Forum Discussion

BobDobalina's avatar
BobDobalina
Network Novice
3 years ago

internet dropping

My download speeds are normally over 100mbps, yet Atleast once a day, usually more, my internet disappears. Sometimes the WiFi connection remains but no internet. Sometimes the whole WiFi network name completely disappears. Sometimes an X appears on the modem.

connection problems
home internet
  • iTinkeralot's avatar
    iTinkeralot
    Bandwidth Buff
    3 years ago

    If you are on a laptop or desktop and the disruption takes place open a console/terminal and ping the gateway address 192.168.12.1. If you get a response the wifi is still up and your client can at least reach the gateway. Depending upon the gateway you have login with access as “admin” and check the cellular metrics, assuming the wireless is still functioning. Confirm what the gateway reports for the cellular metrics for both the primary and secondary cellular signals. If neither report up or provide any data about connections they are for sure down.

    One thing you might do just to try to see if it is possibly related is to power down the gateway and remove and then install the SIM card again. There have been some reports where the SIM card was not making proper connections as the SIM card carrier was not holding it securely against the contacts. The re-insertion of the SIM card should not cause any problems as long as it is done with no power to the gateway.

    Another thing you could do which is helpful at times is to change the DNS server for the client. If there is a problem with DNS resolution that will prevent internet “connectivity”. If the client’s DNS server is changed to 9.9.9.9 or 8.8.8.8 vs the gateway IP address this is perfectly fine. If you put the DNS server address in manual and the internet connectivity is resolved it is clear there was a problem with DNS resolution. Another possible action is to flush the DNS tables just in case there is stale information that prevents proper resolution. 

    Windows 10: DNS Flush

    1. 1.At the bottom left corner, type 'cmd' in the Start menu's search bar, and press Enter.
    2. Type 'ipconfig /flushdns' in the Command Prompt, and press Enter.
    3. The user has now flushed the DNS Cache and will receive a message that they have successfully done so.

    How to flush DNS cache on Mac

    • Click the Spotlight search button or use Command+Space to do a search.
    • Type in Terminal, and double-click the Terminal application under Top Hit to open it. ... 
    • Once Terminal is open, enter this command: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

    It can be that the signals are failing to be received. If T-Mobile is doing maintenance or upgrades to the cellular towers in the area random disruptions can take place. T-Mobile does not provide any indication that there is maintenance in a location. If you were to call in they “might” be able to confirm that there is service work in the area but maybe not. 

    Another option is to check “downdetector.com” and see if others are reporting problems with service. Of course you need connectivity to do so but when you do have connectivity it is still possible to see if there is a situation where there is an elevation of reports about service disruptions.