Question for help desk: Internet issues

[Baz]

For the past couple weeks I have had problems with my Internet connection. Sometimes things are just fine. Refreshes happen instantaneously and everything I click performs as normal.

But more times than not I get either slow or nothing, despite repeated refreshes.

I have a cable modem by Spectrum using an Intel NUC with Windows 10 OS and Firefox browser.

I've had my cable provider out a few times and they installed a brand new modem and also checked the service which they said was where it should be.

I'm tempted to have them out again because I'm also seeing issues with my TV, so something doesn't seem right on THEIR end.

I have a wireless router but everything is connected with Ethernet cables. I also tried a direct connection without my router and it didn't change anything so I'm thinking my router must not be the problem.

Is it possible the problem is with my Intel NUC? I just want some feedback before calling my provider again.

I have no other devices using my Internet except my Tv and Magic Jack - both wired.

TIA!

[Baz]

Here is an example of what happens when I can't connect:

[id10t]

That looks like a DNS error.

Most ISP DNS servers suck to some degree. Try forcing the use of 1.1.1.1 (cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (google) as your DNS or Name Server

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by id10t

That looks like a DNS error.

Most ISP DNS servers suck to some degree. Try forcing the use of 1.1.1.1 (cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (google) as your DNS or Name Server

Yes.

[Bill Douglas]

Good advice given already.

But you could try one of those "what's your download" programs to see if it is going slow as well as not finding sites. Sometimes they timeout and say they can't find the site if it doesn't happen fast enough.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by id10t

That looks like a DNS error.

Most ISP DNS servers suck to some degree. Try forcing the use of 1.1.1.1 (cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (google) as your DNS or Name Server

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Yes.

OK thanks - just changed to Google and we'll see what happens.

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Good advice given already.

But you could try one of those "what's your download" programs to see if it is going slow as well as not finding sites. Sometimes they timeout and say they can't find the site if it doesn't happen fast enough.

Did this earlier Bill and got acceptable speeds: 20.8 DL and 2.38 UL.

[Baz]

Looks like you guys know what you're doing! So far everything seems to be back to normal.

I just uploaded 3 pics and they went right in, unlike before when things stalled like crazy.

Thanks much for your advice - it's appreciated more than you know!

[Baz]

I have a buddy who just sent me these links:

https://use.opendns.com/

https://www.grc.com/intro.htm

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Baz

I have a buddy who just sent me these links:

https://use.opendns.com/

https://www.grc.com/intro.htm

Since a very large percentage of DNS is hosted by cloudflare, using 1.1.1.1 keeps your request "local" to them.

If you don't want to do that (I don't, I want to spoof various domains for ad blocking, etc) you can run a caching-only DNS server on your local network.

[VincentVega]

Just keep it simple, 8.8.8.8.

[Brando]

+1 for Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

Originally Posted by id10t

That looks like a DNS error.

Most ISP DNS servers suck to some degree. Try forcing the use of 1.1.1.1 (cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (google) as your DNS or Name Server

[Icemaster]

Quad 9. 9.9.9.9 is yet a third option.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Brando

+1 for Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

This is what I ended up with and it's working great!

Thanks again fellas!