Do new modems need to cache?? (slow modem speed)

Just have a hopefully quick question for the tech pros out there.

Upgraded Internet package from 16Mbs to 20Mbs (was 1$ so I figured why not even though I was very happy with the 16Mbs.)

Needed a new modem they said...so I said sure why not...cable guy came out and installed the modem today, activated the new package (even heard the guy on speakerphone confirm our new package) but when I connect to the Internet it's deathly slow. Speed test before gave me 14Mbs and now I get .12Mbs (download)!!

Called back in and the guy told me the modem needs 24-48 hours to cache. Is this true or a delay tactic? Or does it have to do with a DNS setting or something (I do a lot of Webwork and know domain names sometimes take a day for the dns to change).

Just looking for some advisement (thanks a bunch onion advanced)

Robb

 

Companies like Comcast us a technology they call "SpeedBurst" that gives you speed greater then your service level advertizes. It does use caching but it shouldn't cause you to be as slow as your reporting unless you made a typo. I read .12 for your current download speed. That's like dialup speed.

I would suspect the new Modem they Installed is DOCSIS 3.0. That uses a technology called Channel Bonding. It essentially gives you multiple connections at the same time. The technology is capable of bonding 8 channels up and down but most of the ISP's are only bonding download channels and usually either 3 or 4 channels.

 

That's what I figured...it was actually my mom who talked to them and when she relayed what the guy said, that the modem has to cache and would take 24-48 hours I was like huh? I understand caching can help improve speeds but never on earth had I heard a modem has to "cache" for 48 hours before it works.

Again this morning (24 hours now) my speeds are (yes, no typo here):

0.12 Mbs DOWN and 0.06 Mbs Up - Consitently these speeds for the last 24 hours.

I feel like the modem comes restricted to that speed (like it's locked somehow) so you can't bum free internet but the modem can still communicate with my ISP to activate/download anything they need it to.

I hate pestering my mom to call in but my business relies on a reliable connection and they won't talk to me as I am not the account owner, yet my poor mom doesn't know much about technology.

If anyone else can further clearify what's going on here I would be greatful!

Just an FYI, I am using Cogeco (ISP in the suburbs of Toronto, ON, Canada) with their Turbo 20 Pkg.

Thanks again,
Robb

 

I don't know if there is a solved button on these forums but the issue has been resolved.

The guy apparently just didn't want to deal with it and when we called in today the tech support asked for my phone number etc.. and right away went "Oh Yeah!" then went silent (don't think he wanted to fess up) and then said..."ok now go reset your modem and in 24 hours you should be good"...

Now I was fearing the worst again but the reset fixed it all. He must of changed something on their end because I did a few rolling resets and it never worked.

Either way he said that modems needed time to cache was bogus and said you should never see a noticeable drop in Download/Upload.