As of yesterday, it became impossible for me to use my Optimum Online cable connection. Through communication with multiple Optimum representatives, independent research, review of packet data, etc., I was able to ascertain the following:
1) The reps are able to connect to my modem on their side, and get current information off the modem.
2) I am able to connect to the modem on my side, and get current info off the modem.
3) I am unable to connect to the internet in general, whether by using domain name or by IP address.
4) My machine is communicating with machines beyond my router, sending information requests that are replied to by the destination device. In particular, there is a Cisco device that seems to be handling "Who has ?" broadcasts.
5) The software that came with Windows 7 diagnosed my connectivity problem as not being able to contact the DNS. This is supported by an examination of my packets, which show many outbound DNS queries under the DNS protocol but none inbound.
6) Any attempt at pinging websites, or even the DNS, fails.
7) Tracert to i.e. 8.8.8.8 (Google's DNS) and my default DNS consistently shows 2 hops beyond my computer, in the 67.59.235.x and 67.83.222.x range respectively. I am able to ping these IP addresses, and IP lookup shows they are owned by Optimum Online or affiliated companies.
8) Wireless works just fine.
Multiple Optimum reps have suggested that I have a virus on my computer, but that makes no sense to me. The malware would have to (a) let packets through but prevent me from receiving only some of them somehow (remember, I'm monitoring outbound and inbound packets) and (b) affect only ethernet, not wireless.
The Optimum reps are also insistent that there is nothing wrong with the DNS, and I agree with them that we would see many, many people affected if that were the case. The fact remains my computer is unable to connect to the DNS server.
I think the most logical explanation, taking into account all of the above, is my packets being dropped between the 67.83.222.x address and the next hop. I suggested to the last rep that we try pinging IP addresses from my modem outward to see if we can confirm my point, but the rep said server architecture details aren't available to him. Has anyone had any experience elevating issues up to people who would know?
Any insights or advice, etc. would be much appreciated.
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