Does my DSL modem need to be replaced?
My DSL modem is probably about 7 years old (that's a guess) and it runs well with the two computers that are connected to it through the actual Internet cords (the Internet is sorta sluggish but the main problem is the computers are also old and cluttered which contributes to other slowness… )
Anyway, the problem isn't the computers Internet, it's the wireless Internet. I use the Wi-Fi for my iPhone and it works well the majority of the day but maybe once or twice per day the Wi-Fi either shows up on my phone and says "unable to connect to this network" or shows up as connected but doesn't load anything… I would blame my phone, but it also does this on the wii, the Xbox, and other peoples wireless devices in my family. I've found that by turning the modem off and unplugging the wireless router for a minute or so solves the problem… Temporarily. Until the next day when it repeats itself.
My phone will sometimes show the three bars for a strong wireless connection and not actually be connected but the Internet on the computer will work fine… I've called AT&T about this and tried to explain to them how the signal shows up fine and appears to work, but isn't actually working and they say the only solution is to buy a new modem (obviously they would love to get $100 from us). I just feel there might be other cheaper solutions to this problem?
Does anyone know why the modem is doing this? Is it because it is old and needs to be replaced?