Internet problems

[DragonEkarus]

For the past two days my internet has been behaving exceptionally strangely and despite having to borrow unprotected networks nearby I'm convinced it's a problem on my end. I've attempted to use 3 other networks nearby, each using the same modem (Motorola something or other) and ISP (Roadrunner) but the problem stays the same. Random services (MSN, Skype, Steam) will go down as well as several websites will load very, very slowly or not at all while others will function fine.

I've tried rebooting, I've disabled Hamachi (Which I've found to be the problem in the past) and I've tried restarting my wireless card.

[Kirby]

wireless card.

[DragonEkarus]

[quote author=Ekarus Ryndren link=topic=6156.msg235001#msg235001 date=1325265117]
wireless card.

[/quote]

It's an external USB stick, some high-gain wireless N card that's supposed to get a signal up to a mile away with line of sight. Ralink

[HeK]

[quote author=Kirby the Dick link=topic=6156.msg235002#msg235002 date=1325265917]
[quote author=Ekarus Ryndren link=topic=6156.msg235001#msg235001 date=1325265117]
wireless card.

[/quote]
external USB stick
[/quote]

[DragonEkarus]

[quote author=Ekarus Ryndren link=topic=6156.msg235004#msg235004 date=1325266130]
[quote author=Kirby the Dick link=topic=6156.msg235002#msg235002 date=1325265917]
[quote author=Ekarus Ryndren link=topic=6156.msg235001#msg235001 date=1325265117]
wireless card.

[/quote]
external USB stick
[/quote]
[/quote]

As much as I'd love to have a wire from my PC to the modem that's not an option right now

[zaneyard]

honestly dude, slow internet could be anything in between here and timbuk fucking tu

what would connecting to another persons network with the same isp help? if it's a district wide isp problem they're going to be having the same issues you do.

you could try running a ping to your default gateway to see if there's any wireless interference that is causing a spike in ping time between your desktop and your router. if for some reason that's not the problem, it's out of your hands. you could try contacting your ISP and telling them that their shit sucks but they'll tell you to restart your computer. if you managed to accumulate tracert data to find a bottleneck in one of their systems, maybe they will tell you that they are doing maintenance on something and that the problem will go away.

[CaffeinePowered]

[quote author=HeK link=topic=6156.msg235005#msg235005 date=1325266203]
[quote author=Ekarus Ryndren link=topic=6156.msg235004#msg235004 date=1325266130]
[quote author=Kirby the Dick link=topic=6156.msg235002#msg235002 date=1325265917]
[quote author=Ekarus Ryndren link=topic=6156.msg235001#msg235001 date=1325265117]
wireless card.

[/quote]
external USB stick
[/quote]
[/quote]

As much as I'd love to have a wire from my PC to the modem that's not an option right now
[/quote]

Option A - Internal Wireless card
Option B - Spool of Cat 5e cable

Id go with B if you can, what is stopping you from running a really long cable along the floor, or alternately moving the PC closer to the modem or the modem closer to the PC?

[rumsfald]

you need to do B (hook up a wired connection) if only to test the connection just to eliminate the wireless card as a possible source of the problem.

[HeK]

you need to do B (hook up a wired connection) if only to test the connection just to eliminate the wireless card as a possible source of the problem.

You can't do that! No helping allowed!

You will have to start by reducing the number of potential faults. Connect a computer directly do your modem, trace-route services like Google.com
You should not see any hops that spike latency.

If everything looks good there, try a speed-test. RoadRunner in your area provides a FTP speed test: FTP File 
Otherwise try the general http://www.speedtest.net

If you are still experiencing problems when connected directly to your modem, try a different computer (if you have another) or just call Roadrunner for quality tests at your demark.