Fixing a dropped internet connection

Problem: If your internet connection is dropping every 20 minutes or so, chances are you have a firewall installed on your computer that blocks ICMP echo requests; this prevents our networking hardware from determining whether or not you computer is still on. If it cannot determine the status of your computer within 20 minutes, it severs the connection, forcing you to log on again.

Solution: You need to either turn off your firewall, or tell it to allow ICMP echo requests. Instructions for allowing ICMP echo requests on some firewalls are listed below:

Windows XP Built-in Firewall

1. Open your Start Menu, and select Control Panel.
2. Click on Network and Internet Connections.
3. Click on Network Connections
4. Right click on the Local Area Connection, and select Properties.
5. Click on the Advanced Tab at the top of the window that appears.
6. Click on the settings button. (If it is not available, the firewall is not turned on.)
7. Click on the ICMP tab at the top of the window that appears.
8. Check the box next to "allow incoming echo requests".
9. Click the OK button in the Advanced Settings and Local Area Connection Settings windows.

Symantec Norton Utilities Personal Firewall

Please check Symantec's website for support.

McAfee Personal Firewall

1. Go into the Options menu for McAfee Personal Firewall, and select the Security tab.
2. Check the box next to "accept ICMP ping requests".

Zone Labs ZoneAlarm Firewall

Please check ZoneAlarm's website for support.

If you have any questions, please contact the Student Technology Helpdesk at 760.750.6505 or sth@csusm.edu.