TalkTalk ADSL wont sync

grumpycrab

Hi, a friend's ADSL suddenly went down (router DSL light off for 10sec then flashes twice). Checked connections, toggled router power, phone still ok, nothing reported at talktalk site etc etc

The router/modem is an ancient Speedstream 4400 and talktalk tech support couldn't fix it so are sending a more modern router/modem. This will take 5-10 days.

Is there anything else I can do? I cannot believe the modem has died but you never know. If I knew anybody with a spare modem I'd try one. If I lose patience wating for the new box what's a cheap one I can buy myself?

(Dialup works for sending emails but a dialup connection is too slow to receive any data and/or use webmail.)

Myser

You haven't mentioned where the router is connected. Does your friend have a new-style main BT socket? The one that has two halves and you can unscrew the bottom half. If it does, try plugging the router via a microfilter directly into the test socket behind the bottom half of the faceplate.

Are there any telephone extensions? Sky, fax machine, alarm system connected to the phone line without a micro-filter?

grumpycrab

a. 90% sure its not a new-style socket. b. they use an extension. I have tried connecting directly to the master socket. And using a new micro-filter. However they have a fax which I'll check next time I'm there. I believe their setup hasn't changed for a few years...so must be their modem or line or exchange fault. Thanks.

robmar0se

Assuming all lights are on, on the router then it is difficult to determine whether a line or router fault. The usual way to check is to temp replace the router with another with different ethernet cable & microfilter and lappie that we know all works in the master test socket. If it doesn't work then its the line for sure. The talk talk routers are pretty dreadful so it might pay then to get a decent router which also makes them independent

There are some inexpensive items at Amazon, I haven't used these particular models (mine's an old Netgear job), others may care to offer opinions/alternatives? Take care though you need an adsl router not a cable router (common mistake).

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dcomputers&field-keywords=adsl+router

Myser

robmar0se wrote: »

The usual way to check is to temp replace the router with another with different ethernet cable & microfilter and lappie that we know all works in the master test socket. If it doesn't work then its the line for sure.

OP mentioned that they cannot obtain another router for testing.

No point in using a different Ethernet cable with laptop etc. if the router is not able to sync. in the first place.

debitcardmayhem

If they are on BT for phone then get them to test with quite line test dial 17070 and option 3 (it think it says quiet line) listen to hear if there any noises . If they are on TT bundled then get them to press 1 and listen to the line for the same noises eventually the exchange will come back and say cannot dial or some such. Not very scientific but it does often indicate whether line problems are there.

macman

Plenty of Netgear DG834G's on eBay for about a tenner.
If it's an old USB modem, pound it with a heavy hammer. They are the spawn of the devil.

robmar0se

Myser wrote: »

OP mentioned that they cannot obtain another router for testing.

No point in using a different Ethernet cable with laptop etc. if the router is not able to sync. in the first place.

May I suggest that you misunderstood my post?

There is no point in using a different cable if the line won't sync - I think that is obvious - the point I was making - in trying to help th OP was that by replacing ALL the kit temporarily, one is then able to deteremine where the fault is. Secondly, I was also assisting the OP in saying how an independent PC engineer would do this, thereby potentially saving folks BT's £140 charge if they find that the fault is internal to the house rather than outside -the cost of getting someone in to check this would be in the region of £20 - rather better than risking the £140 (oh and plus VAT!)

Myser

robmar0se wrote: »

There is no point in using a different cable if the line won't sync - I think that is obvious - the point I was making - in trying to help th OP was that by replacing ALL the kit temporarily, one is then able to deteremine where the fault is. Secondly, I was also assisting the OP in saying how an independent PC engineer would do this, thereby potentially saving folks BT's £140 charge if they find that the fault is internal to the house rather than outside -the cost of getting someone in to check this would be in the region of £20 - rather better than risking the £140 (oh and plus VAT!)

Fair enough, but your original post did not explicitly state how an independant PC technician would troubleshoot or the costs if BT have to visit and find the fault is customer hardware.

In any case, TalkTalk are sending a replacement router.

grumpycrab

Thanks - will see if I can get a cheap DG834G tonight and also try the line test tomorrow.