The ADSL cable modem has been down for six days and counting at my brother’s house. I found the Internet to be very slow last Friday afternoon, as it wouldn’t connect to any sites. When this happened previously, it would only be down for maybe a few hours at the most. But this has been going on for way longer than I expected it to!
On Friday, my sister said that she wasn’t surprised that the Internet was slow, as it had been slow the previous afternoon. However, when this state of affairs continued into Saturday and beyond (no matter what time it was), my brother had to say that it wasn’t a surprise anymore that the Internet was down. I had to agree, but wondered what could be slowing the entire Internet (on a 24/7 cable ADSL modem, no less) for that long. That’s where you come in.
I can understand largely temporary periods of time where the Internet is slow because of traffic, or because the modem’s being temperamental because of weather or whatever. However, when it’s down like this for that long, one has to wonder. My sister said that she might have done something to break the Internet, but wasn’t sure what. She’s no longer around to ask, either. (if she’d give us any answers, that is) I could ask her on MSN, though.
So any answers? Or does my brother just wait it out? It’s not a problem for him, as he’s out of the house all the time, and can check his mail and stuff at school if need be… I even saw him on MSN a few hours ago when he was presumably at school. But still, I’m sure we’d like some answers. (besides, if I go over there and have to amuse myself sans Internet connection by playing Solitaire and listening to the Newsboys one more time, I might not be a happy Flamsterette)
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Flamsterette_X,
This same thing occasionally happens to me and it generally is straightened out by ‘resetting’ the modem. If they have not tried, have them unplug the modem for a minute or so. Once plugged back in, it should take a couple of minutes to re-establish the connection and should work from there. It’s also not a bad idea to reboot the computer at the same time. There should also be a pamphlet or card htat came with the cable modem showing various error codes that may help in diagnosing the problem. If all else fails, a call to the local cable provider will let them know if there are any system problems. If the modem was supplied by the cable company, they will send someone out to repair/replace if it is determined that the problem is with their equipment.
Good Luck,
Is it aDSL or cable modem? - They are different.
After restarting everyithing I think you should call your provider.
octothorpe, thaniks for the advice, 
Someone else suggested calling the provider, and I actually thought of unlugging everything and then restarting, but I wasn’t sure if that would do any damage or not. (I’m paranoid about doing damage to any computer or electronic machine)
k2dave, it’s an ADSL modem. I just put both because I was unsure if they actually were the same thing or not.
F_X
Your provider will probably make you first unplug/reset the modem just like octothorpe said. I used to have problems like this with my provider and I just was patient enough to call every single time service faltered and wait up to 60 minutes to talk to someone and register my complaint. This got my a free month of service as well as a new modem and two personal service calls.
but it’s definitely a problem that your provider can at least help you out with. Even if it’s not their fault, they can say “it’s not us, but here’s what it may be…”
Well, the Internet is up at my brother’s again. He called me last night to figure out Friday plans, and I asked him if the Internet was working yet or not. (preparing to give him all your lovely suggestions: for which many thanks again) He said it was, and added that he didn’t know what had happened. More proof of that came in a few hours, as I saw him on MSN at around 11 PM. (not at school, as he was driving home when he called me from his cell)
Oh, and he also told me: “Now that it’s up again, don’t come over and Straight Dope everything.” It was either that, or “Now that it’s up again, you can come over and Straight Dope everything.” Knowing him, I’d choose the first one. Besides, he was talking on his cell so I couldn’t hear him that clearly. He knows me way too well, as that’s what I’ll be doing. 
(especially without my sister around to bug me)
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