Modem is Stuck at Low Speeds

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by AlexJel, Mar 18, 2010.

  1. AlexJel

    AlexJel Member

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    I've recently been having some problems with my modem. I have a Siemens SpeedStream 4100 that I got in 2006 and it has been fairly good to me since I got it. Recently though, If I've been getting slow speeds, and the modem configuration site says I'm stuck at 384kb/s upstream and down. While the upstream is right, the downstream should be about 1,500kb/s. Restarting the modem from that site helped a couple of times before, but now it's just stuck there. Firmware version 1.0.0.53. Various website speed tests also support the information that it is about 384kb/s. I have scanned my computer with McAfee multiple times and noting has come up, and no other odd behavior on my computer has occurred. Any ideas? Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2010
  2. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    have you check with your internet provider about your speeds?
     
  3. KillerBug

    KillerBug Active member

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    Might be time for a new modem anyway...1,500kbps is a snail's pace.
     
  4. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    provider determines speeds not so much the modem.
     
  5. AlexJel

    AlexJel Member

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    Yeah, I talked to them and they said that it was slow, and they said they would need to send out a repairman. If it's a problem on their side it's free but if it's not I might have to pay a fee.
     
  6. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    who owns the modem, you or the provider? does the modem have both usb & ethernet or just ethernet? if have usb but using ethernet then try usb with ethernet disconnected to see what happens.
     
  7. AlexJel

    AlexJel Member

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    I think I do, I got it in 2006 so I don't remember exactly though. It's only Ethernet unfortunately. I'll call them soon and see what they have to say unless I find a method to fix it before I do. I have a feeling it's with the modem though. Has anyone every heard of AT&T throttling connections for no reason, and not contacting the customer? I'm wondering if it's not a glitch like that on their side and they need it to be pointed out.
     
  8. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    don't know as i'm in canada. can you switch it with a friend just to see if you still have the problem or your friend now has the problem?
     
  9. KillerBug

    KillerBug Active member

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    Does sound like the modem; usually a problem with the line will not have the same speed up & down.

    Is this DSL? If not, then I'm sure your cable company has much faster modems now than they did in 2006...even on the cheapest plans they have.
     
  10. AlexJel

    AlexJel Member

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    Yes, it' DSL. I do know someone who has the exact same modem as me and has a plan that is one higher than me, but I don't want to screw up that modem too somehow. I called them and they also recommended I buy a new modem. They would send me a Motorola 2210 for $75 plus shipping, but I can get it on Amazon for $55. My only problem is is that all the reviews for it aren't above two stars because it died for everyone in under two years. Does anyone know a reliable modem for about the same price that also works with AT&T, or should I just go with the Motorola?
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2010
  11. BigDK

    BigDK Regular member

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    Log onto the router and look at the line attenuation both up and downstream, also if shown look at the SNR, (higher the better is what you want) make sure the settings are correct for you ISP, as something may have glitched and caused a change.

    Your PC isn’t going to determine the speed the modem is capable of training at, as the modem won’t be looking for an initialization string with AT commands in it.

    It will be determined by the quality of your line and distance to the exchange.

    Your modem could be faulty, so could the filter, if you have to start buying kit then look at getting a router instead (with an ADSL modem built in).

    Username/Password for your modem is admin/(CR) by default.

    BTW: Look at Linksys as a make, avoid any Belkin kit like the plague.
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2010
  12. DXR88

    DXR88 Regular member

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    Motorola Modems Are Garbage, like Big said Look into linksys or if that's too pricey try Netgear,Asus or buffalo.

    If you can find it, i would personally recommend this Netgear ADSL router to anyone DG834G just make sure its the V1,V3 or V4, V2 and v5 have issues

    Motorola's are better than belkin Sad isn't it
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2010
  13. AlexJel

    AlexJel Member

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  14. DXR88

    DXR88 Regular member

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  15. BigDK

    BigDK Regular member

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    I've never had any major issues with them, the odd thing that required firmware updates, but most makes models do require that at some point.
    I noramlly use D-link for wireless cards in PCs, as they install easily and have so far never gone wrong (I've used about 10 so far).
     
  16. AlexJel

    AlexJel Member

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    Well, I got a the D-Link modem/router. Everything is configured correctly, and while I am getting higher speeds, it's only gone up by 32 kbps to 416 kbps. Do you think it's time to call AT&T and see if there is something wrong with my phone line?
     
  17. DXR88

    DXR88 Regular member

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    do a line test, i think dslreports has one.

    and given At&t monopolistic comcast like nature there may be nothing wrong with your lines.
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2010
  18. AlexJel

    AlexJel Member

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    I tired a test and it said "target IP does not respond to ICMP ping". AT&T did a test, over the phone they said something was wrong but then they did an in-depth test where I couldn't use the phone and that said it was OK. Is this AT&T just allowing me crappy speeds?
     
  19. DXR88

    DXR88 Regular member

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    a line test tests the line for anomalies such as excessive noise and SNR.

    try this then report what it says.

    http://www.dslreports.com/linequality.

    if all checks out okay then AT&T is ether giving you the circle jerk, or there not giving what you paid for. both of which there notorious for.

    if it where me i would drop them.
     
  20. AlexJel

    AlexJel Member

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    When I take the test, this first comes up.

    "sorry, 99.141.70.126 is not pingable from www.dslreports.com.

    Please disable firewall ping protection. See this FAQ section for more information."

    I looked at the FAQ and did what it said, but it still said it is not pingable. I went on with the test and got this page.

    http://www.dslreports.com/linequality/nil/2631590
     
    Last edited: Mar 30, 2010

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