MODEM CONNECTION – A PROBLEM AT TIMES

Nowadays we get routers that come with inbuilt modem. But, at times, there might be situations where we need to use more than one computer with internet and an external modem. In such a situation, we need to know first, how to set up the modem. The internet connection from the service provider comes to the wall jack, from where it should get connected to the modem. The modem should carry the signal to the WAN port of the router. The router gets its external IP at the WAN port and the two computers concerned can get their LAN IPs when they are connected to the router with either ethernet cables or through wireless. So, get to know your modem connection better for better performance. Need some modem help? Some tech support will help you to know it better.

It may also be possible that other devices like phones, fax and answering machines could be connected to the same line as well with filters and splitters, especially if the connection is DSL. So the best practice to troubleshoot is to eliminate the possibility of interference from other devices due to incompatibility or some other reasons. The reasons and checklist could be as follows:

1) Faulty splitters and filters.

2) Noise level, which can be checked from a different phone set. It can be verified by the ISP also.

3) LEDs on the modem, router, and ethernet ports of the computer.

4) Devices attached to the phone line like phone sets, answering machines and fax machines.

5) For a wireless connection we have to take care of interfering radio waves from cordless phones etc.

6) If there is no router and the computer is directly connected to the modem, the Device Manager entries for the modem need to be checked for problems.

7) If the connection is a dialup, then the protocols and the connectivity at the computer’s end should be checked.

8) The connection speed as shown in the TCP/IP properties could be slowed down if the connection is not stable.

9) Power cycle and modem reset would be the last option, but should not be done without consulting a help desk specialist.

10) If the modem was installed using separate drivers, then uninstalling and reinstalling the modem drivers could do the trick. This is especially helpful when the computer is directly connected to the modem.