Network problems/unpredictable behavior
Network problems/unpredictable behavior
Hello everyone, I'm experiencing problems with my internet connection while using YouTube, Floatplane, or downloading games. The signal often drops when I'm streaming or downloading. My ISP sent a technician who checked the router and the coaxial line, but everything seemed fine. They confirmed all parameters were within normal ranges. I've tried updating firmware, inspected my Ethernet cables, and looked for any suspicious devices. I've attached packet loss data, an Ethernet monitor, and speed test results. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to record the drops. My current connection is 150 Mbps / 50 Mbps using the NetGear CM1000 Cable modem Nighthawk X6S R8000. All my Ethernet cables are Cat 5e or 6e. Any insights or advice would be really helpful. Thanks in advance.
I’m part of geeksquad right now and can say you’ve got really cool internet, maybe even top 99%. But many folks I interact with face much bigger problems, and I know ISPs are pretty lenient about what they consider "within parameters." I use the same router myself and have had some issues lately—especially when there’s a problem on the ISP side, which then causes my router to struggle.
I fully understand why my performance is strong, yet that’s why I shouldn’t face problems here. Watching a YouTube video that claims to hit 150mbs isn’t realistic, but it is. The speed test I submitted reflects normal performance; when it drops into the 20s, it’s just a sign of something needing attention.
Visiting 192.168.100.1 grants access to modem diagnostic sections, allowing you to examine your own signals. I shared what to search for in the spoiler. Spoiler Downstream (Rx) Receive Power Level: Reflects the strength of signal coming from the cable company’s transmitter. For all DOCSIS 3.0 / 3.1 modems:
-7 dBmV to +7 dBmV "Ideal"
-8 dBmV to -10 dBmV / +8 dBmV to +10 dBmV "Acceptable"
-11 dBmV to -15 dBmV / +11 dBmV to +15 dBmV "Good"
"Maximum" Below -15 dBmV or above +15 dBmV
"Out of Spec." SNR (signal to noise ratio) values: This indicates the clarity of the signal at both the modem and the company’s end. DOCSIS standards define minimum carrier-to-noise ratios, but actual chipset and firmware can affect these numbers. *No upper limit exists.* For all DOCSIS 3.0 / 3.1:
- 256 QAM: Minimum 30 dB, recommended 33 dB+
- 33 QAM: Minimum 24 dB, recommended 27 dB+
- 64 QAM: Minimum 24 dB, recommended 27 dB+
- 27 QAM: Minimum 18 dB, recommended 21 dB+
- 16 QAM: Minimum 18 dB, recommended 21 dB+
- QPSK: Minimum 12 dB, recommended 15 dB+
Downstream SNR is displayed on the modem’s downstream channel and visible via diagnostic tools. Upstream SNR is read at the CMTS on the upstream channel—not the modem or screens—so end users can’t see it directly. Only the provider can report the upstream SNR, which comes from the aggregated data of all devices on that channel. The upstream SNR shown by most providers isn’t tied to a single device but represents an overall average.
Modem Transmit Power (Return Signal): This is the strength of signal sent by the modem toward the cable company’s end.
*Suggested upstream ranges:*
- DOCSIS 3.1: +35 dBmV to +47 dBmV
- DOCSIS 3.0: +35 dBmV to +49 dBmV
- OFDMA (DOCSIS 3.1): 50 dBmV max, A-TDMA, TDMA & SC-QAM: 53 dBmV max
- S-CDMA: 54 dBmV max
- 32 QAM and 64 QAM: up to 55 dBmV max
- 8 QAM and 16 QAM: up to 58 dBmV max
*Note: These values can vary based on the modem model and firmware.*
If signals appear weak, consider checking your connection, contacting your provider, or filing an FCC complaint. Speed issues during peak times are often linked to network congestion, not just your setup. Outside enterprise agreements, internet performance isn’t guaranteed. If you suspect a problem, reviewing your own data can help, and if unresolved, escalating to the FCC may be necessary.
It’s worth mentioning that although your overall speed might reach XXXmb/s, you rarely achieve close to that on individual sites due to possible throttling along the way. In short, I’ve observed them limiting anything other than internet speed tests. Nonetheless, your full throughput should match what they advertise.