Video phones, wireless routers, connections?

[diehardbiker]

I'm trying to remember whether Time Warner in South Carolina usually offer dummy or gateway modem. It really depends on the location where Time Warner serves. Some areas Time Warner provided gateway modem than dummy modem while other areas the opposite. And yes, sometimes if customer wants wireless for additional fee, yes that would be gateway modem no question.

Here in Rochester half and half so far that I have seen. I also have seen where the area that got high number of customers using DSL than Time warner, thats where Time warner trying to provide gateway modem because DSL almost always comes with gateway modem. (Competition purpose)

I suspect that they did not provide a gateway modem since I've seen other TW customers' equipment, and it's always been the dummy kind (various brands and models but still the same configuration). It's possible that they might offer the gateway modem for higher tier customers but I haven't seen it.

 

[diehardbiker]

I know it does not apply to Time Warner's gateway modem, it still can connect to router but will be better off without router. However, there are some gateway modem though DSL that will NOT cooperate with router if add one. For example 2wire, the newer one with new company. Trainers have struggling trying to add router on that gateway modem and won't work, so have to remove the router and let the built in router handle them. It works fine.

Jiro, this is public forum, Im sharing for EVERYBODY, you share only for one customer, hmmm.

 

[diehardbiker]

Why your still here? I thought you said nothing here and zoom outta of here? Im confused.

that's why I didn't bother explaining little things about modem because it's very self-explanatory and you are sufficiently technical-literate as demonstrated. all you have to do is look at it and you can easily tell if it's got ethernet port and/or wifi. you already know that.

I would recommend connecting VP to router via ethernet cable for a better & stronger connection. If it's not possible to do that - then I hope the router has enough juice to handle the load and distance. the newer, the better... and configure it properly.

 

[diehardbiker]

Don't forget to turn off and turn back on everything every time you make changes with router that's connected to modem.

Since I also have TimeWarner cable, I would say that they provide a dummy modem. We connected our own wireless router (with multiple ethernet ports) to the modem. I'm assuming that the friend's modem is the same. I just don't know if my friend has a wireless/wired router attached to the modem. I have a spare router we can try if needed.

I want to be prepared, so I'm taking my bag of tiny tools, a router, a multi-plug electric cord, flashlight, computer glasses, and length of ethernet with connections. I'm also bringing TCS for any heavy lifting or crawling under furniture.

 

[Jiro]

Why your still here? I thought you said nothing here and zoom outta of here? Im confused.

nothing to do... with YOU

 

[Jiro]

I know it does not apply to Time Warner's gateway modem, it still can connect to router but will be better off without router. However, there are some gateway modem though DSL that will NOT cooperate with router if add one. For example 2wire, the newer one with new company. Trainers have struggling trying to add router on that gateway modem and won't work, so have to remove the router and let the built in router handle them. It works fine.

Jiro, this is public forum, Im sharing for EVERYBODY, you share only for one customer, hmmm.

um.... in case you didn't know - OP created this thread and described a specific problem... therefore it requires a specific solution.... not a general solution for everybody. who cares about DSL and 2wire????? it's IRRELEVANT.

she can get a general solution from some troubleshooting manual :roll:

 

[Reba]

Its very common for Deaf people say, it is broken, without any explaining the exact nature of problem. Its like driving a car to mechanic and telling mechanic that car is broken, what do you expect mechanic would respond? I would believe mechanic would say "I just saw you drive in here, and I don't see any issues, whats the deal?" The real issue is that many customers not even realize how much stuff would be involved to make the system work.

And your right, not enough information to do troubleshoot procedure. First of all, what kind of modem they are using? Dummy modem or Gateway modem? These are two different types of modems providing by various ISP for home use. Not going to discuss about business, that is whole different thing, Secondly, router? What is needed is brand and model, the reason behind this is that often routers all look same, but there are different kinds of routers and device that have its own purpose. For example, Router as we all know, also there are other device that looks like router but it is not, it can be switch or Hub, Their function are different from each other Router usually have built in switch and some built in Wireless. I have heard people saying it is not router, it is wireless. Of course it is STILL router EVEN if it has wireless unless it is called access point, that is another device with sole function as wireless access point nothing else.

