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CAX80 Multigig Port Behavior
Hi. So this forum is full of the issue in the subject line. After reading hours of comments and discussions I understand that this multi-gig port is essentially not stable, period. I'm a Senior System Administrator and have been at my job for 20 years and have seen and done a lot in the tech field. This issue ranks right up there with all the bizarre oddities I've come across. There are just so many variables listed out by people here but essentially it boils down to a hardware design defect of the device. What that precise defect is has not been disclosed by Netgear.
Here's my story. I switched to Xfinity in July of 2022 and got their 1.2gig plan. I bought this modem brand new off of Amazon for $450. It ran rock-solid until September 2nd, 2023. And here's what changed on that day but first some back story. When I moved into my house back in 2018, I ran a 109 foot CAT6E UTP 23AWG network cable which I made at work, from my current modem at the time, to my gaming PC in the basement. This network cable went outside and then back inside of my house too. Now back in present day, so in an attempt to keep the cable run inside the house and no longer outside, I drilled a hole into my basement and ran a new cable down there to my office. Now that I was only going inside for the run I only needed a 50ft cable. Purchased here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007O0AUT0?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
So, as soon as I hooked up this cable I started getting drops and all of the same types of experiences everyone here describes. So, I connected back my exisiting nearly six year old network cable and the drops have completely disappeared.
So, WTF. Am I supposed to believe this brand new pre-fabricated cable is bad? I would have to assume so. I will be taking a Fluke network cable tester to the new cable as soon as I can get ahold of one at work. The pic I've uploaded is of the Fluke testing my old cable, which was taken on 12/1/2022. I will retest both and provide an update later this week.
Alright so time for an update and with some great news! After downloading the latest Intel NIC driver installer package from Intel's website and and installing it, I'm happy to finally say this problem is 100% gone. I will note however, that with using the Amazon cable the problem comes back, but on my six year old cable the connection is rock solid. So, now I have to believe that the Amazon cable is either not compatible with my NIC or the router or both. I did Fluke test it and it's completely fine and rated at 10Gbps. I'm returning it to Amazon and have purchased a new 6A STP one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HEM61KA?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
More updates to come...
11 Replies
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
Please post a copy and paste of the modems connection status and event log page.
https://kb.netgear.com/30007/How-do-I-obtain-the-cable-connection-information-from-a-NETGEAR-cable-modem-modem-router
https://kb.netgear.com/30008/How-do-I-view-or-clear-the-event-logs-on-my-NETGEAR-cable-modem-or-modem-routerIs the CAT5E UTP? There is no such thing as CAT6E.
For any connection rates 2.5Gb or higher that's beyond 1Gb, CAT6A STP is recommended. Shielded Twisted Pair.
I've been using my CAX80 with it's MG port and have not had any issues connecting to it with a PC or with MG supporting routers connected to the CAX80 MG port. Yes, I use CAT6A STP cabling.
Firmware: 2.1.5.2
Attached is the pic of the 1000ft spool of CAT6E UTP 23AWG network cable I used to make my 109ft cable for home. Again, the network cable I made for home is nearly six years old and has been rock-solid. It's always provided 2.5gig speeds with the CAX80 and my gaming PC and still does. It's the network cable from Amazon (link in prior post) that brought about the problem with the port dropping while on this Amazon cable.
I will test the Amazon cable with the Fluke tester when I can get ahold of it at work later this week and post back the results.
Concerning your reply...how precisely did you first experience this problem?
That's UTP cabling. You'll need to test with CAT6A STP cabling.
UTP cabling can't stop some noise or interferences on the line when operating at higher speeds which can cause problems.
Do the other 1G LAN ports work ok?
Does the modem and router work ok otherwise?
Using UTP cabling. I had my MG connected to Orbi 8 and 9 series routers. Saw odd reboot behaviors with CAT6 UTP cabling. Switched to CAT6A STP cabling and haven't seen these reboot issues with any router I have connected.
