Can't use ADSL2+ :-(

RCS2K4 · Nov 22, 2012, 20:29:59

Evening all,

I'm back on IDNET again. The problems I had at my last address were well documented in a thread on here earlier this year, so I left. As it is, I've moved address and have been waiting an age for Openreach to connect us back to IDNET again. But ohhhh boy, a feeling of deja vu is coming over me. New address, lines and router. It connected initally at approx 22 MB Sync, and I was able to get this:

But that was at lunchtime. Several drops later, and a period of nothing for about an hour it's connected back - But not to ADSL2/2+. The router stats now say G.DMT and I can't make it go back to what it was on earlier. so were stuck like this for the time being (about 7MB Thruput):

Any ideas why???

Steve · Nov 22, 2012, 20:52:44

I think you need to talk to support tomorrow, attenuation is low so adsl2 should be possible.You've an adslmax downstream cap either deliberate, BT cock up , or line issue.

Welcome back

Simon · Nov 22, 2012, 21:11:09

Hope things get sorted for you soon.

RCS2K4 · Dec 04, 2012, 15:12:13

Hate to say this, but I don't know whats going on with IDNET's support team anymore. Back in 2005 to 2010 you could call them and things would just get fixed. Now, I get the feeling im ringing up a scripted call centre where they are just passing on a message. It's such a disappointment.

The guy I spoke too knew nothing about attenuation, SnR or Interleaving and how it impacts my connection speed. I asked to move to LLU and he knew nothing about it!

Anyway, almost 2 weeks on since the connection, my router is holding ADSL2+ sync, but thruput is barely at 3-7 MB (Sync rate is 24750 downstream). I don't get why things are so bad thruput wise, but lately pings are also really bad (150-200 Ms to IDNET's DNS for example). Router reports interveaved path is on now too (it never used to be), and it's just generally a poor connection.

I had this issue in this area before, as I used to live on this same street a little further down (See this: http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php/topic,29049.msg686409.html#msg686409). I could barely get the speeds I am getting now for whatever reason on a BT 21NC connection, but later moved to BE, and got sustained and error free 21MB thruput on a 24MB sync. Why can't this work correctly here, again?

What else am I do do other than leave again and migrate to BE, where I know it will sync and hold 24MB???

Glenn · Dec 04, 2012, 15:42:27

When did you call, if it was out of hours, the call will have been answered by a call centre. If you can't call during supports office hours email them - support at idnet.com. As you have the option of BE in your area, IDNet can move you to their LLU BE supplied service.

Steve · Dec 04, 2012, 16:38:48

Certainly you need to speak with daytime support, my suspicion is local exchange congestion. Can you perform a series of BT Speedtests at various time of the day ie evening and before 0700 should be ideal to look for evidence of congestion. Plus what Glenn said about Be is an option.

RCS2K4 · Dec 04, 2012, 17:36:52

I contacted support at about 2PM this afternoon. I'm not happy - The connection is dire. If it holds ADSL2+ sync (like it is now) then it's sync speed is pathetic. Otherwise it drops back to G.DMT and goes to 8MB. This line is VERY short - Approx 400-500 Meters Openreach said when they were on site, and it's connected direct to the exchange. Still, you wouldn't think it looking at the connection stats taken 2 moments ago below. I want to cry, as it's been like this for 2 weeks with no improvement:

Edit: IP address removed

Steve · Dec 04, 2012, 18:22:05

Ok if it's changing sync and modulation it's not congestion and neither is it satisfactory, have you got a spare router or can you borrow one?

RCS2K4 · Dec 04, 2012, 19:04:09

I have my older Netgear DGND3300, and tried that 2 moments ago. It didn't negotiate a sync after 4-5 minutes of trying so I plugged the TP-Link back in.

It too has given up. Log file for it shows several fast and successive "Loss of Framing" errors. It also says the link is "down". So, i've switched to my iPhone 4S tethering which, ironically has lower latency, higher download and higher upload:

And my last one I did with IDNET yesterday:

Definatly special when 3G tethering runs faster than your actual landline broadband...

