Steam causes my entire internet to crash.

**Alundil** · 07-05-11, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by Interests

Yes, I tried the direct connection- unless I completely did it wrong (which is not beyond the range of possibilities), it didn't even recognize that I had directly connected to the computer

You might need to refer to Comcast's documentation when connecting directly to the modem. They have, in the past and likely still do, mapped MAC addresses (unique identifier of the network card from the computer that was first used to setup up the service) to the service account itself. Generally people then use their router to "clone" the MAC address of the computer so that the modem thinks that the router is the computer that the service was first started on.

You should really try getting direct connected to the modem and playing around in steam and see if the behavior repeats itself. That will allow you to rule out any issues with the ISP itself and reduce the overall complexity of troubleshooting the issue. Once you've done that, then you're just looking at troubleshooting the router (linksys) or your computer (nic perhaps).

**Interests** · 07-05-11, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Alundil

You might need to refer to Comcast's documentation when connecting directly to the modem. They have, in the past and likely still do, mapped MAC addresses (unique identifier of the network card from the computer that was first used to setup up the service) to the service account itself. Generally people then use their router to "clone" the MAC address of the computer so that the modem thinks that the router is the computer that the service was first started on.

You should really try getting direct connected to the modem and playing around in steam and see if the behavior repeats itself. That will allow you to rule out any issues with the ISP itself and reduce the overall complexity of troubleshooting the issue. Once you've done that, then you're just looking at troubleshooting the router (linksys) or your computer (nic perhaps).

Okay, thank you for the help; I'll look at cloning the MAC address as soon as I can. I'll be leaving shortly and won't be back until tomorrow night, but then I can figure out how to do it and narrow down my options, thank you sir

EDIT: once I get back, I'll update this post on what happens.

**SmokenScion** · 07-05-11, 05:46 PM

Refreshing a Server List Locks Up My Internet Connection
Question

Whenever I attempt to refresh the server list for my game, my internet connection dies. How can I fix this?
Answer

This indicates that your router or modem is getting flooded when receiving pings from servers. To resolve this issue:

Look for a firmware update for your router and/or modem that may resolve the issue.
If no firmware update is available, set Steam's Internet Connection speed to a lower setting to reduce the speed that the server list populates. This setting can be changed in Steam, in "Steam>Settings" under the "Downloads" tab.
If this still fails to resolve the issue, you may artificially limit the speed at which the list populates. To do so:
Go to Start > Run and type in: regedit.
Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Valve\Steam\.
Create a new string value registry setting named CafeRate.
Give the CafeRate regkey a value of 10000 and progressively decrease the value until the issue is resolved. A rate of 3000 should be considered the minimum value.
If you are still unable to resolve your issue, you should strongly consider replacing your router with a higher-grade model.

**Interests** · 07-06-11, 10:54 PM

None of the above worked, I tried each

**Alundil** · 07-07-11, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Interests

None of the above worked, I tried each

So the same thing happened when you were directly connected to the cable modem? I recall you stating that when your desktop lost connection through the router when running Steam that other devices connected to it would also lose connection. Am I remembering that correctly?

If so, it might be a deeper issue with the router itself. You'll need to unplug it, lay it on the couch and ask it some questions.....oh wait sorry wrong subject.

You might also try and pick up a cheap but new router and give it a shot. If the behavior stops, problem solved and you keep it. If the behavior persists then you can return it.

**Interests** · 07-09-11, 01:00 PM

Thanks for everyone's help- I've managed to isolate the problem to the router (for some reason a direct connection failed when I tried it last, I must not have handled it properly the first time), so now it remains to be seen whether I'll need a replacement or not.

Once again, thanks for all the advice!

EDIT: if I encounter problems again, I may be back in here

**Alundil** · 07-11-11, 11:39 AM

Glad you got it figured out. Sad that it likely means a router replacement as it's money spent. But on the bright side, replacing routers is a fairly inexpensive thing to do. Good ones can be had for less than $100.

**BrokenApe** · 07-16-11, 02:38 AM

if you have the money, I can recommend d-links gaming series of wireless-n routers(if it comes down to buying a new one). I arranged for one for a cousin who's brother was downloading mp3s and hogging the bandwith, we were able to isolate most of the bandwith for games and limit the other stuff.. works quite well