrated again with disconnections, and decide to spend some money and buy something).

[Jimbobs]

2) The problem manifests itself by not displaying the desired web page, but instead, I get the web page with my modem picture on it telling me that internet is not available, or something like this. Then, I just wait a minute or two, and a new page automatically pops up, again with the picture of my modem, telling me that the problem has been resolved and that I must restart my browser, which I do, and all is OK again. This business of restarting the bowser is especially annoying, especially if I have many tabs open, since I loose them all.

This sounds like DNS problem to me rather than physical connectivity. The corroboration would be to check the modem indicators when the problem occurs or plug say an Internet radio appliance in to your modem. I have had many experiences where the Internet radio continues to play without any issue while web browsing is impossible.

[xalex0]

plug say an Internet radio appliance in to your modem. I have had many experiences where the Internet radio continues to play without any issue while web browsing is impossible.I would instead try to use an explicit IP address, e.g. one of the google's servers: 74.125.226.56

[wilsonlam97]

I heard that if you download and upload at the same time it confuses the modem and it disconnects.

[oldpro]

This sounds like DNS problem to me rather than physical connectivity. The corroboration would be to check the modem indicators when the problem occurs or plug say an Internet radio appliance in to your modem. I have had many experiences where the Internet radio continues to play without any issue while web browsing is impossible.
Thanks - don't have anything of sort, but will try the numeric IP address, instead, as suggested by xalex0, below.




I would instead try to use an explicit IP address, e.g. one of the google's servers: 74.125.226.56
Thanks - will try this for sure.




I heard that if you download and upload at the same time it confuses the modem and it disconnects.This is interesting, but what does that mean in practical terms ? It happens when we are browsing the web pages, or my wife is watching a tv show from, like CTV or similar. Is that considered "downloading/uploading" at the same time ?

Thanks.

[Contele]

I was using 2 wire modem with Acanac for long time. Next day on June 1 the modem was OK but no eternet connection. On the same time when the Bell technician checked the connection outside of the home, Bell Modem was gone. If you use a third party DSL internet provider do not use Bell 2 wire modem. Bell will screw up their modem. You need to pay for their services $99.95 plus tax. Fault on your home.

[george__]

I have exact same issue with Teksavvy.

I'm suspecting it's my end at the moment due to too much heavy load on my router

[oldpro]

I was using 2 wire modem with Acanac for long time. Next day on June 1 the modem was OK but no eternet connection. On the same time when the Bell technician checked the connection outside of the home, Bell Modem was gone. If you use a third party DSL internet provider do not use Bell 2 wire modem. Bell will screw up their modem. You need to pay for their services $99.95 plus tax. Fault on your home.
everything is bell, including the modem/wifirouter and dsl service.


I have exact same issue with Teksavvy.

I'm suspecting it's my end at the moment due to too much heavy load on my router
thanks - are you considering any solutions to your problem ? if this question is not too private, which isp do you have and what hardware for wifi/modem/router ?

P.S. I was so close to switching from Bell to Rogers, but my wife (the much smarter btwn 2 of us) said that we maybe jumping from the frying pan into the fire :), so we have kept Bell so far.

many thanks.

[george__]

^
Basically pfSense box for now - then managed switch

If everything is from Bell... Maybe you can get Bell to give you some different equipment? Did anyone come over to your home yet?

An example of uploading... Facebook posting pictures and videos

I remember you mentioning disconnections and unable to fix it? <-- Is this thread about that?

[Jimbobs]

OP.
Did you change your DNS settings yet? Or try explicit IP address as someone else suggested? And, if not, why not?

[jackie999]

P.S. I was so close to switching from Bell to Rogers, but my wife (the much smarter btwn 2 of us) said that we maybe jumping from the frying pan into the fire :), so we have kept Bell so far.

OP seems to have given up ...keeping bell rather than supporting one of the indies.

