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Why does my DSL drop after a few hours?

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Summary: Sometimes a DSL connection dropping out could be a sign of a faulty telephone wire.

I am having problems with a "dropped I.P." address. I run Win2000 with Belkin Router and McAfee firewall. I updated firm ware on the Belkin router I use, on the recommendation of Verizon DSL Tech Support, who showed no problem with their connection or modem.

Without exception now, my Verizon DSL connection "drops out" somewhere around 5-6 hours after start up. I re-boot and things are fine for 5-6 hours. Small annoyance in the scheme of life, but irritating nonetheless.

Boy, does this sound familiar.

My solution involved a shovel.

I had exactly this same problem with my Verizon DSL. Verizon tech support was glued to their checklist and as a result, I found them less than helpful. Ultimately I ended up leaving Verizon over it.

My problem actually turned out to be noise on the phone line. The telephone company (Verizon, but different than Verizon Online) came out and discovered that the buried line had a crack in it and there was moisture in the wires. (I do live near Seattle; moisture's no surprise.)

So your phone line might be worth checking out.

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Article C2240 - December 13, 2004

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Recent Comments
27 Comments

My problem was also bad house wiring. Ran new phone wire into my house, put in new jacks, and my internet connection is really stable now...

Posted by: Chris at March 23, 2009 8:38 AM

I had similar issues - the phone line was picking up interfetence from ethernet / other unshielded wires in the home.

Simple solution: Wrap Al foil around the phone cable coming from the wall outlet to the DSL modem. Cover by wrapping over with scotch tape for permanence and insulation. You now have yourself a 'shielded' phone / DSL wire. This solved my issues. Also, make sure to use filters on all other phone jacks if you have a regular land line phone / fax machine etc connected elsewhere in the home.

~Chintoo

Posted by: Chintoo at April 9, 2009 12:11 AM

I have AT&T(SWB) DSL and have same dropping problem. I feel that your discussions make sense. I'll try to fix my phone lines. If still getting problem, I'll have to drop DSL services.

Posted by: Winston at April 28, 2009 6:58 AM

I just activated my verizon DSL last night and already I have had to reset my modem twice because my internet light goes out periodically. I had DSL for years at my previous residence and I think I reset the modem once the entire time I had it. I have already had to speak with tech support and I can already tell how much fun it is going to be to deal with them as they don't really speak English. IS there any sort of legal action that could possibly get results or maybe someone we can call here in the states? I am not going to argue with someone who can't even speak English. I really REALLY hate outsourcing.

Posted by: metzex08 at July 11, 2009 6:36 AM

No ISP guarantees the speed you are paying for. Or even if you stay connected 24/7.

Posted by: steven at January 10, 2010 4:18 AM

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