Is my router faulty, or is it another issue?

[resolution]

Hi, I have always viewed these pages for advice but never posted...

I have the full sky bb package and usually get about 4.5 to 5 mb download speeds, but the last week it has dropped to about 1 or 1.2 mb.

I have done all the obvious checks, filters, master socket, internal faceplates seem ok etc and have moved the router to all of the 3 internal sockets. No change.

I've spoken to sky "level 2" faults and they have tested the line and said there is no obvious line fault. They suspect it's the router that has gone faulty... It's 5 yrs old - netgear dg834t - the original one supplied.

They advise I either "borrow" another one and test it (not sure where I borrow one from) or purchase a new one for £35...... Ouch.

Any suggestions please?? Is it realistic that the router may be faulty?? All the lighs are on as normal.

Stats below.

Thanks.


System Up Time*03:19:43
Port Status TxPkts RxPkts Collisions Tx B/s Rx B/s Up Time
WAN MER 9138 8727 0 301 1179 01:26:34
LAN 10M/100M 1886 0 0 34 0 03:19:40
WLAN 11M/54M 17923 22505 0 1139 237 03:19:33

ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 1255 kbps 798 kbps
Line Attenuation 43.5 db 27.5 db
Noise Margin 6.9 db 15.9 db

[Ned Ludd]

I had a similar problem about a year ago. All lights behaved as normal but it just wouldn't connect.
Did all the things you have done i.e. changed filters; tried master socket etc.
Had to bite the bullet and get a new one from them.
I believe that it's still in the T&C that you use a Sky router but, in any case, £35 isn't bad for an 'N' rated router!

[resolution]

Thanks, I've been doing a bit of research and the new router does seem good, but I'm reluctant to spend the £35 and it not fix the problem.

Does any one know if the stats show a different problem, or can't they tell that??

The sky advisor seemed pretty sure it was the router, it's never been a problem untill the last few days.

P.

[tenar]

easy way to know use another router does NOT have to connect to internet all you need to see is the line stats borrow 1 or if you know someone with sky borrow thiers

[NilSatisOptimum]

have you plugged the router into the test socket, even your 4.5 to 5mbps is on the low side for attenuation of 43.5

[Isitme]

You are looking for a rise in the noise margin in the Test socket(link below), you will not necessarily see a rise in speed as it may be capped down. When using the Test socket, use only the ADSL cable supplied by Sky, do not use a telephone extension.

[resolution]

Thanks all,

I have tried a mates Sky Router (same as my model) in the master test socket and it gives about 2.1Mbps speed...... in one of the extension sockets it gives about 1.2 mbps the same as mine currently dose.

I also re-tried my router in the master test socket today and it gives about 2 Mbps. Both were using the cables supplied by Sky in the original box.

I assume that its not the router thats at fault? As the advisor said I should get about 4-5 Mbs which is usually what I get.

I will phone them back and press for a fault to be reported on the line or some more investigating.

Thanks.

P.

[tenar]

if another router showing same stats then not router issue but from what you have said your internal wiring at fault as well , if you leave router in test socket best speed results will be obtained , may also possible issue with line but depends on support teams what will happen next

[Isitme]

Can you plug into the Test socket and post the stats please. Just because you only see 2Mb does not mean that is the maximum you can get. It could quite easily be capped at 2048kbps.

[resolution]

Sorry for delay in reply...

Have plugged my router into the test socket this morning and have the fastest speed connection ever!!

Stats posted below. I think this proves the router is fine - so perhaps an internal cabling issue??

System Up Time 00:02:16
Port Status TxPkts RxPkts Collisions Tx B/s Rx B/s Up Time
WAN MER 2355 1792 0 2674 5551 00:01:40
LAN 10M/100M 243 76 0 482 248 00:02:12
WLAN 11M/54M 2295 2942 0 6213 2583 00:02:05

ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 5023 kbps 798 kbps
Line Attenuation 44.0 db 27.9 db
Noise Margin 6.0 db 16.1 db

I will look at the internal sockets again - but there have been no physical changes made by me - so I'm not sure why there should be a problem. Sky CS still advise to change router or check internal cabling.

P.