[RESOLVED] Cable Modem

There is a splitter that connects my cable modem and capture card to the cable line. Recently, my cable modem has been dropping connections. When I take the splitter off, and do a direct connect, the cable modem drops less connections. I tried a different splitter already too but same thing happened. Also, there is a connecter to join two cable ends together. I felt that last week and it was really warm.

So is this a cable modem case? I don't think it is the router right? This happened to me 6 years ago so I replaced the cable modem at the time. Does cable modem have to be replaced every once in a while or something?

Thanks

Heat is the enemy of routers and cable/dsl modems. However, the connectors on the cables shouldn't be getting that hot. Corrosion or poor contact on the connectors is a possibility.

It could be either cable modem or router - which brands do you have? Few years ago my cable modem went bad. Replaced with a generic brand from Best Buy but it would drop too often. Replaced with Motorola Surfboard and has been going fine! :)

I also use a splitter - have been for years - and haven't had any problems. However, I've had both cable modem and router go bad and that usually results in dropping connections. How long have you had the router? As with any electronics, difficult to say how long they'd last. Sometimes they go for years, other times you get a lemon and it conks out quickly for no apparent reason. But if you've had your cable modem for 6 years, that might be the issue - that's about how long my first one lasted.

How long have you been running the splitter setup?

With my previous provider I had to have separate lines, one for the TV tuner card, one for the cable modem, or it would drop the connection frequently.

I recall trying a signal amplifier before but that did not work at all for the data connection - it did improve the TV signal though.

Like Nick I replaced my modem with a Motorola Surfboard and it's been very good to me.

Cheers
KGG

I have not replied back since January because I wanted to make sure.

I have a Motorla Surfboard for years too. My setup was fine for years, similar to KGG because of TV Tuner card. My amplifier was fine too.

What I determined was a bad multi-splitter in the attic. As soon as I removed that 4-ways splitter and replaced it with a single straight connector in the attic, everything was fine. I am not sure if the insulation stuff shorted the splitter but as I shared before, the straight connector in my room was warm. I didn't even know a multi-splitter could go bad.

So anyway, it was not the router or the modem. It was the multi-splitter. I have 2 multi-splitter intersection points and 3 straight connectors between the cable from outside my house to my router. I know it is alot but it is the only way to run the lines in my house.

LOL - Those inexpensive little components can cause quite some headaches... :)

Perhaps the (typically) extrem temperature changes in an attic did somehow deteoriate that splitter?

Heat and normal corrosion because it exposed to air is what kills them. Replaced lots of splitters over the years because of the corrosion bit.