Steve · Dec 04, 2012, 19:19:45

Have you tried the test socket behind the master ( that's if you've got access)with the phone disconnected, if it's still poor surely there has to be a fault.

lozcart · Dec 04, 2012, 19:20:20

RCS2K4 I think your IP address might be showing in the picture above, you may want to hide it

Steve · Dec 04, 2012, 19:23:06

Well spotted I'm happy to remove the image if you can't edit

lozcart · Dec 04, 2012, 20:50:02

Your noise margin is very high at 18, this would normally be set to 6 and would be raised by the line management software if it sees instability on the line. I would try first the test socket as Steve suggests and see what figures your router reports, if it seems better it would point to a problem with your wiring or noise caused by a device connected to your line for instance a Sky box.

RCS2K4 · Dec 04, 2012, 20:52:26

Quote from: lozcart on Dec 04, 2012, 19:20:20
RCS2K4 I think your IP address might be showing in the picture above, you may want to hide it

Good spot, thanks - Edited.

Quote from: Steve on Dec 04, 2012, 19:19:45
Have you tried the test socket behind the master ( that's if you've got access)with the phone disconnected, if it's still poor surely there has to be a fault.

Don't have a master socket (I think?). I'll get a pic up in a bit, but the phone socket has a seperate, dedicated hole on the Openreach faceplate for a modem - No microfilter's needed as it's built in to the socket. It could be buggered of course...

Edit: Here's the socket...

lozcart · Dec 04, 2012, 21:05:29

I'm not 100% sure but I think if you unscrew the lower half of the socket you will find a test socket behind it.

I've just read about you problems last time and would also recommend you try a swop to idnet LLU.

RCS2K4 · Dec 04, 2012, 21:12:40

Okies, i'm taking a screwdriver to the thing. Back in 5...

lozcart · Dec 04, 2012, 21:21:50

Just a thought not sure if its relevant or not, maybe someone else knows. The faceplate you have is the same as I've got for FTTC can someone confirm it is suitable for BT ADSL2.

RCS2K4 · Dec 04, 2012, 21:25:03

You can "fix" anything with a screwdriver. Found the test socket and stuck a filter in it.

ADSL syncs up, but it's slow still. Sync is just over 3.5MB. Line attenuation fell to exactly 10, rather than 10.4, but that prolly dont make much difference - It's low enough either way?

Quote from: lozcart on Dec 04, 2012, 21:21:50
The faceplate you have is the same as I've got for FTTC can someone confirm it is suitable for BT ADSL2.

I did think this also (FTTC isn't available here). Never had a phone socket with that built in before...

Steve · Dec 04, 2012, 21:25:36

I think they are both the same nowadays

http://www.amazon.co.uk/GENUINE-BT-Openreach-Interstitial-Compatible/dp/B007URQZAU

lozcart · Dec 04, 2012, 21:28:48

Thanks Steve.

What was the noise margin when connected to the test socket?

RCS2K4 · Dec 04, 2012, 21:30:12

Noise margin is now 19.6. I'm going to go and cry in a corner somewhere...

Steve · Dec 04, 2012, 21:33:28

If the noise margin is higher connected to the test socket that is good news as it implies noise is being induced after the test socket.

lozcart · Dec 04, 2012, 21:35:48

Strangely that is in fact better, if BT has set your margin to 18 and you are showing an increase it actually means you are getting less noise on the line.

I would put the socket back together and fit a soap on a rope filter on both the phone and router connections and monitor the connection, also set up a Think Broadband monitor so you can keep a check on how the line is behaving. If its no better try to get a swop to LLU.

Steve · Dec 04, 2012, 21:38:23

I'm suspicious of the plate filter plus that DEC phone is nearby, like lozart I suggest leave the faceplate off, use a soap and rope filter and move the phone.

RCS2K4 · Dec 04, 2012, 21:52:05

Noted guys. I've re-located the phone to the other end of the hallway and added a microfilter to the phone socket, and a seperate one to the modem socket with a spare modem cable I had in my router box. The modem line is now double filtered...

SnR is 19.6 still. Sync is thru the floor but I guess it will take a few days???