Should I buy a new modem before my ISP sends out a technician?

I'm pretty sure there is something wrong with my modem or my line... If there is something wrong with my modem and I get a technician out they say I'll be charged AT LEAST 85$.

On the other hand I have tried 2 different modems and I think there are still issues. They are both Actiontec gt701 models, one is an R and the other is the wireless one, WG.

Whats your opinion on this? How much of a chance is there that a new modem would be a waste of money and the problem is in the line? The problems are kind of intermittent. Would a new modem be at all a good investment anyway?

Thanks for the advice.

 

I'd see if I can borrow another modem from a friend. (Different model just to be sure?)

If the problem persists, then the issue lies in the line and then you're doomed to pay $85 (or more) for the hard work of the delivered technician.

TBH, I'd try anything before having a technician visit and have to pay monies.

 

I've actually had a technician come to my house to check out the wiring, because back in the service provider's electrical box for the neighborhood outside was showing that my house was receiving like half the amount as it should be getting. To rewire the house is going to be quite pricey, so I'm holding off for now. But it is a bit of a bummer... maybe as you said it is most likely the issue if your modems are working fine as are mine.

 

I don't get charged anything if there is a problem with my line outside. Thats pretty much why I'm asking...

Yea they came out once before and messed with stuff outside, they also tested it in my basement tho and I don't think we got charged.

 

That makes things a lot easier then.

Just make sure it's the line and not the modem! I wouldn't purchase one, but bug one of my other tech savvy buddies for his/her spare or steal their's for a couple minutes. NBD. Verify and call it a day Niff.

 

Right, when the service provider tech came to check things out it didn't cost me anything either. But them working outside is never a good sign hahaha. Did they provide you with any info when they came to check around? Your connection to the box outside could be just fine (unless they've done recent work), but inside who knows, the problem could be anywhere your wires run through the house, and that's the pricey part to get changed and fixed. I'd get them back down again.

 

They should check both inside and outside. They can repair the outside lines at no charge to you, but if there is a problem inside than they can charge you if they like. If you rent than you have nothing to worry about as the landlord should take care of all expenses.

 

Can you provide DSL stats- SNR (also known as "margin" in some modems), line attenuation, sync speed and so on.
That usually shows if there are issues with the line.

If you can you should also disconnect phones from the line and check if that changed anything and replace splitters or microfilters.

 

Sure, how exactly would I do that, through the modem config page or with software?

I also thought of a way to diagnose my modem - because I remembered this happening recently - SOMETIMES I cannot connect to the modem config page! That means I should definitely try a new modem, right? Meaning, 192.168.0.1 times out...

 

Yes- modem config page- usually status page or DSL page on it.