ADSLMax vs Checker Speeds

[HowardC]

Hi all,

I am with IDNet of course (no problems in the last 18 months) prior to that on a 0.5M line with E7.  My present line speed is 2Mb and I am seriously considering upgrading to ADSLMax given we always want something better.  The main thing that has prevented me so far is getting an 8Mb line but the connection being less that what I am getting now.

So I've started to compare how the "checkers" compare for my line and then other lines in the area to try and determine the likely speed and hence if it would be worth the upgrade.

So, on BT Wholesale, Samknows & Digitalspy - they all say 8Mbps or more.  On the same sites but using lines to properties in the area closer to the exchange or further away they all state up to 6.5 Mbps.

So my question is this - is it possible for a consensus of opinion to be given as to how accurate these checkers are?  Does anyone have a rule of thumb based on distance from the exchange and the advertised speeds on the checker sites?  I have read somewhere else on here that most with 8Mb can get 4Mb, 6Mb etc but obvioulsy I don't know who this compares to the speed stated on the checkers.

ANY guidance on this would be greatly appreciated.

[Rik]

Hi Howard

Essentially, the checkers are guesstimates and vary according to how optimistic the programmer was.

Can you post your line stats, and we'll give you an estimate - the figures we need are the downstream attenuation, sync speed (should be 2272) and noise margin.

Details of how to get the figures are available here:

http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/frogstats.htm

[Simon]

Hi Howard,

It looks like your welcome karma has been missed, so that is now rectified. 

[Rik]

Mmm. Remiss of me, doubly rectified.

[cavillas]

Have another one for being ignored for 18 months.

[HowardC]

Rik

Thanks for the timely response.  I have listed below the information from my router (DLink DSL-G604T) - I hope this makes sense to you guys.......?

BTW if Max offers me decent speeds I was thinking of the Netgear DG834G as the above router is not compatible with Max?

DSL Status
     Connection Status         Connected
     Upstream Rate (Kbps)      288
     Downstream Rate (Kbps)    2272
     US Margin                   29
     DS Margin                   31
     Modulation                   MMODE
     LOS Errors                   0
     DS Line Attenuation        16
     US Line Attenuation        14
     Path Mode                   Fast Path

DSL Statistics
     Near End F4 Loop Back Count    0
     Near End F5 Loop Back Count    0

[Lance]

Welcome!

I think you should get a good (between the 6.5mb and 8mb) sync on your line. This is due to a nice low DS line attenuation and reasonably high DS noise margin.

I can't be sure, but I think the Netgear router supports ADSL2+ (24mb connections), so should be fine for MAX.

[HowardC]

Lance,

Thanks for the info - quite pleasing to know a possible good result.

[Ann]

You should be fine.  Those checker things on the web always said I could get a speed of 5mb.. I actually get 6.5 or a bit more so they maybe err on the side of caution.

[Lance]

Lance,

Thanks for the info - quite pleasing to know a possible good result.

I would say a definite good result!

[Rik]

     DS Margin                   31

With that margin and a 16db attenuation, Howard, I'd expect you to sync at 8128, and get a profile of 7150. A worst case scenario should still see you get 6-6.5Mbps. Get your order in now.

[HowardC]

This is the best news I've had all year!  Order is on it way.

Thanks a lot for your help Guys.

[Ann]

Ooer.. let's hope everyone was right   

[Rik]

In truth, we never know until a connection is established, Ann, as there is an intangible 'quality of line' that doesn't show in the stats. I'm reasonably confident though.

[HowardC]

Hi everyone,

Just thought I would give you an update with regard to the change in package.  So....last Tuesday afternoon I phoned IDNet.  Ask to change package - no problem said the reply - should be done in 2-3 days.
Went home that night and ordered my new Netgear router from Amazon in preparation.  Wednesday night, I went home - started up my browser and noticed an increase in speed.  No way I thought - couldn't have happened already.  Logged into my existing router (had thought it would not be compatible) and there I was synced and 8196(I think?).
So off I went checking out speedtesters (currently using thinkbroadbands) and I am getting download speeds of circa 5.8mbps compared to my 1.8mbps previously.  This has been fairly constant now for about a week and I am a very happy chappy.  So I then cancelled my router order which saved me some cash - my current router is a DLink DSL-G604T by the way.

Cheers

[Inactive]

Brilliant result, well done.. 

[Lance]

Most routers I've come across in the last 5 years or so have all been "up to 8mb".

Great stuff!

[Rik]

Congratulations, Howard.