Broadband Speed

Hi all,

After some initial problems which this group helped me with, my broadband
speed was pretty stable around 2500kbps for the last 6 months since I moved
into a new house.

However just recently the speed suddently dropped to 970k whilst I was away
on a business trip.

I rebooted the hub upon return, and the speed is now 2176k, and I can't get
anywhere close to the 2500k+ that I was getting before.

It's unlikely to be internal, as I have installed a filtered master
faceplate.

This means my true configured download speed has gone down from 2 meg to
1750k (as reported by BT speed tester).

Any ideas what could cause this and what if anything I can do about it? I
sometimes watch on demand video like Iplayer, so the extra 250k is valuable.

thanks
Patrick.

> After some initial problems which this group helped me with, my broadband
> speed was pretty stable around 2500kbps for the last 6 months since I
> moved into a new house.
>
> However just recently the speed suddently dropped to 970k whilst I was
> away on a business trip.
>
> I rebooted the hub upon return, and the speed is now 2176k, and I can't
> get anywhere close to the 2500k+ that I was getting before.
>
> It's unlikely to be internal, as I have installed a filtered master
> faceplate.

A filtered faceplate does not ensure that there is not a fault in the
wirinbg or equipment.


> This means my true configured download speed has gone down from 2 meg to
> 1750k (as reported by BT speed tester).
>
> Any ideas what could cause this and what if anything I can do about it? I
> sometimes watch on demand video like Iplayer, so the extra 250k is
> valuable.

The first thing is to remove the faceplate and try plugging your
router/modem direct into the test socket via a filter. If that results in an
improvement then you need to systematically check the wiring and each item
of equipment. Do this by replacing the faceplate and then remove all items
of equipment. Disconnect the bell wire. If the fault is still there then
there is a problem with the wiring. If not connect each item of equipment
until you find the one that is causing the problem.


Peter Crosland

"Peter Crosland" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) et...
>> After some initial problems which this group helped me with, my broadband
>> speed was pretty stable around 2500kbps for the last 6 months since I
>> moved into a new house.
>>
>> However just recently the speed suddently dropped to 970k whilst I was
>> away on a business trip.
>>
>> I rebooted the hub upon return, and the speed is now 2176k, and I can't
>> get anywhere close to the 2500k+ that I was getting before.
>>
>> It's unlikely to be internal, as I have installed a filtered master
>> faceplate.
>
> A filtered faceplate does not ensure that there is not a fault in the
> wirinbg or equipment.
>
>
>> This means my true configured download speed has gone down from 2 meg to
>> 1750k (as reported by BT speed tester).
>>
>> Any ideas what could cause this and what if anything I can do about it?
>> I sometimes watch on demand video like Iplayer, so the extra 250k is
>> valuable.
>
> The first thing is to remove the faceplate and try plugging your
> router/modem direct into the test socket via a filter. If that results in
> an improvement then you need to systematically check the wiring and each
> item of equipment. Do this by replacing the faceplate and then remove all
> items of equipment. Disconnect the bell wire. If the fault is still there
> then there is a problem with the wiring. If not connect each item of
> equipment until you find the one that is causing the problem.
>
>
> Peter Crosland
>


Here is what I have done (with rebooting each time of course).

- Removed faceplate and installed modem directly to test socket - result -
no change.

- Changed cable from modem to faceplate - result - no change.

- Reset router to factory settings - result - no change

- Install OLD bthomehub router that I had before they sent me the new one -
result - speed increases to 2336 from 2176.

Software on new homehub is version 6.2.6.H, software on old one is 6.2.6.B.

When I first got the new homehub, I seem to recall it connected marginally
faster than the old one.

Conclusion - I lost about 200k of bandwidth due to external factors - I
guess that could just be due to environmental factors or something, not a
big deal on its own, and another 200k due to the router. These two factors
combined means I lost my configured connection speed down by 250k.

Next I have to check if the router software was upgraded in the last 2
weeks, and if so can I backdate to the old software to see if the speed goes
up again.

I suppose the router could be faulty, but I doubt a fault would give a
bandwidth decrease with no other symptoms.

thanks
Patrick.

> - Install OLD bthomehub router that I had before they sent me the new one
> result - speed increases to 2336 from 2176.

