disconnection problems

[alexspost]

Hi, this is my first post as an idnetter although I've been with them for 3 or 4 years with no problems until now..
I connect to Idnet through a DLink G604T modem router, hard-wired to the computer.
I've recently, over the last month or so, suffered from frequent dropped connections. Switching the router off and back on again restores the connection but only for a while, which can be anything from a few minutes to some hours.
The router plugs into a BT mains socket and it makes no difference if the telephone is plugged in or not. I've tried changing the microfilters, and even omtting one between the router and the phone box as DLink's installation guide, all to no avail.
Line stats via DLink's site vary tremendously:
upstream rate 448kbps(this is more or less constant)
with a downstream rate =  7904 the upstream margin = 21 and the downstream margin =5
with a downstream rate = 7642 the upstream margin = 26 and the downstream margin = 9
with a downstream rate = 7642 the upstream margin = 14 and the downstream margin = 14
with a downstream rate = 6880 the upstream margin = 25 and the downstream margin = 9

modulation MMODE
loss errors 0
downstream attenuation 28
upstream attenuation 25
(again these figures are more or less constant)
path mode - interleaved.

Can anyone give me some advice as what the problem might be?

[Glenn]

 

Do you have a test socket behind the lower half of the master socket? If so plug the router directly in to that if possible, it will eliminate the wiring in you home.  Do you have access to another router that you could try, to eliminate that too?

[Simon]

 

[alexspost]

I don't have a master socket of the new type with a removable lower half and I haven't got another router, and I'm reluctant to shell out another £80 in case the present one is OK.
Is it possible to swop the present socket for one of the new ones, and if so how 'cos to be able to eliminate the internal wiring sounds a good idea.
Wonder if one of my friends has a router I could try?
Depends how good a freind i suppose -  .

[Lance]

Unfortunately you are not legally able to change the socket yourself. Of course, if you did it would be impossible for BT to tell...

If you get stuck looking for a loan router, have a word with support as they have a unit or two. Alternatively, you could buy a router off eBay at less than £20 delivered.

[Rik]

Welcome to the forum, Alex.

I agree with everyone else. Try a new filter, preferably an ADSL Nation xf-1e, if that doesn't improve things, see if support can lend you a test router. Your problem is local, ie between you and the exchange, so are you aware of any changes in electrical equipment in the house, or any BT work?

[alexspost]

Thanks everyone for the advice so far.
I'm not aware of any BT work and I've not had any electrical/telephone work done in the house which could account for why this disconnection problem should have reared its head.
I'd be prepared to get BT to install a new master socket and to buying a cheap router off Ebay if I can't borrow one from somewhere. Both good ideas which I'll progress.
Stats this morning are:
Upstream Rate (Kbps) 448
  Downstream Rate (Kbps) 8128
  US Margin 25
  DS Margin 6
  Modulation MMODE
  LOS Errors 0
  DS Line Attenuation 28
  US Line Attenuation 24
Connection stable so far (fingers crossed)

[Ray]

  Alex, and 

[Sebby]

[Rik]

I'm not aware of any BT work and I've not had any electrical/telephone work done in the house which could account for why this disconnection problem should have reared its head.

Have you got, or can you borrow a battery-powered AM radio, Alex? If so, de-tune it so you only have white noise, then follow the line from master socket to router and see if it gets louder anywhere. If it does, you have a local noise source - power supplies for routers, monitors and even PCs can become very noisy without any sign of a problem.

[alexspost]

Thanks for that tip Rik, yes I have an AM battery powered radio so will try that out and let you know. Thanks again everyone for your help.