Why Do I Need to Power Recycle Every 3 Weeks?

NormC

I've had Spectrum internet/wireless service for three months now. Every 3 weeks, on average, I lose internet connection on my desktop computer & cell phone, and my TV streaming service (not Sepectrum) does not work. I have to power recycle the Spectrum modem & router, after which all connections are restored for another 3 weeks, and then I need to repeat the process. WHY?? This is not normal. I have had internet & wireless services for years in other parts of Oregon & California from other major providers and have never encountered this annoying, regular periodic need to power recycle. What is going on? This is not state-of-the-art technology, to be sure.

Satch

Hello @NormC,

You would need to set up a signal and drop line test to begin the investigation as to why this is happening. This would require a tech truck role to check your lines and wiring and check signal levels at your main drop, and possibly elsewhere. Contact Spectrum to set up that service call.

Since you are seeing a pattern of losing Internet about every three weeks, that represents a strong first step as a problem that can be reproduced rather than intermittent disconnects. Be advised that a moderator might send a DM to you requesting some account information to see if any abnormalities stand out with the signals immediately, You will need a tech for further testing though.

Do you lose the signal after about three weeks, more so at night, or during the day? Or could it be anytime? Any storms or other bad weather, such as accesive rain, or cold? Does the problem seem to be worse or more frequent in bad weather situations?

Do you rent Internet equipment from Spectrum or do you own your equipment? How old is the equipment?

Satch

NormC

Thank you very much, Satch. Equipment (modem & separate router) are rented from Spectrum & were installed by a Spectrum tech in early August. Generally works very well & supports my DirecTV streaming beautifully. Signal loss can be any time day or night every 3 weeks or so. As to the issue, I am not sure that the various suggestions you make are pertinent. Last month, a Spectrum tech was running a line to a neighbor's house & I mentioned this issue to him to see if he might have an answer. He said that this issue is "normal," explaining that when you have the equipment running 24/7, over time, the memory in the devices gets clogged up and eventually slows down or interrupts service altogether, at which time a reboot is needed. He suggested automatically rebooting every 2 months, but, as I said, this problem arises every 3 weeks. So, I am not sure if I accept the tech's answer because, as I said, I never had this issue with Bend Broadband for 2 years in La Pine, or with AT&T and Comcast in California for more than 20 years. I do not need to power off my desktop computer or cell phones to keep them running. So, I guess my question is whether there is something inherently amiss with Spectrum modems and routers, unlike other service providers, that requires such frequent and regular rebooting. Thanx for listening!

Norm

Satch

I agree with you @NormC,

Maybe before making that service call, invest in a WIFI signal booster. I was getting disconnects and poor signals over time, and I bought a Netgear signal booster and it has made a world of difference. I would recommend Netgear. Check this out at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Wi-Fi-Range-Extender-EX3700/dp/B00R92CL5E

I have one very similar to this. See if this helps with your Internet Connection:

Satch