Router Trouble with Xbox Live?

Question

I have a netgear modem/router all in one. When playing xbox live (i only have halo 3 so i don't know if it does it with other games) the router will just power off. All of the lights turn off and then it comes back on and I am able to reconnect to xbox live. Sometimes it will do this every time I am playing and other times i am able to play for hours and it doesn't do it. Does anyone know what would cause my router to just power off like it is doing? I have called my isp , and as i thought, they know nothing. Since they supplied me with this crap hardware they block me from getting into the router configuration menu. So if the solution is port forwarding , I cannot do this unless i go and purchase my own router, downgrade my plan and have them supply me with a modem. I feel like that is what i need to do, just so i can at least have access to my router's settings. But i just don't see why it is powering off like this. Does anyone have any comments on this? Thank You (p.s. I am wired to the xbox not wireless)

Answer 1

Losing a data connection to your Internet service provider cannot cause the power to go off for your modem (gateway).



As you probably guess, this is caused by an electrical problem. You will want to find out if the modem is defective, or if the electrical supply to it is causing the problem. This would be sort of like trying to figure out a problem with a stereo, a lamp, or a toaster.



First, are you using the power supply (electrical adapter) that came with it? Check it to see if it matches; though it's unlikely, you could have been sent a wrong one. Disconnect the adapter at the plug and at the modem. Inspect for damage. Reconnect firmly; make sure it's not loose. Plug the adapter directly into the wall, instead of a power strip or surge protector. If it still does the same thing, plug it into a different outlet. If it's still the same, then either your home's wiring has some problem, or the adapter or modem is bad. In that case, probably the adapter or modem, and you'll need replacement for both of them. Try plugging in a lamp where you have the modem plugged in. Does the light flicker, go out, or do anything strange.



Here's my guess: your modem is defective. It could be the power supply (electrical adapter); but you won't be able to tell unless you replace one or the other. If either one is defective, it could damage the other one. That means it could be a really bad idea to replace the modem but use the same adapter! Remember: it doesn't matter how long or short a time the modem worked. It can be bad right out of the box, or work fine for seven years then stop.



It's possible there's another problem, like a bad electrical outlet or defective power strip. That is why you want to troubleshoot (as above). If your modem is not causing the problem, then replacing it won't help. Right? Good luck!

Answer 2

Chris may have the answer, or there may be one other problem - the router could be overheating. Make sure it's out in the open (not enclosed, not up against a wall) and on a hard flat surface. If it still happens, have a fan blowing on it from the time you turn it on. If that fixes it, it's overheating. (If it overheats in a room that's comfortable for you, it's defective. It should be able to take sustained [that means 24/7] full speed use with no problem.)



BTW, I don't know who your provider is, but almost any provider will allow you to use any standard modem and/or router of your own. If some level 1 tech support "expert" (that means one step above "would you like fries with that?") tells you that you can't use your own equipment on your current plan, speak to corporate. You'll pay the same amount for the same service, minus the rental fee, if any, for the equipment, and you'll use industry standard equipment. (Then either use their modem and a Linksys router, or buy your own Motorola modem.) If Linksys isn't good enough for them, they have a problem - a case of "extreme duh!". Halo (I don't know if it holds for Halo 3) requires 3 ports to be forwarded, so not allowing you to forward ports means that they're not selling you what they claim to be selling you. (Cox - not a small outfit - got into legal trouble for doing that.)

Answer 3

ive had the same problem and asked the same question! the problem is the router is losing connection u need to move the attenae or just move the router somewhere else in your house i kno this sucks and is quite a bit of work thats the only way to fix it unfortunatley i would suggest by your own router and make your own account like you said so u can get to your router settings