Finding The Master Socket

[DeanIss]

Hi there,

Over the past week my internet has been suffering from intermittent disconnections. Im running Router stats - lite atm and I can see my noise level is fluctuating loads between 6db - 15db. Anyway, I plan to make a full post about the problem specifically if it isnt fixed soon, but in the mean time I want to make sure 100% that im using my master socket.

So basically, I dont have a NTE5 master socket in the flat. I've searched everywhere and I definitely dont. I do have a faceplate with a BT logo, but it has two identical sockets on it (if thats the right way to describe it?). Anyway, I opened up it and there was no test socket BUT it does look like the first socket that the wiring leads to!

So yea if I unscrew it, what should I be looking for that confirms its the master socket?

[IWasNotTheEnemy]

Does it have capacitors on the back of it? If so, check the others as only the master should have them (or at least have larger ones)

[Isitme]

You should see a capacitor, a cylinder about the size of a triple A battery and some other bits and bobs. An extension will just have a plain board with no attachments apart from the line terminals.

[DeanIss]

Thank you for the fast responses!

But yea, after checking again it seems there are two small "battery like" thingies there. Assuming its the master socket then. Thanks for the help. (Just to confirm is it normal that there are two "small battery like-thingies"?)

[Isitme]

I think it is likely your house has had 2 telephone lines into it at one point. This would be the only reason for having a 'double' master socket. I think you might find that only one side of it is being used.

[DeanIss]

Yes indeed, When I plug my router/phone into the other socket I get no response. Anyway doubt thats causing any problems.

Also, on a separate note (before I make my big thread about my disconnections issues), whats a good/normal noise margin to be hitting? Is it normal that it fluctuates a lot through out the hours? And lastly, could limiting my internet speed maybe help stabilize it (if my wiring is old/bad etc.)?

[Isitme]

whats a good/normal noise margin to be hitting?

There is no such thing really. Sky's default is 7db but whether that is good or not depends on the speed you are syncing at and your attenuation. Generally the higher the noise margin the more stable the speed will be. As decreasing the connection speed will increase the noise margin, so yes, a lower connection speed will be more stable. This is known a 'capping the speed'.

[DeanIss]

Awesome. I think I'll ask Sky to further Cap my speed. Ever since they have it has been more stable, but I still get a disconnection every hour or so. Used to be 18 mb, now its around 15mb, I'll ask for 12mb.

Would rather stable 12mb then unstable 15mb.

[Isitme]

Start your thread on improving your speed, you may get your 18Mb back