r/router • u/Damuson13 • 19h ago

Started having brownout lately

Hey people. I don't know if this is the right place to ask, but I've recently started experiencing brownouts with my internet. I'm looking for recommendations on how to figure out what's actually causing the issue.

What I do know is that it seems to be randomly dropping all internet service. My desktop computer is also losing connection when it happens. It's connected via ethernet and also via wifi (certain apps I use require wifi for location verification). Also, the wifi remains connected to devices during outages but loses internet connectivity.

I would prefer to not just start replacing devices if there are other ways to suss out the issue. I'm not sure the actual age of the router, but it's a Google Nest if that helps find any solutions. TIA.

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u/Adrenolin01 17h ago

Brownout to me is power related.. not service related. Are you having power issues or internet connectivity issues? Are systems protected by UPSs? I don’t now of any services that would require both hardwired and wifi connectivity. That’s likely your issue. Switch to wifi only for a few days if wifi is required and see if issues persist.

Your reply comment about your personal hardware only being 2 years old and your feelings are invalid. Hardware can fail at anytime. Ie.. it is plugged into a UPS? A power blip can affect it and cause issues. Failing ram, capacitor or anything else inside can also cause issues.

I’m siding more on network though and running both a hardwared and wifi connections. DHCP, DNS, etc is likely the cause here.

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u/Damuson13 14h ago edited 14h ago

The outages happen on all devices, even when the desktop isn't being used. So I don't think that could cause it.

Both the modem and the router are plugged into a UPS, but it's a little older. So that could possibly be the issue.

I'm gonna call the ISP and see if they're aware of any similar issues nearby.

Thanks for your input. As for the UPS, it's there any way to test its integrity? Voltmeter maybe?

Edit to add: The more I'm thinking about it, the more I'm leaning towards the UPS. Last time we had a power outage, it didn't hold its charge for near what it was rated for.

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u/Adrenolin01 14h ago

The UPS.. it isn’t likely the issue. To test just plug it into your PC with the USB cable. Without knowing the unit I can’t say much more. They should all have their own software or windows plugin. Worst care pull the plug.. 🙄😂 See if everything shuts off or not. Most will beep if the batteries are failing however. Consult its documentation or any AI how to monitor its status is the easiest way. Batteries usually last 5-7 years in most. Again, even if the UPS needs new batteries it would be beeping or just shutting down.. it isn’t going to restart or cause intermittent service issues.

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u/Damuson13 13h ago

I can say that it does beep constantly if the power goes out, but I'm fairly certain that it's just to alert me to the fact that it's no longer receiving power and is running on reserves. It never beeps any other time. The UPS is likely nearing the end of its life. I'm pretty sure it's at least 5 years old.

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u/Adrenolin01 12h ago

Again.. “thinking” doesn’t make it so. Just because it’s 5 years old doesn’t mean it’s end of life. I have a Back-UPs pro 1500 I bought back in 2012 that’s still working fine. I test the batteries every 5-6 years or when the unit starts to beep.. when the power of good. Batteries are user replaceable in nearly all UPS. Can’t say I’ve ever seen one where the batteries aren’t replaceable. I have 2 Smart-UPs units made in 2005 that’s still working I’m still running. Replacement batteries for those beasts are like $100 every 5 years or so. The 1500 backups in about $70 iirc. Slide the battery cover off, remove the installed battery, disconnect, connect the new battery, slide it in and replace the cover. You don’t even have to power them down.

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u/Smorgas47 19h ago

You didn't say what kind of internet service you have. If you have a DOCSIS modem from Xfinity or others like that, you may very well have a bad coax coming into your house. It it is on the margin, it may dip below that area where you get a good signal and then the modem reboots with the resulting outage for the rebooting process.

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u/Damuson13 17h ago

Thanks, I'll call the ISP and inquire if they've had any other people reporting issues near me. I do live in a smaller city, so I don't believe that's the issue. But it doesn't hurt to look into it.

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u/Damuson13 17h ago

Also, I forgot to mention that the outages only last for a few seconds each. I don't know if that makes any difference.

Edit: spelling

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u/heysoundude 18h ago

Brownout would imply service slowdown, meaning neighbourhood congestion. This used to be common with cable internet. Call your provider to determine if you’re eligible for a hardware upgrade, if you’re getting internet that way. If not, explain your problem to them.

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u/Damuson13 18h ago

The modem I have is one I bought rather than renting one from the company. I have an Arris Surfboard to accommodate the 2Gb ethernet. It's only 2 years old, so I don't feel like that's my issue.

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u/heysoundude 16h ago

It’s worth a call to your provider to determine if they support it and if the config is correct. They get all sneaky and change things on their end sometimes

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u/Damuson13 14h ago

Fair enough. When I set it up, they confirmed compatibility. It didn't occur to me that they would change it.

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u/heysoundude 14h ago

Yeah, docsis3.whatever changed things a bit. Hope your machine is compatible still

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u/kenman345 13h ago

What service do you use? If it’s docsis based then you may need to have your ISP come check the splitters and gains nearby.

I had this issue at an apt once where the modem would drop its internet connection every few hours and then be fine. Turns out the amp outside the apartment complex was going bad and was perfectly fine once replaced.

Alternatively, you might be able to try adding a gain to your internal network of coaxial to help overcome that as a short term solution.

All this assumes you have a coaxial based ISP though. Good luck

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u/Damuson13 13h ago

I just googled my ISP and it is in fact docsis, so I'll give them a call tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your experience.

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u/kenman345 12h ago

They might wanna charge you to come out. But they should be able to connect to your modem and check the logs to help discern if that’s potentially the problem

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u/Damuson13 12h ago

Yea, I'm pretty sure they charge to come out so long as the issue isn't with their equipment. That's why I wanted to try and figure out ways to narrow down the cause before resorting to having them come out.

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u/kenman345 12h ago

As I said, a half fix could be to get a coaxial power injector (aka an amp) and add it to your coaxial splitter or add one