I have Comcast cable service, and I'm using their broadband service as well. My modem is an RCA model DCM235.
My problem is that my broadband service fails - intermittently throughout the day, then comes back all by itself. I had this problem from shortly after installation. The installer ran a separate cable from the box on the exterior of my home to where my computer is, and the original line goes to my VCR.
When the problem first began, I had service techs out but they almost never showed up when the system was down. I understand that it's hard to fix what ain't broken. Finally, one time a tech showed up when it was down and said that there was a grounding problem somewhere on other side of my wall - that is, it was a cable company problem, not something in my house.
Well, apparently not, because shortly after that, my VCR bit the dust, and when I disconnected it from the cable, my broadband service was flawless.
Hmm...
So, I replaced the VCR. Things went along well for a couple of months. Now it's doing it again. When my broadband service crashes, all it takes to restore service is for me to disconnect the cable going to the VCR for a few seconds to a minute or two, then everything comes back up, I plug the VCR cable back in, and we're good to go. Until the next time.
Do I have a bad cable modem? WTF is going on? I'm ready to sacrifice a chicken here to get rid of the voodoo spell.