I've been having issues lately where my internet connection simply disappears. The lights on the modem indicate things are functioning properly.

Sometimes, when I lose the connection, I log on to the router admin page and I usually get one of two results. 1.) I can't even connect to the router. 2.) I can connect to the router and the system page shows no connection to the cable modem (no ip address or routing information).

For grins, I decided to connect the computer directly to the modem. After I restarted the modem, the mac would get an ip address and I was on the internet at speeds that seemed faster than when the router was functioning properly.

Lately, when I try to do that, the ip address that shows up in the Network control panel is on the cable modem network; 192.168.100.XX (My router is 192.168.2.XX). When I type the ip address that is listed in the router section of the network (192.168.100.1) control panel into a Safari, I'm directed to the cable modem configuration page. Eventually after switching back and forth out of DHCP, it will pull a normal address from the cable company.

I had similar problems in the past with an SMC router (SMC7004VWBRV) which I replaced about a year ago with a Belkin (F5D7230-4). Everything seemed fine for a while until just recently.

Since I've been getting the weird anomaly with modem ip, I'm thinking that it may be time for a new modem. The one I have is a Terayon TJ715 modem that I purchased from the cable company about 6-7 years ago.

Any ideas?

A 6 year old modem may not be fully compatible with your ISPs current network. I had an old modem and, after Comcast made some equipment changes on their end, my connection become extremely unreliable. The fix was to replace their ancient (by then) modem with a current model.

You will always see faster Internet speeds when connected via Ethernet over Wireless. Has your Router stayed current with all Firmware updates??? That could be a possible solution, but I'm leaning towards Jack's suggestion of older hardware not being compatible anymore

My iMac is always connected via wire, never wireless. I have also updated the firmware within the last three months. It was one of the first things I did when I started having the issue.

As for my modem, it is still listed as being compatible on Comcast's Website. However, since it is so old, I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for a deal on something new.

Thanks,
Brian

Mine was "compatible" too according to Comcast - it just didn't work. Took Comcast a month to figure out it was my old modem.

There's a chance that Comcast's policies regarding modems might be similar to AT&T's. Following is my recent experience with AT&T.

I've had DSL for years, with AT&T (and the previous companies - SBC Yahoo, Ameritech). When I initially obtained my DSL (with Ameritech at that time) they supplied the modem for free. It was probably 7 years old or more. It was still compatible and worked, but I would occasionally lose my connection, and would have to power down both the modem and router - and restart them. Note that the wireless router was a third party Belkin, which was never supported by AT&T or the previous companies.

I called AT&T Sales, and inquired about getting a 2Wire as a replacement for the old Speedstream Modem. Since I was having the occasional dropped-connection issues, they sent me the 2Wire ($80 value) for free. I just had to pay shipping. The 2Wire is a combination modem/wireless router. It not only resolved the occasional dropped connection problem, but seems to be somewhat faster.

Another benefit to the 2Wire is that now both the modem "and" the router are supported by AT&T. Previously, since they only supported the old modem, I would be asked to remove the router when I called for tech support - to troubleshoot problems.

I don't know if Comcast has a similar modem/wireless router, or what their policies are regarding a replacement. But, it might be worth looking into or give them a call to inquire. You might have better results by talking to their Sales department, rather than Tech Support. Even though you might not need the wireless router portion of it now, it might come in handy later - and you will probably have 3-4 Ethernet ports for hard-wiring it. My 2Wire has 4, and I even have an old LaserWriter printer plugged in to it, in order to be available wirelessly on the LAN.

Cable modems don't last forever. I've been on Comcast for a very long time and I use their modem. I think I am on my fourth or fifth one over the years. When the reception gets flaky I just have them come out and replace the modem. The bring the latest one. No hassle. Prior to that I used to use my own.

Well, since I recently purchased the router, I decided to pony up for a new modem. I found one at a decent price on newegg.

I'll post a followup after I get the new setup up and running.

Thanks,
Brian

Brian, Who's your internet provider.

Comcast

OK.. with comcast, their DHCP server constantly has issues with routers and long leases. The DHCP server is the machine that provides your router with your external ip address. You can find this among other ways by going to the site http://www.ipchicken.com.

On your router, look in the wan side of it for something that can have your ip address "live" for no more than one hour.

Some dsl carriers also use the same wan address scheme (192.168.*.*) as your internal system. You should consider changing your router to an internal addressing scheme of (10.10.*.*) which is very unlikely to be used by comcast. That will reduce your likelihood of having a conflict should comcast change their wan scheme.

Also, outside your house is a connection from comcast's line to your home. About once every six months, disconnect and reconect these. Comcast does not use brass or gold connectors outdoors and instead uses cheaper ones that corrode. Disconnecting and reconnecting these will break the corrosion and bring you not only (I really hate the "not only" cliche but I had to use it here) back to a more reliable internet, but faster as well.

Well, I took delivery of my new modem and got everything working properly and the first thing that I notice is a huge speed difference (both connected directly to the modem and via the wired router). I wish I would have done one of those speed tests with the old vs. new.

Anyway, I hope this solves my problem. Only time will tell. If this doesn't solve it, I still have Bill's suggestions to try.

Thanks,
Brian