Unstable Internet After Moving

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Hyun0819

Commendable
Feb 19, 2016
9
0
1,510
Details:
Modem: Surfboard SB141
Router: Medialink MWN-WAPR300N

Right before we moved, we were facing a very unstable internet connection which was fixed by replacing our old SB5120 modem with the new SB6141. Then we moved to a new apartment. After we settled in and a technician from Cox set up the TV cable and the internet, I started to notice internet problems a few days later.

Issue:
Our internet speed is a stable 60 Mbps (on speedtest.net) when it's operating correctly. Then it becomes very unstable at seemingly random times, dropping the speed down to 6 Mbps due to average of all the ups and downs on speedtest.net. Often, speedtest.net will show a slightly unstable internet speed of 20-30 Mbps.

More info:
- In video games, I often see that my ping spikes up to 700-900 when I'm experiencing this connectivity issue.
- As a test, I immediately connected the ethernet cable directly to the modem when the problem occured. When I do this however, the connection shows ethernet but no internet (yellow warning triangle next to ethernet icon) which forces me to reset my modem + my laptop. After rebooting, speedtest shows me a stable connection. Then I reconnect my modem to my router which forces me to unplug everything AGAIN, and then speedtest.net shows an unstable connection. I've only tested this a couple of times and I'm not sure if my router is the problem or if the issue is resolved during the time spent resetting modem/router.

I've had a bad experience with Cox technicians before so I would like to fix this problem myself. Any help is appreciated!
 
Solution
Rogue Leader
Two ways, one would be to move the router elsewhere and test the distance before losing connection, the other is what you did already which was plug into it with an ethernet cable and if you still have service problems and then if you plug into the modem you lose those problems, you then know the router is the issue.
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H

Hyun0819

Commendable
Feb 19, 2016
9
0
1,510


I contacted Cox but all I got was along the lines of "it looks fine from here."
Since the issue occurs randomly, it's hard to time my calls to Cox so that they can see the problem.
 
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Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
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Dec 22, 2014
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I would say if they swear the connection is good then they need to give you a new modem.
 
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H

Hyun0819

Commendable
Feb 19, 2016
9
0
1,510
I forgot to mention in my first reply: thank you for helping me!

I don't think it's my modem. I've been connected to the modem via ethernet for a while and no problems have occurred so far.
Which leads me to believe that it might be my router/Wi-Fi.

Any solutions?
 
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Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator
Dec 22, 2014
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You're welcome.

Ok I didn't get that from your original post, it sounded like even when you were connected to the modem you were having problems.

SO that router sounds like it may be affected by interference in your home. Many things can cause it. Where is the router located? Can you move its location closer to where you mainly use Wifi?

Its kind of a cheap router, you may want to buy a newer more powerful one to overcome this issue as well.
 
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Hyun0819

Commendable
Feb 19, 2016
9
0
1,510


My mistake. I didn't explain it clearly.
The modem and router are located in the living room.
I'm sitting right next to my modem and router. Apparently the rest of my family in their rooms are experiencing very weak signals and disconnects. I'm only experiencing unstable internet.

Do you have any recommendations for a new router?
 
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H

Hyun0819

Commendable
Feb 19, 2016
9
0
1,510


Thank you, I'll keep that in mind.

Just out of curiousity, is it really an issue with my router even if the internet is completely fine for some time?
I kept running Speedtest.net for the past 2-3 hours and the internet was very stable.

If it is interference, how would I remedy that?

I'd like to try different solutions before purchasing a new router if possible
 
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Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator
Dec 22, 2014
32,737
2,816
113,640


Well you said the problem is happening over WiFi as well as if you plug into the router directly, but if you plug into the modem directly you never have problems.

My powers of deduction tell me the most likely culprit then is the cheap wifi router. Happens commonly. There is not much else you can test.
 
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H

Hyun0819

Commendable
Feb 19, 2016
9
0
1,510


Okay. Thank you so much for your help!

A quick question: Is there a way to easily differentiate a bad router from Wi-Fi interference? Just for future knowledge.
 
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Rogue Leader

Rogue Leader

It's a trap!
Moderator
Dec 22, 2014
32,737
2,816
113,640
Two ways, one would be to move the router elsewhere and test the distance before losing connection, the other is what you did already which was plug into it with an ethernet cable and if you still have service problems and then if you plug into the modem you lose those problems, you then know the router is the issue.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
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