Packet loss today. Anyone else?

ou7shined · May 01, 2011, 21:30:28

Just when we were celebrating our lowest pings ever from IDNet too.

zappaDPJ · May 01, 2011, 22:36:39

None at all here (on FTTC). That looks more like a temporary break in service. Did you have any throughput at all or lose sync?

ou7shined · May 02, 2011, 06:31:11

Must just be me then.
I was outside all day so didn't notice anything myself, however my partner had been moaning at me all day about pages timing out or simply not even getting a connection to the net at times, which I just dismissed it as the usual weekend slowing down we've been experiencing... that was until I checked my graph.

ou7shined · May 03, 2011, 22:38:53

It must have taken me 30 attempts to open idnetters to post this.

With every page I try to open up I'm just getting either "connection failed" messages (router is green green green) or pages connecting... connecting... connecting... then just timing out.

Rik · May 04, 2011, 09:11:40

Rich

Your graph is showing your IP address, you might want to retouch it...

ou7shined · May 04, 2011, 11:25:06

Quote from: Rik on May 04, 2011, 09:11:40
Rich

Your graph is showing your IP address, you might want to retouch it...

Phew it's taken about an hour to finally get an Idnetters page to open.

Hey thanks for the reply Rik. So I not entirely persona non grata around here just now.

I've never been able to work out how to edit a post on here. Can you point me in the right direction?
It'll teach me to try and use screen caps for these graphs instead of the "official linked" versions. I just don't like how the official ones keep moving after you posted them.

Anyway here goes todays...

Is it just me or is there a pattern here. I seem to be getting regular half hourly disruptions on my line. Resulting in about 40 minutes of usable internet per hour.

Glenn · May 04, 2011, 11:28:00

Rich, are support able to see problems with your connection?

Rik · May 04, 2011, 12:27:41

You can edit for about an hour after you post, Rich, just hit the modify button. After that, just ask one of us.

Simon · May 04, 2011, 12:38:40

... who isn't on a phone.

Rik · May 04, 2011, 12:39:52

Lance · May 04, 2011, 12:46:26

And you can post snapshots of the graphs, rather than linking to the live version. Its one of the links somewhere on the BQM page.

ou7shined · May 04, 2011, 17:57:36

Quote from: Rik on May 04, 2011, 12:27:41
You can edit for about an hour after you post, Rich, just hit the modify button. After that, just ask one of us.

Cheers Rik. I've deleted them from my photobucket.

ou7shined · May 04, 2011, 17:58:06

Quote from: Lance on May 04, 2011, 12:46:26
And you can post snapshots of the graphs, rather than linking to the live version. Its one of the links somewhere on the BQM page.

I do keep clicking for a snapshot graph (as I did above) but for some reason when I post them they stay active for a while. I'm obviously doing something wrong.

ou7shined · May 04, 2011, 17:59:18

Quote from: Glenn on May 04, 2011, 11:28:00
Rich, are support able to see problems with your connection?

I've not tried Glenn... but I have a slight inkling what they might say.

ou7shined · May 04, 2011, 20:58:37

Just had another long outage identical in length/time to the last two.

(can be seen above)

psp83 · May 04, 2011, 22:06:52

I'm getting packet loss aswell, been having it awhile now and its starting to get really annoying, can't stream anything with out it pausing all the time to buffer!

Time to start looking for a new ISP I think if IDnet can't do anything about it. Its been happening since they gave more bandwidth to users and increased the offpeak allowance as well. Between midnight and 2am I cant stream anything due to packet loss.

Bill · May 04, 2011, 22:29:20

Same here:

Speed well down from normal for this time of night:

It's getting a bit monotonous.

zappaDPJ · May 04, 2011, 23:25:52

Here's another one to keep those company

Seadog · May 04, 2011, 23:57:09

Evening Guys, Same here too just to add to the pretty packet loss pictures!!