As far as I can determine swapping routers forces a complete
retrain, DSLAM sees connection come up, asks "what do you
support" if different to before, discards learned settings and
starts from square one." What's your received level, SNR" etc.
If my speed drops I swap in a different router, then the old
one, speed usually comes back up, if it doesn't it does after
a few days.
Moisture in the underground cabling can drop your speed,
as can dry joints, often at the top of the pole if you have a drop
wire.
What you need is figures from your router for attenuation
and SNR, when it was fast, and now.
If attenuation has risen, or SNR margin has fallen, it's
most likely outside your premises.
Putting my router next to the master socket, rather than on
an extension cable, and using the long/difficult line
firmware flash improved things for me, just used the
untwisted extension cable as a draw wire to pull in
CAT5.

"Patrick" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
>
> "Peter Crosland" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed) et...
>>> After some initial problems which this group helped me with, my
>>> broadband speed was pretty stable around 2500kbps for the last 6 months
>>> since I moved into a new house.
>>>
>>> However just recently the speed suddently dropped to 970k whilst I was
>>> away on a business trip.
>>>
>>> I rebooted the hub upon return, and the speed is now 2176k, and I can't
>>> get anywhere close to the 2500k+ that I was getting before.
>>>
>>> It's unlikely to be internal, as I have installed a filtered master
>>> faceplate.
>>
>> A filtered faceplate does not ensure that there is not a fault in the
>> wirinbg or equipment.
>>
>>
>>> This means my true configured download speed has gone down from 2 meg to
>>> 1750k (as reported by BT speed tester).
>>>
>>> Any ideas what could cause this and what if anything I can do about it?
>>> I sometimes watch on demand video like Iplayer, so the extra 250k is
>>> valuable.
>>
>> The first thing is to remove the faceplate and try plugging your
>> router/modem direct into the test socket via a filter. If that results in
>> an improvement then you need to systematically check the wiring and each
>> item of equipment. Do this by replacing the faceplate and then remove all
>> items of equipment. Disconnect the bell wire. If the fault is still there
>> then there is a problem with the wiring. If not connect each item of
>> equipment until you find the one that is causing the problem.
>>
>>
>> Peter Crosland
>>
>
>
> Here is what I have done (with rebooting each time of course).
>
> - Removed faceplate and installed modem directly to test socket - result -
> no change.
>
> - Changed cable from modem to faceplate - result - no change.
>
> - Reset router to factory settings - result - no change
>
> - Install OLD bthomehub router that I had before they sent me the new
> one - result - speed increases to 2336 from 2176.
>
> Software on new homehub is version 6.2.6.H, software on old one is
> 6.2.6.B.
>
> When I first got the new homehub, I seem to recall it connected marginally
> faster than the old one.
>
> Conclusion - I lost about 200k of bandwidth due to external factors - I
> guess that could just be due to environmental factors or something, not a
> big deal on its own, and another 200k due to the router. These two
> factors combined means I lost my configured connection speed down by 250k.
>
> Next I have to check if the router software was upgraded in the last 2
> weeks, and if so can I backdate to the old software to see if the speed
> goes up again.
>
> I suppose the router could be faulty, but I doubt a fault would give a
> bandwidth decrease with no other symptoms.
>
> thanks
> Patrick.

My ISP is Orange. I had a similar problem. I went through all the usual
diagnostics - changing filters, changing router etc. etc.. It then
transpired that Orange had changed something which had reduced the speed and
stability about the date I noticed the problem. I argued that both
stability and speed was OK before they messed about and that it was a
reasonable expectation that Orange could get it going OK.

Orange argued that the speed had been reduced because it had to service more
customers. So Orange (and no doubt others) are quite happy to take on more
customers and their money but not happy with putting some of that money back
into maintaining a service to existing customers.

It looks as though, after several months of badgering, it's OK now. My
advice is not to accept second best. Persistence pays!!

