DSL Modem Frying Linksys Router

[artfulbodger]

Ok.. I got a good one here.

I have Earthlink DSL and it seems to be frying my routers. Literally. The power light goes into a "blinking" mode and no amount of Linksys Tech Support can get the thing to reset. But here is why I think this is a DSL Modem issue....

It started with a Netgear router. All of a sudden - it was dead.

I then got a Linksys BEFSX41 router. After about a day, router dies.

I bring another Linksys router (wiress this time) and it works for about a day and it to dies. I get Linksys to send me another one.

Ok... I set up a network of 3 PC's (two wired and one wireless). I write a small batch program for each to ping the living daylights out of each other for hours on end. Everything works. I then hook up the DSL modem and within 15 mins of surfing - the connection starts dying. I then do a tracert to yahoo.com and in the middle of it, it reports a hardware error. I look at the router and the power light is constantly blinking.

So...I am thinking that my DSL modem is somehow killing my routers but Earthlink thinks I am nuts. Has anyone seen this before?

 

[BuckWeet]

Very weird...

have you tried finding a surge supressor or possibly hooking a hub up in the middle of the link??

BuckWeet

 

[artfulbodger]

I don't have a spare hub around. All of the routers had the built in switch. I will see if I can dig one up or buy a cheap on on eBay or something.

But the DSL modem is in a different room and on an APC ups rated at 750KVa. The router is right under my desk attached to another APC UPS rated at 1500KVa.

One thing I forgot to mention was that I have had the same Earthlink service for about 2 years now and used the Netgear router since. Suddenly - I am going through routers faster than Bill Gates makes me go through Windows.

 

[bcastner]

Replace the modem.
You should be able to find something on ebay that will be suitable.

 

[BuckWeet]

sorry i should have clarified...

find a surge supressor for the ethernet link..
a lot of times you can run that through the APC UPS devices..


BuckWeet

 

[bcastner]

. Heat issues?

http://www.broadbandreports.com/faq/6159

. There have been complaints that the Speedstream DSL modem (sold by Siemens, Efficient and other branded OEMS) has too high a voltage on the WAN port. I have never heard of it burning out a router, but the suggestion to place a switch between modem and router is often suggested, or at least 75' of Cat-5 cable.

 

[artfulbodger]

Thanks guys! I plugged it into the APC network surge port and everything seems to be working now.

Now, I just have to gear up for battle with the Earthlink Tech who is 100% convinced that there is no possible way too much voltage coule be coming down from the modem.

Time to switch providers, I guess.....

 

[bcastner]

At least time to switch modems.

You should find a reasonable deal on ebay.
There is no question switching DLS providors should garner you a new modem.

If you have been otherwise happy with Earthlink, I would disconnect the modem and call Customer Support and say you cannot connect.

Swear all the lights are on. Arrange for a service call on-site. Explain to the on-site fellow what you have gone through. My guess is most would replace your modem without question.

 

[BuckWeet]

 

[bcastner]

And tell them that you have never heard of bcastner, or Bill Castner.

 

[artfulbodger]

Funny that you mention that...it is exactly what I did and they attempted to walk me through all of the steps AGAIN!

I told them that the modem is on and all lights are on except the "Ethernet Link" light. Also told them that it was working previously. Here is a sampling of what I got.

"Can you reinstall the software sir?"

"Uh...you don't seem to understand, I am not getting a PHYSICAL connection to the device. The Ethernet light is off"

"Well, the software is what enables the ethernet card."

"No, the BIOS and O/S do that." <Sigh> Ok...I see that I am going no where... "I will reinstall the software."

"Ok sir, are you getting the Ethernet Light?"

"No."

"That's odd...."

"You don't say...."

"Can you check the ethernet cable to see if it is damaged?"

"Sure....it is fine."

"Can you check another one?"

"I can check as many as you want."

"Well, I don't think it is the ethernet cable. What about the power supply? Is it near any electrical devices?"

"It is near the computer."

"That could be the problem. It has to be at least 6 feet away from any electrical device or electrical outlet."

"That would be impossible for two reasons. Building code requires outlets to be no more than 6 ft from each other. Second, the adapter cord is only 4 feet."

"Well, you have to get it more than 6 feet away. Until you do that, we can't help you."


.....


Thought you guys would enjoy that exchange from Earthlink... I still cannot believe it.....

I have a new Bell South Fast Access DSL modem on the way. I will have this solved!

Cheers!

 

[BuckWeet]

Just unhook the modem when you call them, tell them there is something wrong with it, no lights or anything, etc...


BuckWeet

 

[bcastner]

bodgingittogether,

Thank you for the repeat of the Tech Support dialogue. I needed a laugh today.

You screwed up as BuckWeet mentions by saying that it worked (at least there were lights on) at all.

You would have been able to honestly sort this issue, I believe, had a service call been made on-site. My experience with ISP tech support by phone has been from excellent, to something close to your description above. But if you get a service tech out on-site, you can resolve most issues. I always tell them the lies I told the phone support to occasion the service incident. I have found them in the main knowledgeable, sympathetic and understanding.

I hope that proves your experience in the future as well.

Best wishes,
Bill Castner