very simple

The cable guy just left, after replacing my modem and running a bunch of tests. He also reconfigured my splitters so that the line was split differently (rather than having all three lines – 2 TVs and 1 cable modem – split off of the one trunk line, it’s now got one split off the trunk line that goes to the modem and a second line, which is then split between the two TVs). Plus the new modem is much smaller and actually has a power button. It’s apparently also got better internal software, which I guess happens after 5 years.

But the main problem is the line coming from the hallway into my apartment. Which means another visit from an entire crew that will have to remove hallway moldings and whatnot next saturday. I’m pretty sure I can just leave keys with my doorman for that one though – they only need access to the end of the line that enters my apartment. I’m apparently losing massive amounts of signal strength between the junction box and where the line enters my apartment. Which means one of two things – the line is degrading (and it’s pretty old – it was here when I moved in) or that someone has split my line and is stealing cable. Which would be totally possible because the molding hiding the cable is open at various points (where it runs underneath the recessed hallway lighting). So I guess we’ll find out next week.

For now I’m just happy to be able to order groceries again.

Update: The new modem is, like, 1000 times faster than the old one. It’s awesome. I just ftp’d a bunch of files to my website and it took a fraction of the time it used to take.

Tags: home improvement, technology