Simon_idnet · May 05, 2011, 00:37:49

We've ordered some more bandwidth (yet again) from BT. Should be online within a week.

ou7shined · May 05, 2011, 07:29:50

Quote from: Simon_idnet on May 05, 2011, 00:37:49
We've ordered some more bandwidth (yet again) from BT. Should be online within a week.

Any ideas as to what might be causing those regular disruptions to my service Simon?

Just in case anyone is wondering the longer outages (thick red bits) are nothing to do with my end, my router stays green throughout but there is just no sync during these times. They seem to fit into the pattern if the regular blips but it's like whatever is causing them sometimes forgets to switch me back on for that cycle.

Simon_idnet · May 05, 2011, 08:57:37

Hi Rich

Have you tried a different router (in case yours is playing-up)? I'll ask our Support Team to check your line for you.
S

ou7shined · May 05, 2011, 10:30:08

Quote from: Simon_idnet on May 05, 2011, 08:57:37
Hi Rich

Have you tried a different router (in case yours is playing-up)? I'll ask our Support Team to check your line for you.
S

My router's fine thanks Simon.

I've become a whizz at this bit. I have two identical BT 2700s (except one is v6 and one v5) set up and raring to go which I can switch between at a moments notice... plugged in at the main/test socket. So that's diagnostic steps 1 and 2 out the way.

I've had a PM from Miriam (presumably instigated by yourself - much appreciated, many thanks

) informing me that my line has "no fault condition to speak of" and has been stable since 5.17am today (when the last big spike occurred), but as you can see I still have the wee red spikes appearing at regular intervals and an sporadic internet access....

P.S. Ironically I just had a big spike while trying to post this. So I guess my line has been stable for 2 minutes now.

esh · May 05, 2011, 11:48:47

That is an alarmingly regular pattern. Is it *precisely* every 30 minutes or something? I'd be very interested to know what would cause that. I suspect that if the time is accurate that should narrow down the culprits considerably. I had a similar effect some time ago when I assigned a server two gateways and it kept swapping between them at regular intervals.

ou7shined · May 05, 2011, 13:02:15

Quote from: esh on May 05, 2011, 11:48:47
That is an alarmingly regular pattern. Is it *precisely* every 30 minutes or something? I'd be very interested to know what would cause that. I suspect that if the time is accurate that should narrow down the culprits considerably. I had a similar effect some time ago when I assigned a server two gateways and it kept swapping between them at regular intervals.

That's what I would have thought.
I'm having to use my phone for internet now as my BB is just too frustrating to use.

sof2er · May 05, 2011, 13:27:43

Go in the routers configuration page and check out the attached devices just incase. Unplug all computers from the router so that there's no attached devices and see if it still happens.

ou7shined · May 05, 2011, 22:54:34

Ridiculous connection!

It's MAC code time. I know where I want to go, I just don't know what to do. Do I phone support?

Simon · May 05, 2011, 23:50:31

Indeed, or email. Sorry to hear you're leaving.

ou7shined · May 06, 2011, 00:24:22

Quote from: Simon on May 05, 2011, 23:50:31
Indeed, or email. Sorry to hear you're leaving.

Yep been here since 2006. Can you shoot me the email please and I'll do it tonight?

My other graph has mysteriously disappeared for now. Here for your viewing delight is the final straw. (again, router showing "green" but no sync during the outage)

jameshurrell · May 06, 2011, 06:59:35

I would be very interested to hear what happens after you move isp... please let us know if this follows you.

To me that looks like a local issue... especially with its regularity. First thing I would have done would be to change routers and make sure no devices were attached to it.. then look at the thinkbroadband graph.

Steve · May 06, 2011, 07:08:59

Plus it looks like a hefty dose of interleaving applied around 2100. If we ignore the evening packet loss the rest looks like bursts of noise.

ou7shined · May 06, 2011, 07:42:55

Quote from: jameshurrell on May 06, 2011, 06:59:35
I would be very interested to hear what happens after you move isp... please let us know if this follows you.

To me that looks like a local issue... especially with its regularity. First thing I would have done would be to change routers and make sure no devices were attached to it.. then look at the thinkbroadband graph.

Will do.

