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Forum Discussion
AudioDave
Dec 21, 2023Aspirant
I have confirmed that this firmware downgrade occurred with my modem
I have confirmed that this firmware downgrade occurred with my modem, and that I have received the same notice from Comcast.
Further, I updated to the CM2050V AFTER being notified by Comcast th...
- Dec 26, 2023
Thanks for the input!
I have confirmed that the bulk of my problem is the Zyxel USG60 router. I put the drop amp back into the circuit as I would normally have it but plugged a PC directly into the modem for testing. While I am still seeing the previous events, with the USG60 out of the path, I am now seeing 940/25.
Apparently, the issues were the USG60 router all along.
As for WIFI, I already have a mesh system with 3 nodes (overkill but works).
I will be exploring firewall/router devices for something that has better throughput based on my service tier. The speed issues are NOT caused by the drop amp!
Thanks for the patience! Any recommendations for firewall/router in this speed tier would be appreciated. I'm considering the NetGate 4100 for a bit of future-proofing that meets by speed tier.
The USG60 is considered obsolete and no longer getting updates. Guess I have a better understanding WHY it is obsolete!
FURRYe38
Dec 21, 2023Guru - Experienced User
Ok, power levels look good:
https://kb.netgear.com/24311/Power-level-guidelines-for-a-NETGEAR-cable-modem-router
However, we see correctables and un-correctables that should be zero.
Any Criticals, Errors or Warnings seen in the event logs needs to be reviewed and resolved by the ISP. Indicates a signal issue on the ISP line up to the modem.
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.
What is the brand and model of the host wifi router connected to the modem?
Have the ISP check the signal and line quality UP to the modem. Be sure the ISP provisions the modem correctly.
Be sure there are no coax cable line splitters in the between the modem and ISP service box.
Be sure your using good quality RG6 coax cable up to the modem.
Start with removing any amplifiers, signal attenuators, or splitters from the coax.
From there check the line for kinks, damage, moisture in the line.
Check the connectors for improperly made ends, foil touching the copper coax line, loose connections, bad/old/cheap connectors, or corroded connections. Replace them if you do.
Be sure to power OFF the modem for 1 minute then back ON.
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Cable-Modems-Routers/General-info-and-Troubleshooting-for-Cable-Modems/m-p/1530376#M12853
https://www.duckware.com/tech/solving-intermittent-cable-modem-issues.html
https://highspeed.tips/docsis-events/
AudioDave
Dec 21, 2023Aspirant
My WIFI is on my LAN, not part of the incoming router.
The router is a Zyxel USG60, firmware 4.73 (AAKY.2).
I am aware that the speed issue could potentially be a limitation of my internal network. However, I have connected a computer directly to the modem and seen similar results. I do not have the data from that test.
My bigger concern is the failure of the original CM2050V, and whether another firmware update could cause another failure. I'm also concerned about being forced to once again change modems or having to rent the Comcast modem.
Note that I do have a distribution amp on the cable side: Electroline EDA-FT08100 Drop Amp. All RF cables are RG-6. This is to eliminate passive splitters.
- AudioDaveDec 21, 2023Aspirant
Additional note:
- AudioDaveDec 21, 2023Aspirant
Also, how do I verify that the ISP provisions the modem correctly? Is this something I have access to verify? Is this something the ISP should be monitoring and/or correcting without my intervention?
- FURRYe38Dec 21, 2023Guru - Experienced User
Something the ISP will need to check provisioning and signal levels up to the modem. You may need a onsite tech visit from the ISP and have them review the information given and the situation there.
- plemansDec 21, 2023Guru - Experienced User
Have you connected the modem right where the coax enters the home from xfinity?
that reduces the chance the issue is internal to the home. Also check all your connections as mentioned prior. Even a slightly loose connection can introduce errors/issues.
What speeds do you pay for?
In regards to the firmware downgrade, it was an issue found with the midsplit/high split. It would cause them to lockup after a certain time and need a reboot to fix. They're working on a fix for it currently.
- AudioDaveDec 22, 2023Aspirant
The modem is not immediately where the cable comes in, however the drop amp is.
I will check that everything is tight, and perhaps one better and put Deoxit on them (the conductor of course) and retighten them all. All the connections are high-quality compression connections and I'm confident there are no shorts with the shields. The cables are quality RG-8. I will check but have no reason to believe the cables are damaged.
I will also check the quality of the voltage to the drop amp to verify that the power supply is functioning adequately. As for the signal strength, you mentioned that was good. I think the signal the ISP is seeing is +3db what the modem says it is sending. I will verify that also. I could be mistaken and +3db on the inbound.
It's been a while, but I think at one time recently I also bypassed the amp and directly to the modem. While I have some doubts about a few feet of RG-8, I can also try with the modem at the point of entry.
My understanding is that my service is 1GB inbound. I will also verify that.
All fair questions. With the holiday coming up, I'm not expecting to solve this immediately. However, I did want to confirm the firmware downgrade after seeing questions about it.
Note also, the failure of the original modem may be totally unrelated.
- plemansDec 22, 2023Guru - Experienced User
the "drop amp" is?
You're using an amplifier on the line?
If so, I'd remove that and go direct to the modem. They (the isp) should have a high enough signal coming into the home that an amplifier isn't needed. If they need an amplifier from the very start, you're taking a sketching signal and boosting it. which just makes a sketchy boosted signal.