What is wrong with my internet and digital cable?

Question

We were on vacation for about a week and when we got back our internet was down and our digital cable down. We called the provider and they said that it was just our house, not like everyone was experiencing this. I'm confused.

The Internet: The Cable modem only lights up on power, pc activity/ and receive. The lynksis wireless router says the internet is there. Our laptop connects to our network but will not open up and webpages or anything. Its like we are connected but at the same time we are not. The laptop and my psp both say can't connect to primary DNS server but remote host was found.

Digital Cable: The cable says temporarily off air. check back later. But we called and they said they were not experiencing any problems and it was just our house.

We set an appointmant on Monday, but I would like to know if anyone might know what is ging on.

Answer 1

First a warning alert: hacker's and identity thieves have come up with a new and more dangerous phishing scheme, they put out fake unsecured WiFi spots in neighborhoods to lure people into jumping onto them for some "free" connectivity. (I too have used a neighbor in an emergency, so please do not think I am judging, nor simply attempting to frighten you into not doing this) Once they get somebody "hooked", they have special tools they use to access the system and get into personal files looking for all types of personal information from names, addresses, phone number, social security, and bank account information and user/logon information. So, *please* be very careful when piggybacking onto a neighborhood unsecured WiFi connection.

Due to the fact both your Internet and your cable is out causes me to think you are experiencing a line or hardware failure. Now, some providers use a Gateway device which allows both the television and internet services. Qwest uses such a device. If you do not have a device which serves both your internet and television, then you can discount this option. If you do, you may need a replacement box, or to reset the device.

These devices often have icons indicate the different services and can show up as green, (working) amber (an issue) or red, (out).

You can attempt to reset your Gateway by unplugging the device for approximately 30 seconds and then plugging it back into the outlet. Allow it to reboot and see if your television comes on. If so, your television may need to wait a short time while the guide and settings reload. Your internet will also require a short wait. Usually there are lights to indicate which is which, so watch these come on and see if they turn green. Usually the television comes on first.

If you do not have a device for both services it sounds like a line is out, or a cable running into your home that services both items needs replacement. There isn't anything you can do about that until the technician comes out.

Hope this helps, good luck and have a nice weekend.

Answer 2

Sounds like something in their system got really screwed up.  Since everything is out, I'd suspect a broken/damaged cable somewhere, or someone may have disconnected you by mistake (we had that with Adelphia/Comcast - they mislabeled our address so every time the rental next door was disconnected they'd unhook us instead and we'd have to make a service call)

Whatever the case, it's something the tech will need to bring his equipment and figure out where the problem is.  I don't think it's your equipment since everything went at once.

In the mean time, you can't hurt much by rebooting the modem/set-top-boxes.  Try unplugging the power on them for at least 10 seconds (sometimes up to 5 minutes) and see if they come back to life...

Just thought I'd add this too:

Unless the owner of the wireless connection has granted you permission, DO NOT use their internet - whether or not it's secure.

Suggested reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of...

Answer 3

I had similar problems also. As long as the router is on, you'll be able to "connect" to your network even if you have the cable wire unplugged, but forget about trying to get on the internet. If you able to connect to your neighbors unsecured internet (the Cops are on the way) then its not your computer, the signal probably is being interupted between the power lines and your house. You just came back from vacation right? I have seen instances where knuckleheads will play jokes on people by cutting wires, unplugging a phone jack or leaving a water hose running. I would try to check to the cable connection outside your house. Also check over the lines in your house as well. You never know. Even a staple will cancel the signal.

Hope this helps.