Project Reality Forums

Hello all,

Comcast user here reporting in about a recent issue that I wasn't having previously but have begun to have more now. The issues started back when my modem was dropping my connectivity in general and I had an old Motorola SB5101U DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem. Complaining to Comcast, I was fairly convinced that it wasn't really my modem since my connectivity in my Modem logs appeared fine but they insisted on at least swapping it out to bring it to DOCSIS 3.0. Against my better judgment, I allowed them to supply me with a newer ARRIS WBM760 and while my complete dropped connection issue was solved, I began having a whole new set of issues with PR. Essentially, the new issue leaves me unable to complete a match as I'll get just randomly dropped from the server. There's no loss in general connectivity and no interruption in other aspects of my service as far as I'm able to tell. In fact, when the game completely freezes (a sign that I'm about to get D/C'd) I can actually still talk briefly on Mumble to let my squadmates know that I'm getting d/c'd and they can communicate back.

Moving on... I had read the forums and did some research and found that Arris modems were possibly to blame so I went out and bought another Motorola Surfboard SB6121 after hearing that people were having better luck with the Motorolas and basing it off my previously good experience. Unfortunately, while I was originally able to play 1-2 games without issue, the issue started reoccurring again and it always seems to constantly repeat whenever I try to rejoin the game within a span of time. It'll just keep dropping despite me being able to briefly talk on Mumble before I get the boot from the server. I'm pretty much at a loss at this point as to what to do. I was pretty active in PR previously but this issue has made me a liability when I've tried to squadlead or man armor and I end up getting d/c'd and putting assets at risk or my squad.

Ping tests have come back stating that my latency is fine and Comcast states that the outside lines are fine too. I have absolutely no idea, even as someone who does IT/Networking for a living, as to what could be causing it. My only assumption is that since I'm still able to talk on Mumble for a brief span of time is that some packets are just dropping while others are fine. I've heard some statements that it is caused by Comcast doing Deep Packet Inspection but haven't been able to confirm. I will state that getting a Motorola modem, as previously suggested, does NOT fix the issue.

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please let me know. I'm pretty much at a loss and would hate to have to leave the community until I can change my ISP which is not a feasible option right now since Comcast is the only available option in my area. Thanks.

Addendum: For posterity, here are my support specs. I'd also like to add that I've experienced this issue on all servers. CIA, Hog, Candy Van. Not just an isolated incident.

System Information
------------------
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (6.1.7601)
Architecture: 64-bit
Current Culture: English (United States)
Motherboard: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Z87-PRO
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4670K CPU @ 3.40GHz (Physical: 2, Logical: 2)
Memory: 8.00 GB
DIMM Modules: ChannelA-DIMM0: 4.00 GB @ 1600 MHz
ChannelB-DIMM0: 4.00 GB @ 1600 MHz
Page File: 7.94 GB
.NET Framework: 4.5.1, Runtime: 4.0.30319.18444

Display Information
-------------------
Display Device(s): Generic PnP Monitor on NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760
Display Mode(s): 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) @ 60 Hz
Driver Version: 9.18.13.3523 (335.23)
Display Memory: 2.00 GB
Multisampling: 2, 4, 8
DPI: 96 (100%)

Audio Information
-----------------
Primary Playback: Speakers (Realtek High Definiti
Primary Recording: Microphone (Realtek High Defini
Open AL Renderer: Software
EAX: True
EAX 1.0: False
EAX 2.0: True
EAX 3.0: False
EAX 4.0: False
EAX 5.0: False
X-RAM: False

Disk Information
----------------
Install Path: E:\Steam\steamapps\common\Battlefield 2
Free: 746.30 GB, Total: 931.51 GB, FS: NTFS, SSD: False
Mod Path: E:\Steam\steamapps\common\Battlefield 2\mods\pr
Free: 746.30 GB, Total: 931.51 GB, FS: NTFS, SSD: False
Profiles Path: C:\Users\Poptart\Documents\ProjectReality\Profiles
Free: 42.71 GB, Total: 111.69 GB, FS: NTFS, SSD: True
Update DL Path: C:\Users\Poptart\AppData\Local\Project Reality\Project Reality BF2\Downloads
Free: 42.71 GB, Total: 111.69 GB, FS: NTFS, SSD: True
Update Log Path: C:\Users\Poptart\AppData\Local\Project Reality\Project Reality BF2\UpdateLogs
Free: 42.71 GB, Total: 111.69 GB, FS: NTFS, SSD: True

Game Information
----------------
CD Key Valid: True
CD Key Type: Dashless (Normal)
Installed Mods: bf2, pr, xpack
Current Mod: pr
BF2 Version: BF2 1.5
PR Version: 1.1.6.0
Language: english
Debug Available: False
Large Address: True
Supported Hardware: None

Profile Information
-------------------
Profile 0001: ParadoxPoptart
Type: Online
View Intro: True
Fullscreen: True
Display Mode: 1920x1080@60Hz
Display Mode Valid: True
Graphics Scheme: High
Multisampling: Off
VSync: False
Terrain Quality: High
Effects Quality: High
Geometry Quality: High
Texture Quality: High
Lighting Quality: High
Dynamic Shadows: High
Dynamic Lights: High
Texture Filtering: High
Audio Provider: Software
Provider Valid: True
Audio Quality: Medium
EAX: True

Profile 0002: JackOfPancakes
Type: Online
View Intro: True
Fullscreen: True
Display Mode: 1920x1080@60Hz
Display Mode Valid: True
Graphics Scheme: Medium
Multisampling: Off
VSync: False
Terrain Quality: Low
Effects Quality: Medium
Geometry Quality: Low
Texture Quality: Medium
Lighting Quality: Low
Dynamic Shadows: Medium
Dynamic Lights: Medium
Texture Filtering: Medium
Audio Provider: Software
Provider Valid: True
Audio Quality: Medium
EAX: True

