Running on a bogged-down internet

I probably came down here with half of the images loaded because for some reason, like halfway through this month, my Internet nearly goes out. And then the rest of the devices on my network start complaining that they can't connect. So meanwhile I head off somewhere for a week and then come back, and those ISP's STILL haven't fixed it. In fact, if I try to run a speed test right here, it will fail.

I tried to do a straight through connection into my PC and it worked fine. Did the modem break? They are real expensive to replace and they get added to our Internet bill as a repair cost.

Try power cycling the modem (is it a separate modem and router, or a combo unit?). Unplug the modem and wait 30 seconds or so. Plug it back in and let the lights settle. If you have a modem AND a router, unplug both. Plug the modem back in and let the lights settle, then plug on the router. See if any change. There is a recessed reset button on the modem, but it will reset all the modem settings if pressed for more then 10 seconds, so it would only be tried if indeed you were going to be forced to purchase a new one. Usually the modem is leased from the ISP, and as mentioned, would be replaced at no charge if defective. A Guy