Bill Ridgeway

>>> After some initial problems which this group helped me with, my
>>> broadband speed was pretty stable around 2500kbps for the last 6 months
>>> since I moved into a new house.
>>>
>>> However just recently the speed suddently dropped to 970k whilst I was
>>> away on a business trip.
>>>
>>> I rebooted the hub upon return, and the speed is now 2176k, and I can't
>>> get anywhere close to the 2500k+ that I was getting before.
>>>
>>> It's unlikely to be internal, as I have installed a filtered master
>>> faceplate.
>>
>> A filtered faceplate does not ensure that there is not a fault in the
>> wirinbg or equipment.
>>
>>
>>> This means my true configured download speed has gone down from 2 meg to
>>> 1750k (as reported by BT speed tester).
>>>
>>> Any ideas what could cause this and what if anything I can do about it?
>>> I sometimes watch on demand video like Iplayer, so the extra 250k is
>>> valuable.
>>
>> The first thing is to remove the faceplate and try plugging your
>> router/modem direct into the test socket via a filter. If that results in
>> an improvement then you need to systematically check the wiring and each
>> item of equipment. Do this by replacing the faceplate and then remove all
>> items of equipment. Disconnect the bell wire. If the fault is still there
>> then there is a problem with the wiring. If not connect each item of
>> equipment until you find the one that is causing the problem.
>>
>>
>> Peter Crosland
>>
>
>
> Here is what I have done (with rebooting each time of course).
>
> - Removed faceplate and installed modem directly to test socket - result -
> no change.
>
> - Changed cable from modem to faceplate - result - no change.
>
> - Reset router to factory settings - result - no change
>
> - Install OLD bthomehub router that I had before they sent me the new
> one - result - speed increases to 2336 from 2176.
>
> Software on new homehub is version 6.2.6.H, software on old one is
> 6.2.6.B.
>
> When I first got the new homehub, I seem to recall it connected marginally
> faster than the old one.
>
> Conclusion - I lost about 200k of bandwidth due to external factors - I
> guess that could just be due to environmental factors or something, not a
> big deal on its own, and another 200k due to the router. These two
> factors combined means I lost my configured connection speed down by 250k.
>
> Next I have to check if the router software was upgraded in the last 2
> weeks, and if so can I backdate to the old software to see if the speed
> goes up again.
>
> I suppose the router could be faulty, but I doubt a fault would give a
> bandwidth decrease with no other symptoms.


Have you tried disconnecting the bell wire from the terminal on the back of
the faceplate? This link tells you how and the site has a lot of other
information about ADSL

http://yarwell.blogspot.com/2006/06/...-for-adsl.html

Peter Crosland

"Peter Crosland" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) et...
>>>> After some initial problems which this group helped me with, my
>>>> broadband speed was pretty stable around 2500kbps for the last 6 months
>>>> since I moved into a new house.
>>>>
>>>> However just recently the speed suddently dropped to 970k whilst I was
>>>> away on a business trip.
>>>>
>>>> I rebooted the hub upon return, and the speed is now 2176k, and I can't
>>>> get anywhere close to the 2500k+ that I was getting before.
>>>>
>>>> It's unlikely to be internal, as I have installed a filtered master
>>>> faceplate.
>>>
>>> A filtered faceplate does not ensure that there is not a fault in the
>>> wirinbg or equipment.
>>>
>>>
>>>> This means my true configured download speed has gone down from 2 meg
>>>> to 1750k (as reported by BT speed tester).
>>>>
>>>> Any ideas what could cause this and what if anything I can do about it?
>>>> I sometimes watch on demand video like Iplayer, so the extra 250k is
>>>> valuable.
>>>
>>> The first thing is to remove the faceplate and try plugging your
>>> router/modem direct into the test socket via a filter. If that results
>>> in an improvement then you need to systematically check the wiring and
>>> each item of equipment. Do this by replacing the faceplate and then
>>> remove all items of equipment. Disconnect the bell wire. If the fault is
>>> still there then there is a problem with the wiring. If not connect each
>>> item of equipment until you find the one that is causing the problem.
>>>
>>>
>>> Peter Crosland
>>>
>>
>>
>> Here is what I have done (with rebooting each time of course).
>>
>> - Removed faceplate and installed modem directly to test socket -
>> result - no change.
>>
>> - Changed cable from modem to faceplate - result - no change.
>>
>> - Reset router to factory settings - result - no change
>>
>> - Install OLD bthomehub router that I had before they sent me the new
>> one - result - speed increases to 2336 from 2176.
>>
>> Software on new homehub is version 6.2.6.H, software on old one is
>> 6.2.6.B.
>>
>> When I first got the new homehub, I seem to recall it connected
>> marginally faster than the old one.
>>
>> Conclusion - I lost about 200k of bandwidth due to external factors - I
>> guess that could just be due to environmental factors or something, not a
>> big deal on its own, and another 200k due to the router. These two
>> factors combined means I lost my configured connection speed down by
>> 250k.
>>
>> Next I have to check if the router software was upgraded in the last 2
>> weeks, and if so can I backdate to the old software to see if the speed
>> goes up again.
>>
>> I suppose the router could be faulty, but I doubt a fault would give a
>> bandwidth decrease with no other symptoms.
>
>
> Have you tried disconnecting the bell wire from the terminal on the back
> of the faceplate? This link tells you how and the site has a lot of other
> information about ADSL
>
> http://yarwell.blogspot.com/2006/06/...-for-adsl.html
>
> Peter Crosland
>

