Network keeps failing, is my configuration wrong?

[Fasauceome]

I got new cable (comcast) and we bought our own modem this time around. We have an Arris Surfboard SB8200.

 

The way I have it set up is:

Coax -> Modem -> switch -> 2 routers -> 2 switches (off one router)

So our modem connects to a large switch to serve a few devices directly, as well as both our routers, but I found the modem is totally unable to daisy chain switches, so if I go modem -> switch -> switch, no connection. 

The routers are two apple airport routers, been using them for years.

 

Does this configuration have something wrong with it, something that would cause our network to constantly go down? Our old modem with WOW! cable didn't have this problem, occasionally service would drop out but we chalked that up to WOW! being bad, because it happened like once every couple months.

 

old configuration:

modem -> 2 routers and a switch -> switch

[Valkyrie Lenneth]

ur modem has to be set in bridge mode if u want to put a switch between and then routers i think

 

itl work without bridge mode from  modem > router > switch but   modem > switch > router im pretty sure it needs bridge mode

[Fasauceome]

14 minutes ago, Valkyrie Lenneth said:

itl work without bridge mode from  modem > router > switch

that was the config I had it in until this morning, it had all the same problems unfortunately.

[Skiiwee29]

The SB8200 is a standalone cable modem, no need for bridged mode since it doesn't have an internal router. You should have the router plugged into the modem, not the switch. Anything that is connected to the switch, will then try and pull an IP address from your ISP and they usually have a limit build into the .cm file that your modem pulls for provisioning, usually in the realm of 1-3 for residential customers. You may need to contact Comcast and inquire on there CPE limit for the package you have. 

[Fasauceome]

19 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

You should have the router plugged into the modem, not the switch

Alright, went back to my old configuration.

 

Does this type of issue usually result in intermittent failures?

[Skiiwee29]

Just now, fasauceome said:

Alright, went back to my old configuration.

 

Does this type of issue usually result in intermittent failures?

Nope, will just have everything pull DHCP from your router instead of public IPs. 

[Fasauceome]

Just now, Skiiwee29 said:

Nope, will just have everything pull DHCP from your router instead of public IPs. 

Ok, I'll still look into that but my main problem is that the network just cuts out more and more frequently, until I need to have my modem shut of for a few hours for it to work normally again. Comcast customer service is yet to be of help.

[Skiiwee29]

5 minutes ago, fasauceome said:

Ok, I'll still look into that but my main problem is that the network just cuts out more and more frequently, until I need to have my modem shut of for a few hours for it to work normally again. Comcast customer service is yet to be of help.

if thats the case, almost sounds like its overheating? Does it get very warm/hot to the touch during this time?

[Fasauceome]

2 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

if thats the case, almost sounds like its overheating? Does it get very warm/hot to the touch during this time?

no, the unit itself is fanless and I've made sure it's unobstructed

 

[Skiiwee29]

1 minute ago, fasauceome said:

no, the unit itself is fanless and I've made sure it's unobstructed

 

I know, I think all modems are still fanless, but its to the point where passive really isnt cutting it much anymore IMO from my experience dealing with modems, especially 3.1 modems which yours is. Usually if a device is failing overtime and requires a reboot and/or shut down for a bit to start working again, its usually heat related in my experience. 

[Fasauceome]

55 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

I know, I think all modems are still fanless, but its to the point where passive really isnt cutting it much anymore IMO from my experience dealing with modems, especially 3.1 modems which yours is. Usually if a device is failing overtime and requires a reboot and/or shut down for a bit to start working again, its usually heat related in my experience. 

I'll get a fan and test that out, but at the moment it's in the coldest part of the basement.