Change of DSLAM?

[youngsyp]

Hi all,

I've just performed a tracert and noticed that there is no hop through easynet.co.uk anymore. Would this suggest my DSLAM has changed?
Or could it just be that some configuration on my line has changed?

A search on the second hop details brings back a sky.com host.

I'm on the Sky Connect package (no ADSL2+ in my exchange) and on fastpath. Attached are before (Sky Sagem 2504N router and interleaved) and today (Netgear DG834G v3 router and fastpath) tracert results.

Stability has reduced recently so I suspect something has changed.

Thanks,

Paul

[Scubbie]

Could you post you router's connection stats please? I wonder if Sky have recently installed their kit and moved you across. Your stats could confirm this or some other issue.

How to get your router statistics - Sky User - The unofficial support forum for everything Sky!

As for not having ADSL2+ available in your exchange, TalkTalk have their kit available which will be ADSL2+.

SamKnows - Broadband Availability - Yardley Gobion (SMYG) Exchange

[youngsyp]

Hi,

Thanks for the response. Router stats attached.

It would seem either contention or throttling is in force all weekend now too as my throughput is currently only around 2.5Mbps.

With regards to Talk Talk and ADSL2+, 'they advise' that I'll achieve between 1.5Mbps and 3.8Mbps. My line currently supports 6.9Mbps so I don't think their service is a viable alternative.

Thanks,

Paul

[Gigabit]

You're still on ADSL1/Max because of your sync speed (8128Kbps).

[Gigabit]

As you're syncing at 8128Kbps on a 37dB attentuation which is excellent by the way as I sync at 7200Kbps on a 40dB attenuation. I would suspect you will get about 10-13Mb on ADSL2+ with TalkTalk. Ignore their checker, you will get far more than that.

[youngsyp]

As you're syncing at 8128Kbps on a 37dB attentuation which is excellent by the way as I sync at 7200Kbps on a 40dB attenuation.

Thanks. I've put a lot of work into the internal wiring/ network and it's a brand new house on a brand new estate, which I expect helps.

I would suspect you will get about 10-13Mb on ADSL2+ with TalkTalk. Ignore their checker, you will get far more than that.

I must admit, despite it being Talk Talk, I'm tempted to call them and see if they can give me a more accurate estimate with the information I can give them. I'm only 6 months into my Sky contract though so, it could be expensive to switch...

Oh and I didn't expect I'd been moved to an ADSL2+ service, just because my route to Sky had changed.

Paul

[Scubbie]

There are other ISPs who will resell TalkTalk's LLU connection, so you could sign up to them and not deal with TalkTalk directly.

You mentioned that you were having connection issues and I know that Sky are rolling out their LLU kit across the UK. I was hoping that perhaps they had updated your exchange and not informed you. Sky normally write a letter to you though when they are planning to switch you from Connect to Unlimited.

You are on Connect still though as the upload speed is 448kbps.

As for the connection speed, you have the maximum there for an ADSL connection.

If you were to switch to ADSL2+ then providing that you line doesn't change significantly, you should expect to get around 9-10mb/s. This is based on your current Line Attenuation changing from 37dB to 39dB (normal when switching) and the checking in the tools link above.

[youngsyp]

Thanks for the response.

I've had a look around and there are a number of LLU resellers for Talk Talk and an even greater number of packages available for my line. A real shame I didn't know about them when I moved in to the new house. I've contacted one to see what they can offer. I then need to weigh up if the expense of breaking my contract with Sky will be worth the move...

And yes, I don't think I can physically get a faster line on the ADSLMax service.

You mention my line attenuation. It actually increased from around 34dB with the Sky router to 37dB with the current Netgear router, due to the way they measure it differently. Hopefully the former figure is closer to my actual line attenuation.

One thing I hope doesn't change is the latency. Outside the throttled periods, my latency is 13ms to BBC - Homepage and as a gamer, that's pretty useful.

Paul

[Scubbie]

You are correct in pointing out that the Line Attenuation varies between routers and ultimately the figures that we provide are for guidance. What you can surmise is that you should not expect to get is 3mb/s from TalkTalk.

As for the latency, I do not personally know what TalkTalk is like for this. Perhaps others may but you might be better looking at the relevant forums to help you. I would guess that it would be fine.

[Isitme]

I then need to weigh up if the expense of breaking my contract with Sky will be worth the move...

From past reports if you build up a number of complaints with Sky about your low speed you will be able to leave without penalty. You will have to produce speedtests from the official BT tester as this is the only one Sky will recognise for Connect. Take several over the next few days and then call Sky and tell them you are not at all happy with your speed. See what they say, from past experience they will be of no help, so a few days later call up and ask for your MAC. Do not mention cancelling at this point or they may cut you off immediately.

Test Result

One thing I hope doesn't change is the latency. Outside the throttled periods, my latency is 13ms to BBC - Homepage and as a gamer, that's pretty useful.

With your maximum sync speed you will be on Fastpath with BT. You may not get on this with a non-BT supplier.