1. No changes to the lights on the modem when disconnects occur. The only fix I have found was (still is) to unplug and repower the modem. Windows troubleshooter will display the following:
2. Until Aug 9, phone service ran through a box on the outside of the house, which I assume was old eMTA. Have never had any issues with phone service. Tech said that signal levels would improve (which they did slightly) by replacing with new Cisco modem.
3. Connecting the modem to the PC or connecting the PC through the router has made no difference. The disconnect problem occurs in either case and the only resolution is to restart the modem. (this test was to be sure the router was not the culprit)
The problem is always the same. Internet service performs as expected. At some point PC loses connection. There are no changes to the lights on the front of the modem when this happens. Unplug the modem. Reconnect the modem. Service is restored. At least until the next event.