DSL modem reset w/ Twitter notification

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) Hardware Troubleshooting
1

Hello everyone,

I have a DSL modem issue that I think the Arduino will help put a bandaid on. Every 1-3 days I need to reset my DSL router to restore my internet connection. Qwest has been out to investigate and has even replaced the router with zero improvement. This is an issue because our only phone line is VOIP and I have aspirations for adding a home automation system that can be accessed remotely via my iPhone.

Here is what I would like to accomplish:

  • Arduino with an Ethernet shield checking a site like Google at a specific interval to verify it is connected to the internet.
  • If it cannot access the site, try another popular site or try the same site again to verify it does not have access.
  • When lack of internet access is confirmed, cut power to the router, wait a specific interval of time and restore power.
  • After power is restored wait enough time for a normal reset cycle to finish and verify it has internet access.

Now for the gravy - I would also like it to Twitter when it has successfully restored the internet connection to the house and maybe even twitter at a specific interval to let me know that the house has internet access.

I have tried searching for someone who has done something similar with no luck. If anyone has seen an example or has a project that is similar please point me in the right direction as I am pretty new to Arduino.

Thanks!

2

Cool project.

I think I would modify it to simply ping a known IP address (my favorite is the Level3 4.2.2.1 DNS server.), then notify via SMTP (e-mail) since it is a standard TCP/IP service.

3

That sounds cool - I am working with a home automation system that does the same sort of thing (except the resetting of the modem, perhaps...)

But I post the status of special devices in the home to a webserver at repeated intervals - if it fails, I could see triggering a relay that would turn the power off to the router/modem, waiting a bit and then powering it back on. If the modem had a nice little 9V wall wart for example - you could use a small little relay and switch the DC rather than looking for and playing with 120VAC...

The failed sending of the tweets in your case could be your indication something bad has happened rather than running a new protocol...

4

jafadmin,

What is the command to ping an IP? I can only connect to actual webpages. I looked throuth the ethernet library but couldn't find this. Thanks