Slow IP throughput

cooling321 · May 13, 2007, 12:14:45

Hi, I have been with IDNet for a couple of weeks now and so far it's been great.
This weekend I noticed that I could only download at about 120kb/s when I usually get about 650kb/s.
My router is sync'd at 7072 down and 448 up, noise margin 6.3 and 20.0.
I did a bt speed test and it says my ip throughput is 1000kb/s.

Anyone else having similar problems or have any advice?

Cheers,

James

Rik · May 13, 2007, 12:31:23

Run a BT speed test, here.

This will report your throughput, but more importantly, your profile. If that is low, it would suggest you have had a low-sync event which has affected the profile. If so, you will have to wait three days for it to recover. What router are you using?

cooling321 · May 13, 2007, 12:41:10

Test1 comprises of Best Effort Test: -provides background information.
IP profile for your line is - 1000 kbps
DSL connection rate: 448 kbps(UP-STREAM) 7072 kbps(DOWN-STREAM)
Actual IP throughput achieved during the test was - 932 kbps

I'm using a Belkin Wireless G modem/router. The hardware setup has not changed and has been working fine for about 2 weeks.

Lance · May 13, 2007, 12:47:04

It looks like you have had a low sync event. All you can do is wait 3 days complete days for your profile to recover. Once it has done so, your throughput speeds will be nice and high again

Rik · May 13, 2007, 12:49:50

Your profile is the problem, and you will need 3 clear days without a low-sync event before it returns to your normal speed. There is nothing any ISP can do about this, it's BT's rules.

Does the router log sync events? If not, it might be worth giving support a call tomorrow to get them to check. They will be able to tell you when you had the low speed sync (or syncs). Such events are normally triggered by noise on the line, so you might want to read this and see if there's anything you can do to improve your internal wiring. Changing your filters might also be an option.

Quote from: cooling321 on May 13, 2007, 12:41:10The hardware setup has not changed and has been working fine for about 2 weeks.

The hardware is not normally the problem, except for filters. Your wiring is the most likely cause of the problem. I had a couple of months of perfect service when I first got broadband, then I fired up the computer one morning and had no service at all. It took a visit by a BT engineer to sort out my wiring before service was restored. Nothing had changed, something just stopped working (maybe a corroded joint).

cooling321 · May 13, 2007, 12:51:53

OK, thanks for your help. What might have caused this to happen?

Rik · May 13, 2007, 12:56:53

The most common cause is noise pickup by your internal phone wiring. ADSL operates in the MW RF spectrum, so it's susceptible to RF interference, and general electrical noise, eg central heating pumps and controls. If the internal wiring is poorly done, eg split pair, cables run adjacent to mains etc, then it will be strongly affected by noise. Similarly, if you have the ring wire connected, it will act as a large antenna for RF pickup. The use of 'flat' extension cables to connect the router is also a big no no, they don't use twisted pairs, so again pick up lots of noise. The other possibility, apart from a poor or faulty filter, is an unfiltered piece of equipment, eg a Sky box or an alarm.

cooling321 · May 13, 2007, 13:32:49

Ah righty, thanks very much. Must be the extention socket - I know thats well dodgy, It shall be re-wired.

Thanks again!!

Rik · May 13, 2007, 13:34:10

Pleasure. Hope things improve for you soon.

Do remember to avoid multiple disconnections over a short period, the rule of thumb is that BT's line management software kicks in if you have 10 or more re-syncs in an hour.