Internet Disconnects Randomly, Only One Annoying Solution

g9672001

Distinguished
Aug 7, 2010
42
0
18,530
Hello, I currently have a problem with my internet. It disconnects randomly and even when I ask charter for a new modem it still does. It usually disconnects for little bit and then reconnects but, recently I get disconnected forever until I do the following...

1. Disconnect the wire from my router to the modem

2. Connect a Ethernet wire from my computer directly to the modem for 5 seconds. (Network is stuck on identifying network)

2. Disconnect the wire and reconnect another wire from my modem to my router again. (Network suddenly starts working again)

Any reason why?

Something that could be a problem is the A.C. adapter my provider give me wasn't the correct one so I used another A.C Adapter from the modem before. It fits and it powers but, this may be a reason why it randomly disconnects.
 

vnet

Honorable
Jul 24, 2013
47
0
10,560


You are getting stuck at identifying because the modem stores the MAC address of the previously connected device (Router) until the modem is rebooted. So you cannot connect your pc to the modem without rebooting it.

In regards to your issue, since you have replaced the modem and the issue exists, it sounds like a router issue. As routers age, their stability decreases. By removing the cable for a period of time the connection on the router will eventually time out and start waiting for connectivity, plugging the cable back into the router forces a reinitilisation of the connection allowing network traffic to flow again.

As a test, if the issue happens frequently, plug your computer directly to the modem and restart the modem which will allow the internet to work on that one device. Then use it for a while to see if it still drops. If the dropping stops it may be time to factory reset/reconfigure your router. firmware updates etc. Or it is time for a replacement if that doesnt work.