Modem Gone Crazy: Dying or Something Else?

[Rl'Halsinor]

In the past few weeks I have noticed that on occasion my internet surfing would suddenly stop or pages wouldn't load. When I looked over at my cable modem I noticed it shut down and then the lights would come back on and I could continue.

However, today it has consistently shut down and come back on, shut down come back on, ad nauseum. Even when I am not online and I shut off the internet connection it will still shut-off completely and then power on. I checked all cables and power attachments and they are solid. This modem is connected through my Lynksis router via network connection (as opposed to USB). The router remains fully powered as does the rest of my PC. Only my modem seems to be sputtering, stopping, and restarting.

I checked device manager and it is clean. I ran spyswepper, NOD32 anti-vi (nothing found), and I haven't loaded anything new nor have I changed any applications nor have I changed hardware. Basically my internet habits are the same. I also have a firewall.

This modem is about 4, maybe 5 years old and has never given me a problem. Can modems go like this? I have never read of anything like I am experiencing now.

It shut down three times as I wrote this.

I am at a loss so your suggestions will be welcomed.

 

[SteelDraco]

That is pretty wonky, and not something I've seen before.

You happen to have another AC adapter of the right power specs sitting around? That would be the first thing I'd check.

 

[Rl'Halsinor]

That is pretty wonky, and not something I've seen before.

You happen to have another AC adapter of the right power specs sitting around? That would be the first thing I'd check.

Wonky is right. Today I didn't have one issue. Weird. I am going to keep an eye on it and see if it happens again. I think you are right about checking the AC adapter.

 

[TheYeti1775]

Try the Power Adaptor first, then call the cable company (if you bought it from them) about it. Many times they will replace it for free. I know mine have lasted about an average of 3-4 years before the cable co had to replace it.

 

[Mycanid]

Curious. Hmm....

Something you might try.

Go to the My Computer shortcut on your desktop. Right click it. Select Properties from the drop down menu.

Then right click on the hardware tab, and select the device manager button on that tab.

Then go to the network adapters and expand them by clicking on the plus sign. Select the network card you know is being used to connect to the internet via cable modem. Then select Properties.

Several tabs will pop up. The one on the far right should say Power Management. Select it.

You should see a few check boxes. One of them should say "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" and should be checked. Try unchecking it and then rebooting the machine.

Does that make any change?

 

[TwistedBishop]

99% chance the modem is dying. Cable modems are notoriously short-lived.