Extensions causing slow syncs

stuart_sjb · Dec 25, 2009, 11:53:18

Folks,

Just wondering if I could check my thinking on an ADSL difficulty that my parents are experiencing...

They mentioned that their broadband download rate is horrendously low. This turns out to be the case: with an attenuation of approx 40-45, they're seeing sync rates of only about 2432kBps. This appears to be because the line is noisy: the SNR margin varies between about 3dB and 6dB.

The router and single (cordless) phone base unit are plugged, via a microfilter, into the master socket (which has two slave extensions connected to it -- nothing is connected to these). I've pulled out the bell wire in every socket -- this made little difference. However when I plug the microfilter into the test socket instead, the sync speed jumps to 5856kBps (though the SNR margin shows little change).

Am I right in thinking that this means that there is a problem with the extension wiring in the house? My suspicion is that there could be damp behind the walls, for example. Given that everything's fine in the test socket, but not in the front socket with the other extensions attached, I would guess that there's very little that can be done, short of rewiring or disconnecting the extensions (not really an option, as this is a rental property).

Any thoughts?

Many thanks -- and happy Christmas!
Stuart.

Rik · Dec 25, 2009, 11:57:31

I think you're right, Stuart. All you could do is fit a filtered faceplate, that should kill the problem wiring as it will filter the extensions 'at source'. The other thing to check for is that the extensions are wired with pairs, eg blue/white and white/blue, rather than different colours.

A very Happy Christmas to you too.

stuart_sjb · Dec 25, 2009, 12:12:15

Thank you, Rik -- good point about the wire pairs. I've just checked, and they're fine: they're paired correctly.

I hadn't realised though that a filtered faceplate would do any more than using a decent microfilter. I've done some more reading, and it appears that I was wrong: a filtered faceplate will separate the ADSL signal out as it comes into the house, rather than after any noise being added by these -- is that right? Now to look round for the best type of faceplate -- and preferably one that I can buy and fit by lunchtime on the 27th, when I toddle home...

Thanks muchly! I guess quite a lot of people are fixing their parents' computer/internet problems over Christmas... :-p

Stuart.

Rik · Dec 25, 2009, 13:07:57

That's right, Stuart, filtered at source, basically, which is perfect your your needs. I'd recommend the ADSL Nation unit, you'll also need an IDC punch tool, disposable one cost about £1.

Yes, you won't be alone in the Xmas fix it.

stuart_sjb · Dec 25, 2009, 13:11:18

Superb -- thank you very much Rik! Sorted

Rik · Dec 25, 2009, 13:15:23

Do you want a URL for ADSL Nation?

stuart_sjb · Dec 25, 2009, 13:23:59

I've tracked it down already -- but thanks! I've found the nifty faceplate in question, so am armed with all the info that I need. You're always really kind in spending time giving people advice on issues like this Rik -- thanks again, and have a lovely rest of Christmas Day!

Rik · Dec 25, 2009, 13:30:14

My pleasure, Stuart.

D-Dan · Dec 25, 2009, 17:53:41

Out of interest, why does he need a punch tool. I have an ADSL Nation faceplate that I just screwed in - no wiring adjustments required.

Steve

Ted · Dec 26, 2009, 10:19:12

Quote from: D-Dan on Dec 25, 2009, 17:53:41
Out of interest, why does he need a punch tool. I have an ADSL Nation faceplate that I just screwed in - no wiring adjustments required.

Steve

To reconnect the internal extension cables to the IDC terminals on the back of the faceplate.

See Fitting Instructions

D-Dan · Dec 26, 2009, 12:22:00

Ahhh - never thought of that - I just have the one phone off mine with a wireless extension in the bedroom.

Steve