Same with Wifi and POE (Power over Ethernet), often they think POE is wireless, but it is really not wireless, it is just using house electric wiring to make connection.

Without enough information, I can't really help. So, want tip? Collect all the hardware information, brand of device and model of that device. Once all the information is collected, it is easier to figure out what the system would be and easier to figure out how to set up the right way.

When I work as technical support, I often end up discovered that there was loosen cable connection as root cause of problem. Always check the connections. That is where I often start with and often solve problem right there.

That's what I hoping, that it might just be a loose connection or just didn't shut down properly or something else basic. I know that some people think their whole system is kaput when really they just neglected a simple set or routine maintenance.

I've also come across people whom I call "digital hoarders." Every single document, interesting web item, all emails, every full-sized photo, whatever--they save on their hard drives, usually in multiple copies. Click save, save, save, save, download, download...Never delete, never resize photos, never uninstall useless programs. Their hard drives are 80% full, they have every bloated software possible, and then wonder why their computer is so slow. They don't want to part with anything. They say, "that's my back up copy." Hello! If it's on the same hard drive, it's not a back up to anything! At least I convince them to save some stuff on flash drives or external hard drives instead of the hard drive of the computer.

...So, up to you, bring in all the information and I may have to ask for more information or call technical support, either way will work.

Yes, I can gather the information, if necessary. Like I said, I hope it's something simple and obvious, like a connection.

Sometimes it's not even something wrong with hardware but with settings. I'll check everything available.

I'm hoping it's Windows 7. I can deal with XP and Vista but W7 would be so much easier.

I'll take my Windows 7 Configuration book with me, just in case.

 

[Reba]

Don't forget to turn off and turn back on everything every time you make changes with router that's connected to modem.

I know. When all else fails, unplug, replug, and reboot.

 

[Reba]

DHB and Jiro, I love and appreciate you both but I'm not going to get between you and get squished in the train wreck.

Just sayin' ....

 

[diehardbiker]

In case you didn't know, the op created and described vague problem with no technical specification involved.

I am the kind of technician that wants ALL relevant information in front of me. I don't want any fog around and trying to figure out, spent hours and hours trying to figure out. That is not my style, All information present, oh that, then I can help troubleshoot and be done in 10 min flat, not hours which is not efficient in general.

um.... in case you didn't know - OP created this thread and described a specific problem... therefore it requires a specific solution.... not a general solution for everybody. who cares about DSL and 2wire????? it's IRRELEVANT.

she can get a general solution from some troubleshooting manual :roll:

 

[Reba]

To reiterate:

My main goal is to get my friend's computer working again, if possible, without messing up the VRS in the process.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

My phones where not working and I had the phoneman come to my house and turn out it was the telephone wire in the wall is old and had to be repaired .This was also messing up my computer too and the phone is in the kitchen and my computer is in what was my daughter's bedroom.
Is your friend's house or new or old?

 

[diehardbiker]

LOL, I am just an engineer on train, and I am not moving the engine UNTIL I confirm and verified all the cars are properly hooked up and safely ready to move, Jiro? I am not sure if he had checked everything and hopefully he don't have any faulty brakes on same rail as I am on.

DHB and Jiro, I love and appreciate you both but I'm not going to get between you and get squished in the train wreck.

Just sayin' ....

 

[Reba]

One more thing that I've noticed.

Some people don't really want their old computers fixed. They are itching to get a new laptop or tablet, and are almost hoping for an excuse to get one.

 

[diehardbiker]

There you go, another issue with cables/wires. Nuthing new.

My phones where not working and I had the phoneman come to my house and turn out it was the telephone wire in the wall is old and had to be repaired .This was also messing up my computer too and the phone is in the kitchen and my computer is in what was my daughter's bedroom.
Is your friend's house or new or old?

 

[diehardbiker]

Yeah that is why I refused deal with computers, just get on browser and go straight to router/gateway modem. I even could access dummy modem, old trick of trade. If I find issues with computer, I refer them to computer repair shop. Don't want waste my time over this and don't want hear complaint of lost data.

One more thing that I've noticed.