Profile 0003: [PRTA]ParadoxPancake
Type: Online
Last Used Profile: True
View Intro: True
Fullscreen: True
Display Mode: 1920x1080@60Hz
Display Mode Valid: True
Graphics Scheme: Medium
Multisampling: Off
VSync: False
Terrain Quality: Low
Effects Quality: Medium
Geometry Quality: Low
Texture Quality: Medium
Lighting Quality: Low
Dynamic Shadows: Medium
Dynamic Lights: Medium
Texture Filtering: Medium
Audio Provider: Software
Provider Valid: True
Audio Quality: Medium
EAX: True

Posting that support page made me realize that my graphics settings were low on my main profile though. Strange. All fixed and set to high. In any event, any help would be appreciated.

Since you've already swapped out modems and you've ample bandwidth, we need to check your modems status. But first just to be confidant, did you try new Ethernet cable? Or tighten up coax at line-in? I know I know ...haha. But with sufficient bandwidth, sounds like a leak somewhere. Most likely on Comcast's end. Don't want them to shirk their responsibility for one bad Ethernet cable. So if you've done that already, then lets go ahead and check the modem's settings to get some idea of what you're actually getting in the way of packets. Place this address in your address bar to access your modem's status (or just click on it):
http://192.168.100.1/

These are the optimum range results:

Receive (downstream): -15dBmv to + 15dBmv (Zero being optimum but anywhere in range is good).
Transmit (upstream): 30dBMV to 55dBmv (44 - 47 being optimal) (56 - 57 You are fucked)
Carrier/Noise Ratio or sometimes called; SNR Signal Noise Ratio): > 30db (higher the number the better)

Go ahead and post results. Forget about the logs and such for now unless you spot some pertinent info, but for now just the settings then we can go from there.

JohnnyPissoff wrote:Since you've already swapped out modems and you've ample bandwidth, we need to check your modems status. But first just to be confidant, did you try new Ethernet cable? Or tighten up coax at line-in? I know I know ...haha. But with sufficient bandwidth, sounds like a leak somewhere. Most likely on Comcast's end. Don't want them to shirk their responsibility for one bad Ethernet cable. So if you've done that already, then lets go ahead and check the modem's settings to get some idea of what you're actually getting in the way of packets. Place this address in your address bar to access your modem's status (or just click on it):
http://192.168.100.1/

These are the optimum range results:

Receive (downstream): -15dBmv to + 15dBmv (Zero being optimum but anywhere in range is good).
Transmit (upstream): 30dBMV to 55dBmv (44 - 47 being optimal) (56 - 57 You are fucked)
Carrier/Noise Ratio or sometimes called; SNR Signal Noise Ratio): > 30db (higher the number the better)

Go ahead and post results. Forget about the logs and such for now unless you spot some pertinent info, but for now just the settings then we can go from there.

Receive (downstream): -4 dBmv

Transmit (upstream): 51dBMV
Carrier/Noise Ratio: 37db

Ethernet cable was fine as I swapped that out and same results and the co-ax is indeed tightened.

- Downstream looking good (means you have plenty of bandwidth)
- SNR looking great. Your wiring from line to house is tight.
- Your Upstream is in range but on the high side thus not giving you much breathing room in case of spikes. Keep checking and try and keep a log to present to your ISP in order for them to take action. Comcast is famous for maintaining a weak internet backbone.

For your information; Upstream has a tendency to get a higher reading in summer heat and even in heavy rains. Though a 3 dBMV variation (no more than that) is normal under adverse weather conditions. It would be nice if yours was in the 44-47 range. When I had problems with my ISP mine jumped around from 49-57 (< 57 completely offline) The problem for me was the node was at over capacity. After much complaining and indisputable proof (signal levels log) they finally split the node doubling capacity and costing them many dollars just so I could play PR...ha.

So at this point keep checking it (mainly monitor the upstream for variance) If it comes down and stays in the low middle 40 range, it's either a temporary matter (line repair?) But if it stays in the 50 something range which truly isn't acceptable, eventually your gonna have to call your ISP. They will run the same diagnostics and come up with the same conclusion. It's just a matter of forcing them to own up to their situation.

And yeah it wasn't your modem. The Arris is a perfectly good unit (I've never had a problem with one). Keep in touch with any pertinent info and I will do as much researching as need be and try and help as much as I can.

I think you've read the convos we've had on the forum,
Comcast has this problem for many online games, both FPS and MMO type games, they implemented packet inspection that puts a few packets out of order, which generally doesn't affect anything but does affect the netcode for these high paced games.

So LoL, SWTOR, WoW, etc players get these dropouts and there isn't much I can offer you at this time for help.

Also, are you on a combined plan, i.e. ISP and cable TV, or Xfinity (ISP/cable/telephone) ?

[R-COM]LITOralis.nMd wrote:I think you've read the convos we've had on the forum,
Comcast has this problem for many online games, both FPS and MMO type games, they implemented packet inspection that puts a few packets out of order, which generally doesn't affect anything but does affect the netcode for these high paced games.

So LoL, SWTOR, WoW, etc players get these dropouts and there isn't much I can offer you at this time for help.

Also, are you on a combined plan, i.e. ISP and cable TV, or Xfinity (ISP/cable/telephone) ?

ISP and Cable TV. No phone.

Also, that's a real bummer. I know that when I move in a bit, I will definitely be pursuing a different ISP if possible.