For the last few weeks, I have experienced intermittent dropped connections to my Amazon Echo which last for a few seconds to up to 30 seconds. Have had no prior problems with Echo. Seems to happen more frequently in the AM. Initially chalked it up to heavy holiday-related traffic on network. Echo is wirelessly connected. Other wireless devices (smartphone, Fire tablet) also seem to be running slower or slow to connect at times but have not timed those occurrences with the Echo drops. Richard E

From what I have heard, the issue is UDP port 123 used for NTP. I would suggest starting with a trigger on that port. It also uses 40317, 49317, 33434. For more info, what model router or gateway do you have.

@TV mini boxes I'd say looking from here it's probably time to consider upgrading the modem. DOCSIS 2.0 modems aren't suitable for the level of service you're subscribed to.

Thanks for the advice. I reset the modem and the problem seems to have resolved. But I suspect it may reoccur if what you say is true. Could you tell me just what the upgraded modem will do and what is it about my level of service that requires an upgrade. I am not a gamer nor heavy downloader but I do have the Echo and smartphones and tablets. Thanks. Richard Ehlke

@TV mini boxes With the modem you have now it's possible to achieve up to 25Mbps but actually speeds will likely be much less depending on how many others in your area are on the Internet at the same time. Moving to a DOCSIS 3.0 modem would give you access to more capacity due to supporting multiple channels.

Thanks. You are right that my old modem was for a time when we did not have 2 smartphones, 1 tablet, smartTV, Netflix and now Amazon Echo. I notice that the Cox recommended modems have built-in routers. So I can dispense with the Belkin router I now use with my Scientific Atlanta DOCSIS 2.0 modem? I assume I can also purchase and install myself a DOCSIS3.0 modem on your approved list rather than a monthly rental? Any benefits to rental as opposed to purchase? Thanks again. Richard Ehlke

Intermittent dropped connection

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Tecknowhelp
Valued Contributor II
From what I have heard, the issue is UDP port 123 used for NTP. I would suggest starting with a trigger on that port. It also uses 40317, 49317, 33434. For more info, what model router or gateway do you have.
ChrisL
Former Moderator
@TV mini boxes

I'd say looking from here it's probably time to consider upgrading the modem. DOCSIS 2.0 modems aren't suitable for the level of service you're subscribed to.
rce2
New Contributor II
Thanks for the advice. I reset the modem and the problem seems to have resolved. But I suspect it may reoccur if what you say is true. Could you tell me just what the upgraded modem will do and what is it about my level of service that requires an upgrade. I am not a gamer nor heavy downloader but I do have the Echo and smartphones and tablets. Thanks.

Richard Ehlke
ChrisL
Former Moderator
@TV mini boxes

With the modem you have now it's possible to achieve up to 25Mbps but actually speeds will likely be much less depending on how many others in your area are on the Internet at the same time. Moving to a DOCSIS 3.0 modem would give you access to more capacity due to supporting multiple channels.
rce2
New Contributor II
Thanks. You are right that my old modem was for a time when we did not have 2 smartphones, 1 tablet, smartTV, Netflix and now Amazon Echo.

I notice that the Cox recommended modems have built-in routers. So I can dispense with the Belkin router I now use with my Scientific Atlanta DOCSIS 2.0 modem? I assume I can also purchase and install myself a DOCSIS3.0 modem on your approved list rather than a monthly rental? Any benefits to rental as opposed to purchase?

Thanks again.

Richard Ehlke
ChrisL
Former Moderator
@TV mini boxes

As long as it's on the approved list you're good. Whether to rent or own is up to you. We offer integrated gateways for lease or purchase although many technically proficient customers may prefer to use separate devices. If you rent we'll swap the device out anytime there is a failure however if you purchase you'll avoid a monthly charge for the device.
rce2
New Contributor II
Would I be losing any functionality if I retained my old Belkin router (a N600 dual band router) and connected it to a DOCSIS 3.0 modem as opposed to an integrated 3.0 modem and router. Thanks again for your advice.
AllenP
Valued Contributor
Just to opposite, you may loose functionality by going to a gateway. Most gateways are stripped of advanced functions to ease Cox support. You probably have more functionality in your Belkin router than a gateway. As Chris said, most technically proficient users prefer separate modems and routers. One additional benefit, if you have a router, you can upgrade firmware as issued by the manufacturer. A gateway relies on Cox approval for any firmware upgrade, including upgrades to the router section.

Edit: just a note, looking at the Belkin N600, it is limited to 100Mbps wired Ethernet. If you were to get a new router, get one with gigabit Ethernet ports.
rce2
New Contributor II
Thanks AllenP for the advice. As you saw from my thread, I am experiencing intermittent disconnects and have been advised that upgrading my modem to DOCSIS 3.0 may solve that problem. I also have several WiFi devices now. But could the fact that I do not have gigabit wired Ethernet ports also contribute to that problem? If not, what do the upgraded Ethernet ports give me. Thanks again.

Richard
AllenP
Valued Contributor
If you are on the 50Mbps or lower plan, not much. It will give you a faster internal network if you are using NAS or similar devices. The advice was just if you were upgrading your router anyway, then get one with gigabit ports. I doubt if a 100Mbps lan is contributing to your issue.