I will check, but I'm pretty sure I already disconnected it last time I was
maintaining the line - I already had some issues in the past with internal
wiring that I fixed. That's why I installed the filtered faceplate.
thanks
Patrick.

<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:9429k.86452$(E-Mail Removed)2...
>
>> - Install OLD bthomehub router that I had before they sent me the new one
>> result - speed increases to 2336 from 2176.
>
> As far as I can determine swapping routers forces a complete
> retrain, DSLAM sees connection come up, asks "what do you
> support" if different to before, discards learned settings and
> starts from square one." What's your received level, SNR" etc.
> If my speed drops I swap in a different router, then the old
> one, speed usually comes back up, if it doesn't it does after
> a few days.
> Moisture in the underground cabling can drop your speed,
> as can dry joints, often at the top of the pole if you have a drop
> wire.
> What you need is figures from your router for attenuation
> and SNR, when it was fast, and now.
> If attenuation has risen, or SNR margin has fallen, it's
> most likely outside your premises.
> Putting my router next to the master socket, rather than on
> an extension cable, and using the long/difficult line
> firmware flash improved things for me, just used the
> untwisted extension cable as a draw wire to pull in
> CAT5.

Well, I connected the new router back up, and it still reports the same
(slower) speed for the moment.

What is this "long difficult line firmware flash" and how do I get hold of
that?

Lastly here is the detailed ADSL status - unfortunately I don't have one
from before the line slowed down (this is from the new router).

Uptime: 0 days, 1:42:42

Modulation: G.992.1 annex A

Bandwidth (Up/Down) [kbps/kbps]: 448 / 2,080

Data Transferred (Sent/Received) [MB/MB]: 5.09 / 65.41

Output Power (Up/Down) [dBm]: 12.0 / 17.0

Line Attenuation (Up/Down) [dB]: 31.5 / 63.5

SN Margin (Up/Down) [dB]: 16.0 / 2.5

Vendor ID (Local/Remote): TMMB / TSTC

Loss of Framing (Local/Remote): 0 / 0

Loss of Signal (Local/Remote): 0 / 0

Loss of Power (Local/Remote): 0 / 0

Loss of Link (Remote): 0

Error Seconds (Local/Remote): 0 / 0

FEC Errors (Up/Down): 0 / 6,369,707

CRC Errors (Up/Down): 0 / 5,007

HEC Errors (Up/Down): 0 / 3,034

Line Profile: Interleaved

> >>>> This means my true configured download speed has gone down from 2 meg
> >>>> to 1750k (as reported by BT speed tester).

Has your sync speed gone down?

"Patrick" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi all,
>
> After some initial problems which this group helped me with, my broadband
> speed was pretty stable around 2500kbps for the last 6 months since I
> moved into a new house.
>
> However just recently the speed suddently dropped to 970k whilst I was
> away on a business trip.
>
> I rebooted the hub upon return, and the speed is now 2176k, and I can't
> get anywhere close to the 2500k+ that I was getting before.
>
> It's unlikely to be internal, as I have installed a filtered master
> faceplate.
>
> This means my true configured download speed has gone down from 2 meg to
> 1750k (as reported by BT speed tester).
>
> Any ideas what could cause this and what if anything I can do about it? I
> sometimes watch on demand video like Iplayer, so the extra 250k is
> valuable.
>
> thanks
> Patrick.

No comfort to you but I'm pretty much in the same boat.
I've been dealing with this with my ISP (Plusnet) for over a week now, who,
to their credit, have wasted no time in raising faults with BT.
I suspect my external line has deteriorated, as I'm not only getting reduced
speed but disconnections (I've always had disconnections but was prepared to
live with them because of the relatively high speed - for me: up to 3.5
Meg).
Yesterday, I was down to 1.3 Meg, which apparently is now below BT's
"acceptable fault level", so Plusnet are having another go at BT.
Watch this space...

George