New Contributor
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52 Messages
Cisco Docis 3 Modem and Wireless Router
I have the Cisco Docis 3 modem with wireless router which I use for most of my devices (I have one PC connected via ethernet). I have the Premier internet package. Periodically, I experience erratic wireless connection to the internet - my wireless signal is still strong, but Web browsing freezes. In the past when I called Cox Technical support, they told me to unplug the modem, wait a minute and plug it in again. This fixes the problem. Today, I experienced this problem for the third time (in about six months). I called support and tried the automated support tool - which doesn't seem to understand that I was using the Cisco router for wireless and that my phone was connected via the modem. Eventually, I got to the point where the automated system told me to unplug the modem, which I did, which disconnected my phone connection. Plugging back in did restore my internet connection for my wireless devices (and my phone line).
I have some questions about this situation:
(1) I now have Cox home security installed at my home. Did disconnecting the Cisco Modem interrupt or cause problems for the security system? If so, what alternative do I have to pulling the power on the modem?
(2) The last support rep I talked too said that he thought the Wi-Fi IP addresses had gotten stale and needed to be reset - which the power off/on process does. Is there any way to log onto the modem (I can connect via my ethernet PC) and do the same thing without having to disconnect it? (I used to have a Netgear wireless router which for three years never had this problem - it seems to be a hardware/software issue with the Cox Cisco device that I now have.) I can logon to the Cisco device via the admin account. I was going to buy a new wireless router, but the Cox installation tech explained that I was paying for the Cisco router (with Wi-Fi capability) anyway, and another router was not needed.
I'd like to make this system more reliable.
David
EdwardH
Valued Contributor
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755 Messages
10 years ago
Once logged in you should see a option for DHCP or IP address lease to renew or refresh it to have it update the information on the connection.
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AllenP
Valued Contributor
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1.7K Messages
10 years ago
1. I'm not an expert on Cox Home Security but would assume, since both internet & phone are down during the gateway restart, it would interrupt your security system during that time. I would hope communications are properly restored once the gateway completes it's boot process.
2. "Stale" WiFi ip is caused by the dhcp server (function of the gateway) forgetting it issued an address and issuing it to a second device on the network. This results in a duplicate IP, do you get a message on any device about duplicate ip addresses? Unless you get some indication, I doubt this is the problem. More likely it's a firmware issue with the gateway ... maybe a memory leak or some other issue causing routing from WiFi to internet to fail. If that's the case, only a reboot of the gateway will fix the issue.
Are you on the latest firmware for your gateway? Maybe a Mod can check / download an update if available.
You could replace the gateway (combination modem & router) with a separate modem and router. If you are renting the gateway from Cox, you can return it, stop paying rent & purchase the two devices.
@EdwardH, AFAIK, you can renew your Cox external (WAN) ip address but not the DHCP issued LAN addresses. @HasmsterDR stated his problem was with the WiFi (internal LAN) addresses, not the Cox issued WAN address. If that's the problem, not sure how you can clear the router's DHCP table without a reboot.
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HamsterDR
New Contributor
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52 Messages
10 years ago
Thanks for the comments. I think I am stuck with unplugging and plugging in the modem when these problems happen. I checked the home security log and though it has a record of every time I opened my doors, there is nothing about being disconnected. I would like an authoritative response on this issue from Cox.
The tech doing my cable TV install indicated to me that because I have the Cox phone system, I am going to have to have the Cisco modem/router installed. So, even if I buy another Wi-Fi router, I still have to keep the Cisco box. One issue I have had is that my wiring closet is so small that it is difficult to have all the boxes and wires present and being able to close the door. At least the last Cox installer fixed a lot of the bad wiring that Direct TV and ADT had done. (I have a _lot_ of systems being monitored via the internet.)
I am happy with the performance of my internet now (I have the Premier level of service) and my Wi-Fi works well (except when this IP address issue occurs). I have a lot of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks in my neighborhood, but the Cisco says that interference is not a problem. If I start having problems, I will buy an AC router and use the 5GHz band.
Cox seems to be pretty aggressive on keeping up with internet speed, so maybe faster options will show up in Las Vegas eventually.
David
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ChrisL
Former Moderator
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7.1K Messages
10 years ago
Interference is always a factor. Particularly when 2.4Ghz is being used and you have more than two neighbors within range using the same frequency. Using dedicated wireless channels helps manage this but does not completely eliminate the problem. Should you attempt a move to 5.0Ghz you're going to either want to switch to a stand-alone modem if using your own router or we can upgrade you to one of our dual-band gateways. Ours are designed to be easy for a novice to setup however as a result of this they have fewer customize-able features than if you were to go with your own router.
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HamsterDR
New Contributor
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52 Messages
10 years ago
I was concerned about interference, but the Cisco software says "interference level OK" - and I haven't noticed any performance issues with the Wi-Fi.
I was figuring that I could buy a dual-band AC Wi-Fi router and connect it to a ethernet port - I didn't know Cox offered a dual band gateway. Do I go to Cox sales to find out about what that would cost (device rental/installation costs)? The Cox tech that did my recent Home Life security system install didn't know one was available. I am in Las Vegas - is it available here?
Thanks for the information.
David
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ChrisL
Former Moderator
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7.1K Messages
10 years ago
The dual band gateways we offer are wireless-N models so if you're wanting wireless-AC you may wish to get a retail unit of your own choosing. The rental cost of our dual band gateway is $9.99/mo. Our sales team has all the specifics concerning costs.
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