Trying to Figure Out Why Cable Modem Keeps Losing Connection

[kc27]

Spectrum is my internet provider. I use their modem, an ES2251 HW VER 1.3. My router is an Asus RT-AC88U running firmware version 3.0.0.4.386_48263

The modem only has two indicator lights on it one for power and one for online. For the past two weeks, every few days I lose my internet connection. The "online" light is lit blue indicating the modem is online, but I have no internet. I have to power cycle the modem to restore the connection.

The last time this happened, before power cycling the modem, I disconnected the router and from the modem and connected a laptop directly to the modem with an ethernet cable - the laptop had no internet connectivity. I am assuming the issue lies with Spectrum up to and including the modem, and that a router could not cause the modem to lose its connection. Is that a correct assumption?

I have used the Spectrum self-service support chat tool, and it has indicated that my area is not experiancing an outage when I have lost connectivity. Nothing has changed on my end equipment-wise. Spectrum, howver, recently increased the speed for Spectrum Internet from 300 Mbps to 400 Mbps I am thinking my modem is no longer compatible. I am going to take it to Spectrum and swap it out for another one. Does anyone have other ideas on how I shoudl proceed?

 

[PunchCardBoss]

I disconnected the router and from the modem and connected a laptop directly to the modem with an ethernet cable - the laptop had no internet connectivity. I am assuming the issue lies with Spectrum up to and including the modem, and that a router could not cause the modem to lose its connection. Is that a correct assumption?

Your logic is sound.

If time permits, do that experiment again - with a twist....

When Internet goes off, connect your laptop again

1. With the same cable
2. With a different cable
3. Restart your laptop
4. Restart your modem

 

[kc27]

I swapped modems at the Spectrum store. I got the same model, ES2251. This one is HW VER 1.4 vs the previous one that was HW VER 1.3. I am hoping this ends the once or twice a week dropped internet connections.

 

[KGB7]

Buy an Arris modem at a local store and see if you still have issues. Im guessing that the Spectrum modem is just junk.

 

[kc27]

It has been two weeks since swapping modems. I have not had any connectivity issues since then. I have used my own modems in the past. Spectrum provides their modem at no extra cost, so I go with their modem. I have found using their modem simplifies dealing with Spectrum Support when the Internet service does go out, because it removes the tendency for Spectrum Support to blame a third party modem and not proceed with any further troubleshooting.