I think I've upset my exchange........

[slt76]

Ladies and gents cold I ask for your opinion/advice on something?

In my infinite wisdom I decided that I'd move the router (2700HGV) into the lounge as we were going to do some decorating in the study. Up until this point I've had a rock solid connection at or around 3mb (Since joining IDNET in Dec 07). This is with the exception of the 12 day resynch that seems to affecting most HGV's running the SBC firmware. None the less 3mb was fine by me as I have a relatively long line and my estate is renowned for bad BB connections. Being the nosey git that I am I thought I'd take a quick snapshot of the stats before I moved it just in case things improved when I plugged it into the BT master in the lounge. My 'Before the move' stats are as follows:

Downstream   2008/02/23 17:11:16 GMT
Rate   3104
Mgn1   6
Attn   54.4
Pwr   18.2
INP   1.21
DLY   8
Upstream   
Rate   448
Max   892
Mgn   20
Attn   31.5
Pwr   12.1

Everything was fine and I'd just managed to get it all plugged in when she who must be obeyed pointed out that my physic powers were still failing me and that we'd had a change of plan. So everything was unplugged and moved back to the study. Now my rate has dropped through the floor in comparison. My new stats are:

Downstream   2008/02/23 17:23:47 GMT
Rate   1216
Mgn1   6.1
Attn   54.4
Pwr   16.7
INP   1.49
DLY   8
Upstream   
Rate   448
Max   864
Mgn   19
Attn   31.5
Pwr   12.1

So the only thing I've gained from all this is nearly 2mb lost in my synch rate . I understand that the exchange gets a touch of PMT if you resynch repeatedly but I only disconnected a couple of times to swap everything around. Is that enough for it to have a hissy fit and drop my profile? If so how long does it take to recover?

I'd also be grateful if anyone could comment on the general line stats in terms of synch against my margins etc.

Many thanks in advance.

Scott

[Rik]

Hi Scott

Something certainly had a hissy fit, didn't it. When you moved the router, did you unplug from the mains and let it 'die' before unplugging from the phone socket? That way, the DSLAM says goodbye politely and doesn't flag it as instability.

However, this doesn't appear to be a DLM issue, as your noise margin hasn't been raised, which would normally be the sign of some serious management. The only thing I can think of is that you re-synched when there was a lot of noise around, forcing the low speed (I don't suppose you thought to take a copy of the frequency graphs?).

I'd leave it till the morning, then re-boot the router and see if the speed recovers. Unfortunately, if it does, you will have to wait for up to five days for the profile to recover. If it doesn't improve, can you try with another router?

In general terms, you're not getting the speed I would expect (taking the best figures. My line attenuation is 56db, but I sync ~3500 with a 9db target noise margin, so I'd expect to see a sync of 4000-4250 on your line - which makes me think there is a lot of noise out there.

If you can eliminate your own equipment and wiring, give IDNet a ring and they can take a look at the line to see if anything is flagging up as a fault.

[Sebby]

As Rik says, your target SNRM doesn't appear to have moved, so I don't think you've upset the exchange in that respect (and certainly one reboot - however initiated - shouldn't do anything anyway).

Hopefully it's just a blip, therefore, and rebooting (perhaps leave it until tomorrow) will mean your sync returns to normal.

Let us know how you get on.

[slt76]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Rik - Yes gave the router a chance to go completely dead before I removed the phone cable

As suggested I gave the router a reboot this morning and nothing has changed. I then tried another router that I have (dual SSID 2700) and it's just the same (1mb instead of the original 3mb).

I guess my next stop is to raise a an issue with the guys at IDNET. Obviously I don't want to waste there time so have double checked that everything is as it was before the move. Double checked with the missus just to make sure she has not moved any of DECT phones around etc just to make sure there are no obvious noise sources.

Thanks for the info on my stats Rik. 4mb would be fantastic but at the moment I'd be over the moon just to get back to my original 3mb.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers

Scott

[Rik]

The only other thing I can think, Scott, is that somehow either the cable between the router and socket has become damaged, or the socket itself has. It would be worth trying to eliminate those possibilities before called IDNet.

Do you have an NTE5 master socket, the type where the bottom part of the faceplate can be removed? If so, can you try connecting there temporarily. If things improve, the fault is in your wiring.

[Sebby]

As Rik suggests, it's possible you've disturbed something. It just seems too much of a coincidence that this only happened when you moved the router. Try the test socket (if you have one), try another RJ11 lead, another filter, and if nothing changes, give IDNet a call tomorrow.

[slt76]

Cheers chaps.

Had already tried direct to the master (With the face plate removed so yes directly into BT only side of things). Had not tried swapping the cable so gave that a quick try. Unfortunately neither one has improved things.

