Connection Randomly Drops

[rt5252]

Hello all,

I have been getting my connection dropped randomly for a while now. At first I thought it was mainly bad weather that did it, but now it seems to be during nice weather too. Restarting the modem, or waiting for it to reconnect seems to work but then it drops out again soon after. I have only one computer directly connected to the modem with an ethernet cable. I do not use the wireless at all. I have it disabled. There are no telephones on the line, it is used only for internet. The line runs from the phone jack directly back to the Verizon NID. There are no splices or connections except at the ends. It seems that when it drops connection the upload speed changes. It goes anywhere from 800 to 864. The download speed remains the same at 3360. This is what is reported on the main page of the modem status. It is a Westell 7500 model A90-750015-07. Would upgrading the firmware help at all? The current version is 5.01.00.02. A live chat text support technician sent me a link to a file, a90-327w15.rel.upg. Would upgrading to this help at all? Any help would be apperciated. I have included the transceiver statistics at the end.  Thank you very much for the help.

Transceiver Revision A2pB020b3.d20h Vendor ID Code 4D54 Line Mode ADSL_G.dmt Data Path FAST
Transceiver Information Down Stream Path Up Stream Path DSL Speed (Kbits/Sec) 3360 864 Margin (dB) 19.6 6.0 Line Attenuation (dB) 30.0 16.0 Transmit Power (dBm) 9.1 11.9

[vz_ric]

If you have to reset the router to get reconnected, it could be that the router is failing, or perhaps the network settings on the computer are disconnecting you. If it's a windows PC, try doing a repair(XP) or diagnose (Vista,7), next time you're disconnected. If that alone fixes it (without resetting the router), it could be the PC.

Did the trouble coincide with installing any new programs? Performed a windows update, or update/install/modify your security software. If so, try rolling back the PC to before the changes using System Restore or Add/Remove programs.

Although your line is only for DSL, it's still copper wire and vulnerable to the same troubles as you'd have with a typical phone line. Moisture getting to exposed wiring anywhere from the Central Office to the inside of your home would disrupt or cut your service out. That situation would absolutely require a tech visit.

If any of those things apply, try out the suggested steps, and get back to me here if you need further assistance.

[rt5252]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have done the diagnose option in Windows 7. It comes back and says that the DNS server is not available or responding. The problem does not seem to coincide with any program or updates installed. Could the router's firmware need upgrading? Or is the problem more symptomatic of a land line problem? Thanks again for the help.