shorted out modem

[garryguitar]

During a thunder storm about 3 weeks agg there was a crash of thunder followed by an audible click. Didnt know what it was at first then realised my modem wasnt working. Could it have shorted out? I have also been trying to get in touch with supanet to try and resolve this problem but it is almost impossible to talk to someone with real technical knowledge. It is also almost impossible to talk to anyone from supanet. They say they will call but never do.Frustrated!!!

[BillyNoMates]

I assume it is a normal analogue modem using a 'phone line ?

If so, you can test its innards in Windows. Control Panel, Phone & Modem icon - you will find Diagnostics in there, hit the Query Modem button. If nothing happens then it's probably been fried.

If it's an ADSL modem then it really is a case of talking to your ISP. Not sure what their policy is on lightning damage - could be a quandry on account of it being their equipment and perhaps not covered by your insurance ?

If it's a cable modem - these should not be generally affected by a lightning strike due to the nature of the infrastructure - I.e. underground.

[fly258]

Modems are vey sensitive to lightning. After a thunderstorm BT gets loads of fault reports that inveriably are caused by lightning damaging modems. They normaly put a loop (short circuit) on the line.

I always unplug my modem from the socket if there is a chance of lightning in the area.