Motorola SBG6580 -- Wireless connectivity dropping.

Call the Call Center and ask specifically if your 6580 Wireless Gateway has packet loss to the modem, incrementing T3 errors, spikes in signal level +/- 2db and the uptime of the modem.  Whatever you do for troubleshooting do not reset the Gateway as data that will be pertinent to the CSR will be lost(The annoying IVR Robot voice will tell you to reset your "Modem")  If you have any of the above issues it could be a bad modem, poor signal level caused by a degradation in the internal wiring of your dwelling or an issue at the DMARK spot where the cable enters your house/apt.

If you have a Tech come out be sure to add Cox Service Protection because you will be charged cash money on the next bill if the issue is cause by internal wiring(Better to spend 19$ spread over 3 months than a 1 time charge of 60$)

If CSR tells you all is well try another wifi enabled device.  If wifi doesn't work on 2nd devices try  to plug in to 1 of the 4 ethernet ports on back of the Gateway(Disable wifi on your laptop/macbook when doing so there is not conflict) and then test for internet connectivity. 

If you have connectivity it's 1 of 3 things.  #1. The Wifi antennas/hardware is malfunctioning.   #2. You have a device nearby that's on the 2.4 band (Think like a cordless phone, wireless printer or materials in the wall that could be blocking or disrupting the Wifi signal) that is causing interference.  #3. Gateway needs to be on top of the desk/entertainment center with no glass or dense material above the gateway as this will severely limit the range of your Wireless coverage.  If you have any of the devices I mention above by the Gateway move them away or position the Gateway in a open air location if possible as far away from the 2.4 band emitting devices as possible.

** Note if only 1 device can't connect via Wifi it's a single device issue that Cox will not help you troubleshoot unless you add Cox Home Networking at a charge.

If you're semi technical go to this link below 

http://arrisi.force.com/consumers/articles/General_FAQs/SBG6580-Changing-the-Wireless-Channel

Change the channel from default wifi channel to 1, 6 or 11

-Zaxxon-

Lord Marshall of Internet Connectivity

Are you saying the modem IS the SBG6580 or a modem is attached to the SBG6580? If the former, then disregard my comment. If the latter, that could be part of your problem since the 6580 is a gateway and not a router.

Also I +1 Edward's questions. Could you describe how they drop exactly? And is it always dropping during use? Ever a time when before use you can't connect?

Is this a cox-supplied unit? If so, then yes tech support should be able to help you on the phone and hopefully ask all the questions Zaxxon addressed and have you try some things. If not, use arriss's site for trying different channels before getting a tech out.