[oldpro]

OP.
Did you change your DNS settings yet? Or try explicit IP address as someone else suggested? And, if not, why not?
The darn thing has been working like a charm for the past week or so, so I'm very hesitant to touch anything until it starts disconnecting again. But it's so strange, because absolutely NOTHING has changed on my side ?

Thanks for checking up on me - much appreciated :)

[george__]

Congrats

[oldpro]

Congrats
Most of my best results in my long life happened when I did nothing :)

[george__]

^
:(. I need to improve my home network to fix my issue

[wilsonlam97]

Don't be loyal to Bhell. Your loyalty means nothing to them.

[george__]

^ Teksavvy resales Bell. We kinda support them too

[wilsonlam97]

This is interesting, but what does that mean in practical terms ? It happens when we are browsing the web pages, or my wife is watching a tv show from, like CTV or similar. Is that considered "downloading/uploading" at the same time ?

Thanks.

These modems just suck at duplexed connections. (Getting on the internet requires a duplex connection so these modems are basically dud.)

I really recommend cable if you can switch. Unless if you're able to upgrade to fibe and get crazy upload speeds then I would strongly suggest you switch to either distributel or teksavvy for cable internet. (Acanac has horrible support, not worth the cheaper rate).

[oldpro]

These modems just suck at duplexed connections. (Getting on the internet requires a duplex connection so these modems are basically dud.)

I really recommend cable if you can switch. Unless if you're able to upgrade to fibe and get crazy upload speeds then I would strongly suggest you switch to either distributel or teksavvy for cable internet. (Acanac has horrible support, not worth the cheaper rate).
thanks for this - much appreciated.

Well, we were actually considering Rogers cable, but since our little house is not wired for cable, it probably means drilling walls etc., which we are trying to avoid.

[ancnfamily]

These modems just suck at duplexed connections. (Getting on the internet requires a duplex connection so these modems are basically dud.)

Full duplex between modem & router (or PC). From DSL modem it is a Frequency-division duplexing out to SLAM in the Central Office. For Cable it is both Time-division and Frequency-division duplexing
since on a 6 Ghz frequency you can have up to 1000 users.


I really recommend cable if you can switch. .

Cable, less security as cable connection can be shared with the whole neighbourhood. It is fast if you are one of the 1st 1000 users on the Freq. Band.
DSL, more security as your phone line is betwen your house and CO, so if someone wants to sniff your data, CO equipment will not let 2 modems synchronize. Draw back, distance from CO can limit how fast is your connection.

[ancnfamily]

I heard that if you download and upload at the same time it confuses the modem and it disconnects.

And where did you hear that?

[oldpro]

Full duplex between modem & router (or PC). From DSL modem it is a Frequency-division duplexing out to SLAM in the Central Office. For Cable it is both Time-division and Frequency-division duplexing
since on a 6 Ghz frequency you can have up to 1000 users.



Cable, less security as cable connection can be shared with the whole neighbourhood. It is fast if you are one of the 1st 1000 users on the Freq. Band.
DSL, more security as your phone line is betwen your house and CO, so if someone wants to sniff your data, CO equipment will not let 2 modems synchronize. Draw back, distance from CO can limit how fast is your connection.
This is VERY informative and useful info - many thanks :)

Our DSL modem/wifi router (all in one package) was supplied by Bell, and has Bell logo on the box, but is made by 2wire. It's shown in post #46 in this same thread. Do u think that purchasing something different (better, more expensive - I wouldn't mind spending more moneys if it'll fix the problem, at all) would solve the problem ?

Many thanks, again.

Cheers.

[george__]

^ Nah don't bother
Maybe getting a better router is a good idea due to ability to configure everything better... But modems, I doubt you'll see much difference in speed.

[oldpro]

...But modems, I doubt you'll see much difference in speed.
Actually the speed is NOT the problem - we get full speed download (when it works) but I was referring to disconnect issues.