I know it looks very coincidental but I haven't changed anything (Honest guv ) so don't know why its all gone pear shaped. This was exactly the sort of thing that used too happen when I was with BT - My line would be fine for a week or so at 2 to 3mb and would then go all wobbly on me. After various very long calls to India and eventually someone in BTW things did settle but then it started playing up again and I jumped ship to IDNET. Since joining in December the connection has been very consistent at or around the 3mb mark. Hopefully the guys in IDNET will be able to shed a bit more light on things tomorrow.

I have tried taking  look at my profile on the speed tester but keep getting the following error:

The login name entered on this tool doesn't match that discovered by querying the network for your domain name. Please check your telephone number (or user name) and try again. If problem persists please contact your CP.

I am entering my full usernae i.e ***********@idnet.gw5. Is it just a cse of it being busy or am I doing something wrong?

[Rik]

I think so, Scott, there's nothing else for you to try and you have eliminated all possibilities at your end (except the router, I suppose).

[Inactive]

Just carried out a BT Speed Test, no problem, loaded immediately, using IE6/Java enabled.



Test1 comprises of Best Effort Test:  -provides background information.
    IP profile for your line is - 7150 kbps
    DSL connection rate: 448 kbps(UP-STREAM)  8128 kbps(DOWN-STREAM)
    Actual IP throughput achieved during the test was - 6606 kbps

[Rik]

I reckon we could get you another 500k with a little tweaking, In.

[slt76]

Thanks In - I guess it just doesn't like me then

Does anyone know the email for customer support. I'm all over the pace tomorrow so probably won't get a chance to call them.

Thanks.

[Sebby]

support @ idnet.com (remove the spaces).

[Rik]

Though support@idnet.net is the preferred address.

[Sebby]

Funny you should say that, Rik. I wrote idnet.net first then modified my post. I wasn't certain I was right, so I went onto the IDNet site and saw that the general email address was contactus@idnet.com, so I assumed support would be the same...

[Rik]

Old habits when it comes to the support address, Sebby, they'll both get through, but I know that the .net mail circulates to everyone, so it's guaranteed it won't get overlooked.

[Sebby]

Noted.

[Inactive]

I reckon we could get you another 500k with a little tweaking, In.

I know..I know, but I am happy with my lot Rik, if it ain't broke etc. etc.

[Rik]

Spoilsport. 

[Inactive]

I have to laugh when you lot are prescribing Cat 5 cables, as opposed to flat ones, cutting bell wires etc. etc.

Mine are all still connected, I have old flat cables, cables running side by side with mains cables .. 

But my speed test at DSLZone still beats the arse off of most competitors.

[Rik]

We lesser mortals have to try harder than you, In.   

[Inactive]

Are you implying that I am trying Rik.. ??

[Rik]

Moi? Would I dare. 

[Ann]

I agree with you In.  I had a perfectly good line with all the rubbish cables and a rubbish modem.  As it's gone down I've tried to upgrade everything mostly so that when I do make some enquiries as to what's gone wrong I will know and can tell that I've done everything I can to help from my end.  But really none of it has made any difference at all!  I think BT has more to do with it than they let on, always blaming the customer.  But don't laugh too long and too loud, In, because as I found out it can all end tomorrow. 

First connection to ADSL 8128
a year later 8096
Now 6432

[Rik]

Probably deteriorating BT cables/joints, Ann. Unfortunately, there's nothing anyone can do about it as they are not obliged to supply an ADSL service. (Something the Govt/Ofcom should surely address.)

[Sebby]

As Rik says, cables deteriorate, or it could be that you or neighbours introduce devices that are emitting noise. It's often very difficult to say.

[slt76]

When I said I've tried everything  - I lied 

When I tried the router(s) in the master I took the old filter with it. Clearly a move of 15m was just too much for my poor old filter and alas it has now gone the electrical graveyard in the sky. So I've now binned all of my existing BT filters and replaced them with some old D-Link ones that i had kicking around and I now up to 3.2mb.

Many thanks for all you pointers along the way guys n girls. I'm off now to do the apologetic 'Stupid Customer' email to IDNET customer support.

[Rik]

We've all done it, don't worry.

[Lance]

Those damn filters!

Glad it's sorted now!

[Sebby]

Excellent news. I'm sure the D-Link filters are fine, but you may want to consider getting some really decent ones. The ADSL Nation XF-1e are the most highly-regarded (available cheaper here).

[Inactive]

I had 2 of those BT soap-on-a-rope filters, both caused me grief, i changed them for some cheap Solwise one's, never a problem since.