Cable Modem Amplifiers? 13
A concerned Anonymous Coward asks: "Now that my cable modem system is filling up with users I cannot always get "online". The service provider's tech support says that my upstream signal power is borderline acceptable. They suggest that I buy a signal amplifier from them. I'm assuming they're trying to rip me off to offset capital investment costs. I've searched google for half and hour but cannot find anyone selling or anyplace to purchase a cable modem amplifier. Does anyone know where a cable modem amplifier can be purchased? Any advice on price, specs, quality, setup?" Cable modem amplifiers? I haven't heard of such things, but of course, that doesn't mean that they don't exist. Have any of you heard of such things, or is this just another attempt to separate the consumer from their money?
Ask Google: Cable Modem Amplifiers? (Score:1, Insightful)
Re:Ask Google: Cable Modem Amplifiers? (Score:1)
"... I've searched google for half and hour but cannot find anyone selling or anyplace to purchase a cable modem amplifier..."
indicates he did try looking himself.
Nutty (Score:2, Insightful)
Either way is is probably just a ground loop attenutaing signal. It is their problem. But you seem to simpy to deal with it. Think DEMARC here. You have a PC, you subscribe to a service, it fails.
Grow balls. Call them. Tell them to FIX MY F'IN' CABLE INTERNET...NOW!
That's what you pay them for. It is likely simple physics and it not your concern.
Re:Nutty (Score:2)
Bidirectional amps are not cheap. Best buy sells a one-output unit. Time Warner sells a 4-output bidirectional splitter/amp for $75. It's actually not a bad price.
Call back in (Score:1)
Call them back, let them know that your power might be too low.
If you're on High Speed Access or RoadRunner, good luck, as they try to never send techs out.
Cable Modem Amps: Hogwash and Ignorant Tech Suppor (Score:1)
Amplifier? (Score:2)
Here in Ohio, cable modem service through AOL/Time Warner requires an attenuator. It's a 6dB drop--helps keep the Motorola modems from getting signals far in excess of what they can handle. Generally, the 6dB "tap" is made near where the cable comes into the house or apartment and then goes to your modem directly. Find that little deally and see if your cable modem will sync up properly without it. If not, you may need something in between--like a 4 or 5dB drop. Either way, it's not your fault--so they should fix the problem for you. Sometimes it's really worth it to just play dumb and say "It don't work. Fix it."
They are the service provider. (Score:2)
-Adam
My cable company installed one (Score:2, Insightful)
BTW for normal analog cable Radio shack does sell a cable amp for abut 20$US
Re:My cable company installed one (Score:1)
Re:My cable company installed one (Score:2)
website to check out (Score:1)
Check out http://DSLreports.com
Despite the name, they have active forums concerning cable equipment & service.
From the posts here, it sounds like its either a weak signal or too much line noise. You could try using a signal amplifier on the central cable line. Then try a cable signal filter on the cable modem line.
After that, its the cable company's job to fix their lines.