[george__]

^ Same thing.... I doubt it will help, the disconnecting sounds like the problem I had with the speed going up and down (extremely).

This finally got fixed after I got my phone line replaced / fixed by Bell due to a different issue, my phone line just went dead.
^ So for 4 years, Teksavvy blamed me and my hardware. As a result, I accumulated about 10 modems and about 5 routers because I thought it was my hardware.

Ultimately, it was the line.

[don242]

We had a similar issue with DSL service (not Bell but still DSL). It kept going out intermittently throughout the day for a minute or two. The first time when I called support they said there was a lot of line noise because I was using a splitter. Removed the splitter and line noise dropped. Things improved but then deteriorated again over time. Called again and they said the modem was restarting and suggested replacing it. Did that and the problem is 99% fixed. Still get the occasional time when we lose the connection for a minute but it is rare.

[oldpro]

... As a result, I accumulated about 10 modems and about 5 routers because I thought it was my hardware.

Ultimately, it was the line.
Well, we are at no.2, with no fix in site :)

[JamesA1]

I had this problem a couple of times when I was using ADSL. The signal would suddenly start dropping out randomly, usually in the mornings, then it would recover and cause no problems for days at a time. Interestingly I discovered that when the ADSL connection was down, picking up the phone and calling in to report it would usually make it come back!

This problem was caused by bad outside wire contacts, the first time at the junction box on the roof where the phone line came down from the pole (discovered and fixed by me), the second time on the pole itself (fixed by the phone company). Apparently the high-frequency DSL signal is very sensitive to any slight corrosion or loosening of the contacts wherever there is a junction, and the problem first surfaces when the weather is such that there are large swings of temperature between day and night, and a lot of moisture in the air. Picking up the phone runs a small current through the line and warms it up slightly, which immediately fixes the problem. When the phone company tests the voice line, they say there is no apparent problem, although you may notice a brief and faint crackling interference sound in the background when you first pick up the phone. The regular phone techs lack the equipment to test the DSL signal, so they can only schedule a far-off appointment for an internet service tech, who may or may not find a problem when they visit (the guy they sent to fix mine didn't find anything with his test equipment, tried replacing my modem and cables, and was only finally persuaded to go up the pole and fix the wire connection after exhausting every other possibility). If you recognize these symptoms, the thing to do is call the phone company and report a voice problem on your line ("crackle fzzz... what's that, I can't hear you?"), because they have to come out and fix that within 24 hours. :)

[wilsonlam97]

^ Same thing.... I doubt it will help, the disconnecting sounds like the problem I had with the speed going up and down (extremely).

This finally got fixed after I got my phone line replaced / fixed by Bell due to a different issue, my phone line just went dead.
^ So for 4 years, Teksavvy blamed me and my hardware. As a result, I accumulated about 10 modems and about 5 routers because I thought it was my hardware.

Ultimately, it was the line.

You can't trust those flimsy phone lines.

[Contele]

Bell is screwing everyone including their own customers.
- If you are with them they will throttle your speed.
- If you have a phone line with them and internet with third party they will cap your speed to 1500KBps and sometimes lower that until loosing connectivity. (A friend has Velcome internet and this situation is on downtown Toronto
- I had a naked loop and internet with Acanac. They do the same like I said above. One worst think is that Acanac and Bell are partners on crooks. Acanac ripping off $113 on behalf of Bell blaming the customer. This is the way to encourage Canadian economy.

[GunzRX]

Didn't read thread, most likely bell. I get the same thing on bell hardware with Primus. New router didn't help.

[Spaceman33]

DSL is mainly depended on the distance from your home to CO or the DSLAM. Bell is only responsible from the CO to D-mark outside of your house. And the copper inside your house is your own responsibility. You can always disconnect your house from the d-mark and connect your modem directly to test, if there is a problem with disconnect, it is mostly on the line outside of your house. New router may not help at all, but at least it will give you your line stat.