Member Avatar for dcc

I was browsing ebay last night, and at one point I found that I couldn't do anything without getting the response that I had timed out. After closing Firefox, I tried to check my mail and received an error message telling me that I was unable to connect to the server, I then went off line and tried to reconnect but was unable to. I gave it a fifteen minute break and tried to connect with my ISP once again, and this time was able to. Would these problems be symptomantic of my ISPs server being down, or is there something else that I should be looking at?

My OS is windows 2000 Pro, and I use Firefox for my browser, and OE for my mail.

I do appreciate your time, dcc

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Dani AI

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Short practical summary: intermittent timeouts like the one described are far more often caused by network or last‑mile issues than by the browser or mail client. 's suspicion that the ISP may be involved is reasonable, but you can and should collect objective evidence before changing providers so you know whether the fault is local (equipment, wiring, router) or upstream.

Actionable checklist (do these in order, saving any output you get):

  • See whether other devices lose access at the same time. If multiple devices are affected, the problem is upstream or with the modem/router.

  • Temporarily bypass the router: connect one computer directly to the modem and test.

  • Record modem/router behavior and logs (link/sync drops, reboots, CRC or error counters). Those stats are the best proof of a last‑mile line problem.

  • Run a continuous ping and an end‑to‑end diagnostic to capture drops and routing behavior; save the output to a file so you can show timestamps to support. For example:

    ping -t 8.8.8.8 > pinglog.txt
pathping 8.8.8.8 > pathping.txt

    Stop the ping when an outage happens and keep the file. Pathping (or equivalent) helps show where loss occurs along the route.

  • If wireless, test wired to rule out interference or driver/power‑management issues. Try a mobile hotspot to confirm whether the outage is ISP‑wide.

How to use the evidence with the ISP:

  • Provide exact timestamps, modem sync/log excerpts, and the saved ping/pathping output. Ask them to check the "last mile" and escalate to a higher tier if needed. Request a line test or technician visit if the modem shows repeated resyncs or CRC errors.

Quick tips and cautions: update modem/router firmware and NIC drivers, swap cables, and try an alternate DNS while testing. If outages persist and the ISP will not act despite clear logs, consider a provider with better monitoring and support.

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Member Avatar for Dogtree

It's probably your ISP. If it happens again for any length of time, give them a call and see if there are any outages in your area. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it.

Member Avatar for dcc

Hi Dogtree...that's what I figured, my ISP is telling me that it wasn't their fault and that I should go to start, then run and do a trace rt. I'm thinking new ISP if I have to go start.
Thanks, dcc

Member Avatar for Dogtree

>> my ISP is telling me that it wasn't their fault
It's never their fault. ;) Be aware that just about everyone will try to dodge blame when something goes wrong. Like I said, if it happens again, call them and force them to walk you through some troubleshooting steps. At the very least, they can help you pinpoint the problem wherever it may be.

Member Avatar for dcc

Thanks Dogtree, ain't it the truth! I did the ping and trace test out of Run, no problems, I think it's fair to say it's the ISP. Unfortunately, this is a small company that closes its doors and turns on the answering machine at midnight. They have been great for tech support, well informed and willing to help out, and I don't think the company has anymore than ten employees. I started out with my first computer this last November, so that has been helpful for me. Thanks again, dcc

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