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+--- Thread: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff (/showthread.php?tid=9938)
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Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - microchip13 - 04-22-2006
NOTE: If you want the actual questions, skip down past this stuff to...
Because of my dad's new thin client, we have to have a VPN router, which is fine, except for the fact that it's always connected and consumes more bandwith than a software VPN connection.
We've got Comcast, and we're supposed to be getting 6mbps down, however we have a very low signal even coming into our house, and while we do have an Amplifier, it's not helping too much internet wise, or doesn't seem like it.
The cable modem is currently behind an amplifier, and we're getting on average, high 2mbps, and low 3mbps, however the VPN router sucks bandwith like no other, like 1.5mbps. Last night when it was connected, but not being used our bandwith was around 1.5mbps, or 1.2mbps. Not much to my liking.
HERE!:
So, is there anyway to get our base connection faster? Like closer to the 6mbps?
And to figure out if 3mbps of it is our neighboorhood, what's the time when it's least likely to be used, so it would be just us on the network for a fastest theoretical speed.
Re: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - microchip13 - 04-22-2006
Also, we have a somewhat old modem, Motorola SB4200, could that be part of the problem?
Re: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - The Grim Ninja - 04-22-2006
First off, unless you have a VERY good signal amp, take the modem off of it. Your cable line should come in, go to a 2 way splitter, and one should go off to feed all cable TV, the other should go directly to the modem.
Motorola modem? You could try turning it on connected to a single computer and no cable, it should assign you a DHCP address somewhere around 192.168.2.10 or so. Make that a static IP. Connect the cable line and restart the modem so it connects. Then you can log into the modem at 192.168.x.1 (I don't know the actual number). You can access configuration info there including signal strength to see how strong the signal you're getting is. Search online for acceptable range. If it's below, contact the cable company. Try doing this with the modem as close to the source line as possible.
When I was having problems with my modem back in December, the guys kept wanting to replace things inside, or tell me that was the problem. I eventually got an extension cord and hooked the modem directly to the incoming line without even the ground block connected. Nothing. They replaced the entire drop and eventually had a line technician out because it was a larger problem than they could handle. Eventually, it was found to be the high school across the street with major feedback into the entire neighborhood. I was the only one who called to complain, and it was affecting all upload data for a full week.
Re: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - Panopticon - 04-22-2006
Tap the cable before the amp to connect the modem. The amp may only be helping the TV programming channels & not the data stream. Also, a 54MHz filter may help.
Also, is the thin client always transferring data thru the VPN? Getting below 3mbps on cable is bad news.
DOH! Grim beat me to it ::o
Re: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - DavidS - 04-22-2006
The amps that you can buy at Radio Shack, Best Buy, etc. tend to screw up cable internet signals, so do as they say above.
If you are still getting poor speeds, make Comcast come out and check your lines. Most likely it is something on their end and not anything you or the VPN client has done.
Re: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - jdc - 04-22-2006
i just got 6021/352 on my comcast =)
Re: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - microchip13 - 04-22-2006
I'll try that. My cable was originally connected to a y splitter, so it wasn't amped.
I don't know about the 54Mhz thingy, but I'll see if I can change it so it's not amp'd.
I didn't get speeds that differ too much, at least that I recall when it was connected straight through.
It's a Comcast amp.
The thin client isn't always transferring large amounts of data, but it's always connected to some degree, even if it is just a login window. Right now I'm getting around 3397/346 with the thin client at a login window.
This isn't too bad, about on average what we get.
I'll try switching it over and let you know, provided my parents let me in the first place.
Re: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - microchip13 - 04-22-2006
Looking at my modem config:
Downstream:
Signal to Noise Ratio 35 dB
Power Level -9 dBmV
Uptream:
Power Level 53 dBmV
Are these values normal and it's just the VPN along with our neighboorhood usage?
Re: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - Panopticon - 04-22-2006
"I don't know about the 54Mhz thingy"
Digital cable boxes talk to the 'mothership' in the bandwidth around 50MHz or so. That can cause problems with the modem. A 54MHz Hi-Pass filter can cut the interference. RS sells it as a 'RF Interference Filter' for $6.29 http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062021&cp
Note: This filter may prevent your cable box from reporting your pay-per-view purchases.
I'm getting 6.29Mbps and 365kbps tested @ http://myspeed.visualware.com/
Re: Cable Internet: Some Questions about usage and signal stuff - microchip13 - 04-22-2006
I got 3.02Mbps down, and 357kbps up.