Some people don't really want their old computers fixed. They are itching to get a new laptop or tablet, and are almost hoping for an excuse to get one.

 

[Reba]

My phones where not working and I had the phoneman come to my house and turn out it was the telephone wire in the wall is old and had to be repaired .This was also messing up my computer too and the phone is in the kitchen and my computer is in what was my daughter's bedroom.
Is your friend's house or new or old?

I would say less than 10 years old, with underground phone lines.

I'm going to check it out. I need to find out if it's the equipment, the inside line, the outside line, or the service. I'm not going to try to fix it but I'll at least be able to describe the problem better to the phone service, and I can call from my cell phone if necessary.

I did discover the telephone/TTY problem for another friend one time. It was at an older townhouse building. I asked, does your phone work all the time or sometimes? The answer was sometimes. I asked, does it happen more often after a rain storm? Answer, yes. I said, let's follow your phone line thru and outside the house. Aha! The outside line touched a low spot on the ground. When it rained, that spot filled up with water, as a puddle, and the line got soaked. When the puddle dried up, the phone worked again. I told that friend to contact the phone company and have them replace the line and install it off the ground. That friend did so, and it was fine.

 

[Jiro]

LOL, I am just an engineer on train, and I am not moving the engine UNTIL I confirm and verified all the cars are properly hooked up and safely ready to move, Jiro? I am not sure if he had checked everything and hopefully he don't have any faulty brakes on same rail as I am on.

incorrect analogy.

in your case - you are talking about cars and stuff not relevant to your job and acting like everybody is clueless.

and I don't need to tell the engineer everything that he already knows. if he wants to know more - he can ask me more. simple as that. I don't assume everybody is clueless.

I don't know why you had to make every thread more complicated and dramatic than it has to be. What's going on with you, man?

 

[diehardbiker]

Yup, one of common problem I routinely seen. Sometimes weather DOES affect the connection. I remember one customer got pissed off at me for referring to ISP due to poor video and refused to help them fix the poor video. What happened was that customer called me and complaining of poor video. I asked when started problem? They said yesterday, I then looked at weather condition in her area and there happen to be a tornado in their area the day before. I immediately pointed to ISP, and advised them to call them for status, and wait few days because there is not much we can do at that point. OFC that person rat on me, claiming that I did poor job and refused to help her on purpose but I have report to back my claim. Eventually, the problem solved though ISP not us.

I would say less than 10 years old, with underground phone lines.

I'm going to check it out. I need to find out if it's the equipment, the inside line, the outside line, or the service. I'm not going to try to fix it but I'll at least be able to describe the problem better to the phone service, and I can call from my cell phone if necessary.

I did discover the telephone/TTY problem for another friend one time. It was at an older townhouse building. I asked, does your phone work all the time or sometimes? The answer was sometimes. I asked, does it happen more often after a rain storm? Answer, yes. I said, let's follow your phone line thru and outside the house. Aha! The outside line touched a low spot on the ground. When it rained, that spot filled up with water, as a puddle, and the line got soaked. When the puddle dried up, the phone worked again. I told that friend to contact the phone company and have them replace the line and install it off the ground. That friend did so, and it was fine.

 

[whatdidyousay!]

I would say less than 10 years old, with underground phone lines.

I'm going to check it out. I need to find out if it's the equipment, the inside line, the outside line, or the service. I'm not going to try to fix it but I'll at least be able to describe the problem better to the phone service, and I can call from my cell phone if necessary.

I did discover the telephone/TTY problem for another friend one time. It was at an older townhouse building. I asked, does your phone work all the time or sometimes? The answer was sometimes. I asked, does it happen more often after a rain storm? Answer, yes. I said, let's follow your phone line thru and outside the house. Aha! The outside line touched a low spot on the ground. When it rained, that spot filled up with water, as a puddle, and the line got soaked. When the puddle dried up, the phone worked again. I told that friend to contact the phone company and have them replace the line and install it off the ground. That friend did so, and it was fine.

Good job! I was worried a mouse or chipmunk got into my walls and chewed on the wire as Marty will listen to my wall sometime. My condo was build in the 70's so the wires are old.