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Totally off topic Cable Modem Issue

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 3:53 pm
by vickyg2003
I'm working with a computer club, giving talks about phishing.

The computer would not connect to the internet. Their "tech guy" was not available, but I knew to enough to unplug/plug in the cable modem and was able to get on with my presentation.

Apparently Comcast has been called in repeatedly but they can't figure out why the modem is consistantly dropping out.

The modem was located about 1 inch behind a massive laser printer.

Right after my presentation, someone printed something and the internet dropped out. I suspect the printing was related to the internet dropping out.

Since the modem has a transformer I don't think this would be due to a loss of power would it? Could this be RF interference? I don't want to lose my credibility with the group, by suggesting something if its totally not a possiblility and I really don't understand such things.

I know that the people here have that kind of knowledge.

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 6:02 pm
by classicsat
Is the modem and printer plugged in the same outlet? If so, try another.

Is the modem heat sensitive, and excess printer heat knocking it out?

I would even put the modem someplace else entirely.

Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 8:42 pm
by ElizabethD
Does the printer have fax?
Is it an internet printer or just a local thing hooked to a computer?
If internet, is it a wireless printer?
Does the modem have a wireless section?
Were the internet connections you tried wireless?
Regardless, move the printer or move that cable modem, or maybe shield one of them with thick aluminum foil.

Something similar on 07-26-2005, 01:17 PM is described in this thread
http://forums.radioreference.com/genera ... rence.html