Unstable internet

[Higher Game]

If I'm not "actively" using my internet connection, it shuts down every 5-10 minutes or so, until I open my browser again a few times. The problem is, playing online games won't keep it up, so it shuts down after just a few minutes. What causes this and how do I fix it? :mryuck:

[Inanimate Carbon Rod]

DSL?

If so, buy a new modem.

[Higher Game]

DSL, yes. Are you sure it's a modem issue, though?

[Kennerado]

do any lights go off or flash when it drops? Could be a sync issue, line or modem issue. Isolate the modem by disconnecting EVERY device on the line. If it still happens while isolated then possibly borrow a friends modem to test.

[Inanimate Carbon Rod]

It's a modem issue.

if you are with ATT they stopped using those speedstream 'pos' modems and moved to motorola made modems.

[Daedolon]

Could be a problem with your motherboard's northbridge. My last computer's motherboard couldn't handle the data sent through the northbridge and I could only keep connected to the internet for few minutes at a time.

[Dave-ros]

Higher Game, does your modem/router have an option like "Disconnect if idle for X minutes"? Let's hope it's a nice easy solution like this -- maybe gaming doesn't generate enough traffic to make it realise it's in use... but I could be barking up the wrong tree, or possibly the wrong forest :o

[Jiminator]

how is your computer connected to the router?

[Higher Game]

The computer is connected to a router which is connected to the modem. Yes, it's a Speestream. :dopefish: When I unplug it and replug it, the dsl light is on solid, but eventually starts to flash.

I have no clue how to see if the modem has an inactivity option. This affects my brother's computer too, so I doubt it's a motherboard problem.

[Inanimate Carbon Rod]

Well I suppose you could try plugging directly into the modem, bypassing the router, just to verify that it is indeed the modem.