Curse

awesome sauce · Aug 29, 2006, 11:32 PM // 23:32

Hi,
lately i've been having some major problems with my internet connection. Whenever I visit a site, it always says "waiting for..." and then the name of the site, like GWG does at full load for most people. It doesnt matter what the site is, even google can take up to 20 seconds to load. Also, download speeds don't seem to be too affected by it. I'm wondering what exactly could be causing this. Sometimes it's really bad, and others it works like normal. I noticed it usually works better in the morning. I also know that it's not a malware problem, because i have reformatted my system (not because of this problem) while this has been happening and i have run virus/spyware scans. I chatted with a comcast tech guy and he ran some tests, ultimately telling my that my "levels" are fine, but i'm experiencing a package loss. He wants a technician to come here and try and fix it... probably costing a lot of $. I'm wondering if any of you have any ideas on how to fix it without the guy having to come here.

sykoone · Aug 29, 2006, 11:43 PM // 23:43

I've got comcast service here, and I can tell you that tech service calls are free. They will come out and check you connection, and tell you if the problem is your hardware our theirs. If it's their problem, they'll fix it. If it's yours, they'll give you advice on how to fix it.

awesome sauce · Aug 30, 2006, 01:25 AM // 01:25

From what I read it looked like you had to pay, but i'll look into it. I'm almost certain it's a comcast-caused problem, so that'd be great if it was free. Thanks for the suggestion.

dynei · Aug 30, 2006, 07:32 AM // 07:32

Well, if you insist that your download speeds are not affected (ie.. actually downloading files), then in my opinion it looks like a problem with DNS resolution.

If the DNS servers are too bogged down with traffic, then they will have issues resolving all the queries from customers, causing a lag with loading webpages.

One suggestion I can give is:
-Use something as a timer.. a watch.. stopwatch.. your head, anything.
-Open up your browser and go to www.google.com, count the time it takes
-Close that browser, and open up a new one, then go to 64.233.167.99 (this is also www.google.com, only the IP version.. this will pretty much avoid the use of the DNS servers entirely), count the time it takes

If using the direct IP is faster, then it's probably DNS. You can change your DNS servers manually by going to:

Start -> control panel -> Network Connections
-> right-click your internet connection and select properties
-> highlight TCP/IP settings near the middle of the popup and click properties -> Select the option to choose DNS servers manually
-> Try adding 2.2.2.1 and 2.2.2.2 as the DNS servers.

IMO.. I wouldn't trust comcast tech-support guys on the phone. I've had far too many bad run-ins with them, and for the most part they have no idea what they're talking about (though there are exceptions). Guaranteed their tests had nothing to do with the DNS servers they are pointing you to.

awesome sauce · Aug 30, 2006, 02:21 PM // 14:21

Ip is much faster... I think you're right.

dynei · Aug 30, 2006, 07:00 PM // 19:00

Awesome. Have you tried changing the DNS servers yet?

awesome sauce · Aug 30, 2006, 07:22 PM // 19:22

It doesnt seem to work at all when i change the dns address.

dynei · Aug 30, 2006, 08:26 PM // 20:26

Ah.. those are the servers that I had used awhile ago, but I suppose they are no longer in service or its possible they are region-dependant. I think in this case you might want to give comcast a call again and ask them for another DNS address. Of course, give them the situation and what you found out so far, that way they have no way to sneak in paid services for stuff you already know how to do.

awesome sauce · Aug 30, 2006, 11:02 PM // 23:02

My online chat with a comcast rep....

Quote:

Tyler(Wed Aug 30 18:56:28 EDT 2006)>Thank you for contacting Comcast, my name is Tyler . How may I assist you today?
Me(Wed Aug 30 18:56:56 EDT 2006)>I request to be moved to a different dns server, this one is incredibly slow
Tyler(Wed Aug 30 18:57:40 EDT 2006)>Im sorry but i cannot change your dns server but I can fix your slow speeds.
Me(Wed Aug 30 18:58:10 EDT 2006)>No, im quite sure the problem is the server.
Tyler(Wed Aug 30 18:58:45 EDT 2006)>Im sorry but it is not possible for the dns server to noticably slow your speeds.
Tyler(Wed Aug 30 18:58:48 EDT 2006)>I will just need to verify security with you, can you please provide me with your 16 digit account number. It starts with the number 8. (It would be on any bill you've received or your installation work order.)
Me(Wed Aug 30 18:59:18 EDT 2006)>I dont have access to those right now sorry
Tyler(Wed Aug 30 18:59:23 EDT 2006)>As an alternative, I can also accept the last 4 digits of the Social Security Number on the account. Another Alternative is, I can verify the last payment amount, and on what day, was made to the account. Thank you for taking the time to verify security.
Me(Wed Aug 30 18:59:42 EDT 2006)>I'll try to get help elsewhere, thanks

The guy was trying to claim that a server can't become overloaded, like comcast is "perfect". You were right about their support. Is there any other way to get around this without changing my ISP?

dynei · Aug 31, 2006, 02:56 AM // 02:56

I did a search on Google for public DNS addresses that can be used in place of an ISPs servers, and came up with this link among others:

http://www.speedguide.net/faq_in_q.p...ory=88&qid=128

It looks promising, but I can't guarantee they will work as they are public. That's a good place to start though - Google is your best friend.

awesome sauce · Sep 01, 2006, 12:46 AM // 00:46

I dunno what was going on down at ccast but the issue seems to have resolved itself... for now. I'll try that server if it ever happens again. Thanks for the help dynei.