Could this cable be causing internet issues? - eviltoast

There is an aerial cable that comes to this splitter (from the left) that splits out two cables. The one powering my modem is the one that’s damaged.

I’ve been having internet issues during the day for the last few days (I live in the northeast US, so very cold right now if that’s relevant). It’s only during the day. Internet speed is VERY slow when it’s connected (<10mbps download, <1 upload) and it is constantly disconnecting. But at nights internet is normal with no interruptions (160mbsp download, 10 upload). I had a tech scheduled to come out to fix the cable today but the guy never showed up (I could do it on my own but don’t fully trust myself with it) but it seems weird it’s only happening during the day. Is this actually the issue?

The other cable from the splitter goes nowhere, so is not an option. This is a rented house so there’s only so much I can do.

  • kwajagimp@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Just judging by the fading label - absolutely.

    Generally, I’ve always replaced splitters about every several years. (No more than 5.) They do go bad over time.

    If that doesn’t work, I’d recommend considering replacing the coax.

  • Dinbar@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Short answer = yes

    The cable needs replacing and it should be covered up when outside too.

    This will ruin your broadband but also potentially affect the entire segment.

    Call your local cable company to fix it for you.

    Good luck

  • JonZ82@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Just to chime in as a LV engineer. Not only is it in a bad spot and rusting, it’s a 1000mhz swept coax splitter. Aka old af. Replace with 3000mhz in a jbox.

    • leoingle@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      I’ve never seen splitters go up to 3000Mhz. 2500Mhz is the highest I’ve seen.

  • AJ_Mexico@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Looks pretty poor. If the 2nd cable from the splitter doesn’t go anywhere useful, you could just get rid of the splitter, and join the two ends with a straight-thru connector instead of that rusty old splitter. That and fixing the cable sound like good first steps to fixing your problem.

  • Citnos@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Yes, and regarding the appointment, it has been a busy week for ISPs and understaffed techOps, I am tech support not dispatch and a poor tech called my at 8:00pm still working on a cx house, (with no dispatch assistance bc they left at 6:00pm)

    Try to reschedule the appointment, having that exposed may be being affected by humidity, change of temperature during the day, etc

  • Pro-Rider@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Broken shielded cable usually means RF ingress and water intrusion that destroys the high band frequencies which most MSO operators use for Downstream. So broken shielding effects both TX and RX.

  • Beneficial_Ad7906@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Everyone is forgetting grounding and a mocca filter and a weather box. So not spec. Also just because you remove a splitter means you fix the issue. Sometimes putting a spliter in place actually helps. There is a sweet spot where the signal strength needs to be. Unless you have the appropriate meter you will not know what your measurements are.

  • val319@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Replace the splitter. Splitters go bad. I just replace them to be safe if having any issues.

  • Zeal514@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Yea, 100%. Easy fix with the right tools. Just call your ISP to come out and fix it for free.

  • Personal-Internal-84@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    As was said earlier, this is an easy fix if the correct tools and a replacement compression RG6 coaxial cable connector are available.

    I see some other piece of hardware in the top left corner of the picture. Is that a grounding block?

    If it were me, I’d request to have the splitter and the two cable runs replaced as they look fairly weathered. But the technician will be able to make a determination once onsite.

  • nwoidaho@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    That one head of coax needs to be replaced immediately. With the split in the shield, signal interference is highly likely with that. In fact, That whole junction should be replaced and updated with new equipment.