I tried that already - it made no difference.

jameshurrell · May 06, 2011, 08:06:21

I'm intrigued, you say "router green but no sync during outage" - isn't a loss of sync purely an issue between you and the exchange...? Plus a green light(presume this is the sync light) without sync seems very odd...

ou7shined · May 06, 2011, 09:27:47

Quote from: jameshurrell on May 06, 2011, 08:06:21
I'm intrigued, you say "router green but no sync during outage" - isn't a loss of sync purely an issue between you and the exchange...? Plus a green light(presume this is the sync light) without sync seems very odd...

Yeah sorry perhaps my terminology was wrong - I am a bit of a doofus at this at the best of times. What I meant was that while this disruption is going on, my router never shows a red "no internet" led not even during the long breaks.

jameshurrell · May 06, 2011, 09:44:40

Have you had a look at the router config pages during one of the longer outages? I presume it shows no sync at all? Out of interest what are your line stats like when the connection is working ?

Simon · May 06, 2011, 11:24:23

Email is support@idnet.com, Rich, but I'm surprised you haven't contacted them already regarding the fault.

ou7shined · May 06, 2011, 14:14:29

Quote from: Simon on May 06, 2011, 11:24:23
Email is support@idnet.com, Rich, but I'm surprised you haven't contacted them already regarding the fault.

Thanks Simon. I got my MAC earlier... only as you can probably see above, I can't get internet access to sign up elsewhere.

(on my phone just now)

I find it far more helpful to post your issues on here these days and leave CS out if it. I kniw off by heart the steps CS will have me go through before finding that it is BT's fault - I've already been told there's not much wrong with my line yet I've had hardly any internets since Sunday (I presume it is something to do with my pings recently dropping to sub 30 from my usual upper 40s). I've been increasingly unhappy with IDNet anyway (price vs consistency/quality) and I made up my mind a week or two ago that I won't put up with it any longer. This latest incident has given me the impetus to finally break my long ties with IDNet. All I want is a steady BB connection not an expensive service where I've got to carry out regular maintenance and diagnostics myself every couple of weeks to try to get it.

Once I get my internet access back I'm off but I'll BE* seeing ya.

Steve · May 06, 2011, 15:56:26

I hope your happy there

Let us know how you get on!

ou7shined · May 06, 2011, 18:37:12

Well it looks like IDNet doesn't want me to leave.

I've tried 3 routers and none of them can connect to the net. (yes, straight into the test socket)

Some router stats.
I don't know what any of this means but you guys probably will.....

Protocol : G.DMT2+ Annex A
Downstream rate : 5593 kbps
Upstream rate : 927 kbps
Channel : interleaved
Current noise margin : 6.3 db (down) 5.7 (up)
Current attenuation : 52.1 db (down) 29.1 db (up)
Current output power : 19.5 dbm (down) 12.5 dbm (up)

Steve · May 06, 2011, 19:15:47

Well it means your synchronised with the exchange.

ou7shined · May 06, 2011, 19:32:08

Quote from: Steve on May 06, 2011, 19:15:47
Well it means your synchronised with the exchange.

And yet according to the graph above....

Bill · May 06, 2011, 19:53:13

Quote from: ou7shined on May 06, 2011, 19:32:08
And yet according to the graph above....

Sync'd to the exchange is not the same as being connected to the internet (via the IDNet login), it just means your modem is talking the same lingo as the one at the other end.

Sounds like an authentication problem.

Steve · May 06, 2011, 20:18:04

I agree Bill,which support should I think be aware off?

ou7shined · May 06, 2011, 20:41:45

Is there anything I can do or do I just keep trying routers until one catches?

Steve · May 06, 2011, 20:57:01

All I can suggest is disconnect for 30 mins and then try again,nothing stupid like wrong log on details? Yes I'm clutching at straws. Support should respond as you have no connection.

ou7shined · May 06, 2011, 21:09:03

Quote from: Steve on May 06, 2011, 20:57:01
All I can suggest is disconnect for 30 mins and then try again,nothing stupid like wrong log on details? Yes I'm clutching at straws. Support should respond as you have no connection.

