Random Disconnects and Varying Speed

[lancer778544]

Hi everyone, I am having some issues with my Sky Broadband that i'm hoping someone will be able to help with. I am on the Unlimited package and apart from the wireless failing on the first router, this is my first problem. The problems started when we had new windows installed and the line between the pole and the BT master socket was damaged and we couldn't phone in our out, yet our broadband connection was stable (albeit at ~2236kbps downstream) throughout. BT then came out and replaced the cable between the pole and the master socket and all was well, I thought.

My problem now is that I have random disconnects throughout the day, and after the router reconnects the speed is usually less than 3000kbps downstream, which is alot less than the usual 7000-8000kbps downstream. A cold reboot of the router will usually bring it back up to normal speeds. I have tried another router (a Belkin F5D7633-4) but the problem still exists. Sometimes it will also disconnect during a phone call, but this doesn't always happen.

All the filters have been replaced, Sky boxes disconnected, ring wire disconnected and uPnP is turned off on the router. These are the current stats:

ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 7723 kbps 764 kbps
Line Attenuation 41.0 db 24.9 db
Noise Margin 7.2 db 13.5 db

And the stats after a connection drop out and reconnect:

ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 1696 kbps 544 kbps
Line Attenuation 43.0 db 29.0 db
Noise Margin 7.1 db 7.0 db

I had a feeling that the router was at fault as it would completely lock up until I placed a computer fan on top of the router as it was getting hot to the touch, but the problem was still there when I used the Belkin router. If you need any more information, please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks ever so much, Chris

[Isitme]

It looks like a line problem. To rule out internal wiring can you plug into the Test socket using only Sky supplied cables.

[lancer778544]

From BT test socket:

ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 9274 kbps 764 kbps
Line Attenuation 39.0 db 23.2 db
Noise Margin 7.1 db 13.0 db

And now back upstairs:

ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 8034 kbps 764 kbps
Line Attenuation 41.0 db 24.8 db
Noise Margin 7.3 db 13.0 db

[Smithy99]

That proves you have an internal wiring issue.

The best option is to fit a filtered faceplate to the master socket and run the router form there using either homeplugs or ethernet.

[lancer778544]

I've got some Cat5e network cable lying around. Would this be suitable for replacing the phone cable to my upstairs phone socket? If so, any tips?

[Smithy99]

If you are going to run a cat5 cable, you would be much better running it from the router ethernet port and connected to the filtered faceplate than to run it to a phone socket, the closer the router is to the incomming line the better.

[lancer778544]

Ok then Smithy, thanks for the info. I'll run some cable in the morning and order the faceplate.

[Isitme]

You stats from the Test socket are almost identical to mine, which I consider quite good. I do notice that you still seem to be on the old Max figures, 764 upload, when you get sorted out, call Sky and ask them to increase your upload. You should get 900+kbps.

[lancer778544]

Thanks Isitme, i'll give them a bell.

[pugwash]

i had this problem they told me it was because my line was trying to handle more speed that it was capable of, but i always thought if you wasnt getting what you should be its a line fault i gave up argueing in the end they was just saying nothing wrong with the line trying to tell me 4000kbs is normal for these stats

Connection Speed 3808 kbps 416 kbps
Line Attenuation 44.0 db 25.0 db
Noise Margin 5.6 db 16.0 db
thats not out test socket take in mind sick of unscrewing it every time i have a problem