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How I solved frequent drops in my WIFI connection
I posted the problem on an earlier thread and it seems like the thread was closed without any resolution.
At any rate for years I had been using a Cisco DPC3825, which is a combination cable modem and router. Over the last few months I began to get very frequent drops in the service. It was very frustrating. Cox sent out a technician and he advised me to get a WIFI extender, which I did, but it didn't fix the problem. I live in a 2-story house so I suspected the signal may be having trouble reaching various rooms, but the wifi drops would occur even if I set my laptop directly next to the modem. I also have neighbors with wireless networks and I suspected that could be interfering.
All of the signal readings from the modem were strong, so I suspected that wasn't the problem. I hard-wired my computer to the modem and it seemed to still be getting occasional drops, but I never really could confirm that. Finally, I called Cox and talked to a tech who told me the combo cable modem/routers were horrible, and that I should buy separate units. So that's what I did. I went to Best Buy and purchased a Netgear standalone cable modem and a Netgear AC1750 router. The entire bill was around $290 with tax but desperate times called for desperate measures.
I hooked it up and I haven't had a problem in a month. Problem solved. What's amazing to me is that a tech came out here and didn't suggest this might be the issue. Why not suggest it? I could have always just returned the items to Best Buy if it hadn't fixed it.
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AllenP
Valued Contributor
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1.7K Messages
Thank you, antshrike, for posting documentation of something we have been recommending on this forum for years ... a standalone modem and separate router is far superior to the gateways. You have just confirmed our recommendations
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Tecknowhelp
Valued Contributor II
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2.8K Messages
Is it a big surprise that 290$ solution would work better then a 30$ gateway? Cox suggest gateways because they are easier to troubleshoot since most of the features and abilities have been stripped from them. They can only troubleshoot simple things because of the lack of a Home Network department.
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Jerry
Contributor II
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198 Messages
I am firmly on the standalone side of the equation. That being said, some things to consider:
We don't know what the OP's problem(s) were or the cause(s) thereof. "Very frequent drops in the service," tells us nothing. Notice the word "suspected" is used throughout. After hardwiring, the occasional drops "seemed" to continue. But the OP can't confirm. How is that possible? A drop is a drop. It either happens or it doesn't. How were the earlier drops confirmed? Was a different standard being applied?
Important to note the OP states that "for years" the gateway was used apparently with no problems. Problems which surfaced over the past few months. Ah, but after getting the new hardware hooked up all is well. Problem solved. A whole month with no drops!
If the OP posts again in a couple of years complaining of drops in service, are we to conclude from that, if being consistent, that the standalone modem and router are a horrible combination? I think not. I suspect the gateway, after years of faithful service, just began to get tired and started showing signs of age. Hardware tends to do that. I tend to do that.
Documented confirmation? Hardly. Using this as proof only confirms there is no documented confirmation. Even calling it anecdotal evidence is being generous if viewed in its totality and proper context. "...for years I had been using..." is the relevant phrase and everything that followed must be interpreted with that in mind.
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