Cable problems

[Bandit]

I have a cable internet connection and am having constant problems with lag spikes. During gaming, downloading, etc. My cable will just freeze for a period of time and resume again. This happens everyday and as much as every 1-10 minutes. I have called cogeco, but they don't know what could be wrong, then they say to call back in 2 weeks and tell them it is working better.

Any suggestions?

thanks!

[highrisemech]

Sounds like your ISP is giving you the lag spike in more ways that one.
They shoulda been more attentive to your problem, especially since you are the one paying them.

[Statica]

Try putting in the IP values instead of using DHCP and see if it helps.

Also do you have any particular times that you are worse hit? Is there a pattern to the spikes .. run a constant ping to your gateway IP, and look for any patterns, that could indicate faulty equipment along your line or congestion.

[highrisemech]

Also please try to give us information about your system.....

[Bandit]

Thanks for the replies so far guys

my specs:
windows 98 os
p2 400mhz
128mb ram
asus geforce2 GTS 32mb video card
cable internet with cogeco

There doesn't seem to be any pattern on a 24-hour basis. But, I have noticed in the summer, it seemed to be running very well. Once fall/winter starts, it gets worse. Also, my computer is located in my basement. The cable runs from outside, inside to my fuse panel(in the basement), to my computer(obviously).
Maybe the cable cord itself is the problem?

thanks again!

[Bandit]

I am not sure how to put in the IP values Statica. Could you please give me some direction on how to do this? Thanks alot

[highrisemech]

Statica would be better qualified than me to answer your question.

But I do have a suggestion for you.
The cable that leaves your house connects to a junction outside,
for other lines to be connected for the other houses.I would have that connection checked.My bet is that it is loose. It gets blown around more in winter.

[Statica]

Call up your ISP tech support, ask them for your (you can even ask your tech support rep to walk you through with entering the numbers) :
IP address, subNet mask, DNS servers, gateway
1) Then right click on your network neighborhood icon
2) Select TCP/IP (or if you have multiple entries for TCP/IP select the one that corresponds to your NIC) and then click properties.
3) In the IP Address tab select specify an IP address
4) Enter your IP address and the subnet mask
5) Click on WINS configuration and disable it
6) Click on DNS Configuration
7) Click enable DNS
8) in the host, enter your user name
9) Domain .. enter any value it isnt too important, but try: home.cgocable.net
10) DNS server search order... enter the 2 values you have been given, the primary one first and then click add and then enter the 2nd one.
11) Domain suffix search order enter: home.cgocable.net
12) Click on gateway and add your gateway provided
13) Click OK

You might need a reboot. see if performance is any better.

Other than that, when you find yourself having problems, open an MS DOS prompt and type:
ping yourgatewayip -t

watch for any dropped packets along the way.
To close the ping you need to use CTRL+C to look at statistics use CTRL+Pause/Break

watch for any patterns in packets getting dropped.

Originally posted by Bandit I am not sure how to put in the IP values Statica. Could you please give me some direction on how to do this? Thanks alot