I'm cutting and pasting from the same file I've used the last 5 years. Nice try though.
Cheers.

Bill · May 06, 2011, 21:11:30

Might be worth replacing the IDNet username with bt_test@startup_domain, no password needed.

~~I think it takes you to a test page...~~ if it works then the problem is likely with IDNet, if it doesn't then probably BT, but I'm guessing

eta- that's rubbish about the test page, it's a test login to check that the system is working.

esh · May 06, 2011, 21:55:22

Just to expand upon the above, there are two things that need to be operating to have internet access over (A)DSL.

1. The ADSL link. This is a signal between your modem and the exchange, usually indicated by a green ADSL light on the modem. If this is not on, then it is either because you have incredibly poor signal or BT is broken. Again.

2. The PPP connection. This is what carries the data between you and the ISP over the ADSL link. Think of (1) as the signal carrier with (2) as the signal. This is purely a digital concept, and is usually indicated by a green INTERNET light when on. A lack of PPP usually indicates a fault with the ISP, though as we have all found out recently, can also be BT deleting an entire ISP from their configuration files.

Both 1 and 2 have to be up for you to have any internet access, and (2) cannot be present without (1).

Glenn · May 12, 2011, 09:06:20

Quote from: Simon_idnet on May 05, 2011, 00:37:49
We've ordered some more bandwidth (yet again) from BT. Should be online within a week.

Is the increased bandwidth still on track for the next few days, Simon?

I was getting a lot of packet loss last night and a d/l rate of 300Kbps on FTTC.

sof2er · May 12, 2011, 12:37:16

I've not had problems last night, but it does seem weird that my ping basically jumped from 18-19 ms to 22 ms. What is causing these ping fluctutations?

Technical Ben · May 12, 2011, 14:02:13

With more bandwidth being ordered, is FTTC too fast for the current bandwidth provisions or costs?
For example, we can all buy porches if they were made for £45 a month. But could we afford the petrol?
So if FTTC only costs £45 a month (or whatever the price) can we afford the subsequent increase in bandwidth usage?

I'm fine with it costing more, just wondering if it's an indication the prices might go up.

pctech · May 12, 2011, 15:06:21

As FTTC becomes more widely deployed and people take it up the wholesale price (that BTW charges per line) should come down as it did with ADSL.

At some point it will also go 'wires only' meaning no engineer visit to the end user's premises will be required which will also bring the costs down.

Both of these should mean the costs come down.

I suspect that IDNet have requested an upgrade to the existing hostlinks at present which may cost them a bit more, if however they have to order more physical links the price may go up slightly in the short term but should come down as more customers are added.

Simon_idnet · May 12, 2011, 15:36:57

Quote from: Glenn on May 12, 2011, 09:06:20
Is the increased bandwidth still on track for the next few days, Simon?

Hi Glenn

The extra bandwidth is already online and active and our monitoring has shown no congestion on the BT links into us since then.
Simon

Technical Ben · May 12, 2011, 21:46:32

So the cost is scaling nicely Pctech. Good to know.

esh · May 16, 2011, 10:06:57

I've noticed that I'm able to sustain a fixed 7.02 Mbps even directly on midnight now. I don't know if that was IDNet's tweaking or not, but I'm pretty sure I wasn't able to do that a couple months ago.

netn00b · May 17, 2011, 07:58:22

had major trouble last night and this morning with pages not loading etc

some skype messages i just wrote say not delieverd yet which i've never seen.

wife was moaning like nothing last night at the slowness and problems whilst she was trying to do something.

i hope its resolved today.

Glenn · May 17, 2011, 08:40:42

What area are you, close to Chester?

netn00b · May 17, 2011, 13:34:10

Quote from: Glenn lcink=topic=25625.msg614279#msg614279 date=1305618042
What area are you, close to Chester?

Devon

Simon_idnet · May 17, 2011, 15:11:03

If you've already tried rebooting your router I'd suggest trying a new filter as a faulty filter can produce packet loss.