Problem With Moto Modem

I have a Motorola Cable Modem model MG 7315 plus N450 Router and lately after start up, It takes Maybe 5-7 starts to get online! Where as In the past, I never had to do this! Is this unit going bad?

 

Unfortunately lost manual some time ago! There are only 2 buttons on the back one marked WLAN the other WPS would this be the changer? also where would I see the digital channel change? ...on the front with the lights and the globe?

 

Please disregard that last reply! Do I change the upstream and downstream to different channels ,or the same channel?

 

Thanks I finally located it! It was set to channel 1, so I reset it to channel 6, I hope that Helps?

 

The best channel is based on how crowded the channels are in your specific neighborhood. If you live in house out in the boonies, the channel does not manner.

If you live in a crowded wifi neighborhood (in or near a large apartment complex, for example), changing to an unused or less crowded channel often resolves these issues. You may have to use a wireless packet "sniffer" to find the best channel. I use XIRRUS WiFi Inspector on my notebook to see what wireless channels are in use and available. NirSoft's WifiInfoView is another good one. As are Acrylic WiFi Home and Homedale. The best is arguably inSSIDer but sadly, the latest version, while free, requires you register with a new account, which some users may be reluctant to do.

There are smart phone apps for this too. A phone is easier to carry around the house. For Android phones there is WiFi Analyzer. And for iPhones, check out Fing Network Scanner. I have never used Fing, but have heard good things about it.

The best solution is to find an unused channel where neither of its adjacent channels are in use either. If all channels are in use, look for the least crowded channel with the wifi network that has the weakest signal strength. When you have determined the best channel to use, go into your Router/WAP's admin menu and manually select that channel. You do not have to make any changes to your wireless devices. They will pick up and use the new channel automatically.

I note most newer wifi routers will automatically select the best band for your location - not sure yours will. Regardless, if crowded it may not matter.

That said, the TP-Link N450 router is definitely a near entry-level, basic, single-band (2.4MHz only) wireless router. I would consider upgrading to a decent, simultaneous dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz). With dual band, you can have those devices that are in close proximity (with 25 feet and no more than one barrier - wall, floor ceiling) to the router use the faster 5GHz band. This will also free up bandwidth for the more distant 2.4GHz devices.

 

Yes I live in a very busy WiFi area condo complex, a shopping center with Winn Dixie grocery store and McDonalds 500ft from my apartment. So trouble is abound! Thanks for your Help Folks!

 

Then I would certainly "invest" in a new, upper-end router. You might consider going Ethernet (wired) where possible too.

 

There are many many devices that operate in the same 2.4GHz RF "band". And yes, cordless phones are one. So is Bluetooth, some TV remotes and RF mice and keyboards. Some older garage door openers, baby monitors, wireless cameras, microwave ovens, even remote controls for ceiling fans and space heaters. They may use different protocols but with the band so crowded, they can interfere.

 

That's the strange thing I am ethernet wired with xfinity cable1

 

That's why I thought something might be wrong with the Modem, because lately I have to keep turning it on an off maybe 7 times before I can get it online! It always was cable connected and it has the ethernet cable, but the modem is also WiFi, besides a cable modem! Maybe both are enabled? because I have my phone linked to the PC also! But after changing that channel to 6 it seems to be running better! It went right online first attempt today!

 

Wait! There is some major confusion here (perhaps only on my part) that needs to be cleared up.

When you said above you have a "Motorola Cable Modem model MG 7315 plus N450 Router", I made the assumption (I should know better than to assume ) that you have two separate devices, a Motorola cable modem and a TP-Link N450 wifi router.

Now, after digging a little deeper, I see this single, integrated device, the Motorola MG7315 Modem Wifi Router Combo Cable Modem + N450 Router.

So to clarify, you have just the one, integrated device right? And not a separate router and modem?

FTR, when the modem and router are integrated into a single device, it is commonly called a "residential gateway" device. This as opposed to a separate modem and wireless router where the modem serves as the "gateway" device. Note in network-speak, the "gateway" device is the device that connects your local area network (everything on your side of the gateway) to the ISP's network.

Again, if you have a residential gateway, the modem and wireless router are integrated into a single box. Otherwise, you have a separate modem and wireless router. Now, to add to the confusion, technically, there is no such thing as a "wireless router". Routers are always wired. "Wireless router" is marketing term for a single, integrated device that just happens to have a router, WAP (wireless access point) and a 4-port Ethernet switch all sharing a common case, main circuit board and power supply. These are 3 discrete network devices in one box.

Some "residential gateway" devices even include phone VoIP (voice over IP) for 5 discrete devices in one box (modem, router, switch, WAP and VoIP).

Clear as mud, right?

Your wifi network (created by your WAP) and your Ethernet network (created by the Ethernet switch) are actually separate and isolated networks until connected internally through the switch in the router.

WPS is simply an easy way to authorize your wireless devices to connect to your wireless network. WPS has nothing to do with your wired (Ethernet) connected devices.

Do you have other devices in your home that connect to the Internet? Other computers? Smartphones? Smart TVs? Tablets? Do they have connection issues too?

You say your computer connects to your network via Ethernet. This means you have an Ethernet cable connected to an Ethernet port on your computer. This cable then connects to one of the Ethernet ports on your Motorola. Is that correct?

Have you tried a different Ethernet cable? Do note that Ethernet cables (and their connectors) are flimsy, fragile, cheap but critical network devices. Factory made cables are rarely tested before they leave the factory. It is not uncommon for them to be poorly made and substandard. This is why I always make – and test – my own. These cables are also easily damaged. So, I recommend you try a different cable. And note router/switch Ethernet ports can go bad (or be damaged) too. If another open port is available, swap to that too.

 

Thank You for your Help Digerati I am going to try a new cable! Since this is a combo Modem/Router how can I confirm the PC is not running online on WiFi instead of on the ethernet connection? Is that a possibility?

 

No I just checked it using this page doesn't look like any WiFi connection! I sent a screenshot of bottom area. Takes me back to the Original Problem I posted, If I am cable connected why the multiple Modem Startups? Even stranger! now that I switched the router Channel, it's not doing that any longer???

 

This is moot now since plodr's suggestion already told you, but another way is to disable wifi on the WAP (typically a simple button on the device, or if no button, an admin menu option). If you disable wifi and still have network access, you are going over wire.

Don't know. My guess would be to support other devices on your network that are using wifi - perhaps a cell phone or smart TV or tablet. I note most smart cell phones will automatically, by default, connect to wifi when available to avoid using up any data limits imposed by the cell phone provider.

Don't know here either but my guess here is the modem is no longer encountering interference on the new channel.

Either way, I am glad it is no longer giving you this problem.