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Posted by Warren on January 18, 2007, 2:31 pm
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> After four years, I can say with certainty
> that my RCN cable modem service fails ONLY
> on cold days due to low signal level. When I
> remove the splitter and connect the modem
> directly to the wall jack, the signal returns.
> If I leave the splitter in but remove the
> connected TV and VCR, I still get dropout.
>
> My annual December-or-January interaction
> with RCN goes like this: They send a
> technician, who replaces the modem...
> on a warm day when there's no dropout
> anyway. Or they suggest that I replace
> my splitter. Whatever is done, there's a
> few more occurrences of dropout on cold
> days. Then, mysteriously, the problem
> goes away -- for the rest of the winter.
> I can only conclude that RCN adjusts
> something in its system...without telling
> me about it. Do I guess correctly?
> I need to know; it would help me in
> negotiating with them.
>
Coax is almost always copper. Couplings are rarely copper. Different
metals contract at different rates when the temperature changes. That can
cause micro-gaps where the different metals need to connect, resulting in
higher resistance, and lower signal levels. The gaps that form as unlike
materials contract at different speeds can also allow water to enter,
which is a problem in itself, but an even greater problem when it freezes
and crystallizes, again resulting in bad connections.
Removing the splitter helps because you're effectively doubling the signal
going to the leg that remains connected. It doesn't matter if there is
anything connected to the other leg. Just the presence of the splitter
splits the signal level. This usually isn't a problem for TV, but it is a
problem for cable modems. If you only have one cable drop to the house,
the cable modem should have it's own run back to the first splitter. (You
can then split the other leg to serve multiple TV's. Just don't split the
run to the cable modem.)
There could also be a problem upstream, but given that you have no problem
when you remove just the one splitter in your house, it's pretty likely
that things beyond your house are in acceptable condition. Just get rid of
that splitter after it comes out of the wall, and make sure the modem has
it's own run back to the drop. Or see if they can install a separate drop
just for your cable modem. Either way, from what you've told us, the
solution is within your own grasp because the solution is in your own
house.
--
Warren H.
==========
Disclaimer: My views reflect those of myself, and not my
employer, my friends, nor (as she often tells me) my wife.
Any resemblance to the views of anybody living or dead is
coincidental. No animals were hurt in the writing of this
response -- unless you count my dog who desperately wants
to go outside now.
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