ADSL Jargon and Speeds

GunJack

debitcardmayhem wrote: »

OK GunJack forgot to post have a look here http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/max_speed_calc.php

soz mate, was busy earlier so my normal standard of post was sadly lacking

LucianH

GunJack wrote: »

Lucian - on your line you should be syncing at 7.7 meg downstream, or 13.8 if on ADSL2+.

I suspect you're on an old ADSL 8 meg business type service, the 832K upstream is a bit of a giveaway on that.

In your router interface, somewhere around the connectionsdetails, look for Modulation type of ADSL/ADSL2/ADSL2+ or a G.DMT 992.x , this will confirm your service type

The only info I have from my router is:

Basic Settings:
- Encapsulation = PPPoA (PPP over ATM)
ADSL Settings:
- Multiplexing Method = VC-BASED (other option is LLC-BASED)
- VPI = 0
- VCI = 38

It's a Netgear DG834v2 (circa 2004) with the latest version of software (which I've just checked included a 2008 bug fix for "The ADSL driver has been updated to improve ADSL2+ interoperability").

It's extremely encouraging that you think that I could be achieving better performance - do you think it's the router that's the limiting factor or does it look like it's down to the deal I've got with the ISP?

GunJack

I don't have a netgear here to check, but the modulation type will be in there somewhere !! I'm pretty sure you're on ADSL, not 2+.

Before looking to change ISP, which exchange are you on, and which ISP are you with now? Unless you sort out your internal wiring, it won't matter too much, but it would be useful to know in order to advise further

LucianH

GunJack wrote: »

I don't have a netgear here to check, but the modulation type will be in there somewhere !! I'm pretty sure you're on ADSL, not 2+.

Before looking to change ISP, which exchange are you on, and which ISP are you with now? Unless you sort out your internal wiring, it won't matter too much, but it would be useful to know in order to advise further

Thanks GunJack. The exchange I'm on is the Wing exchange (SMWNG):

http://www.samknows.com/broadband/exchange/SMWNG

This shows that the only services as ADSL and ADSL Max (which I assume is ADSL2+).

I was with Freedom2Surf who have now been taken over by Talk Talk. The package that I'm on is the "Cascade Home 20 Gbytes Data Transfer Per Month Broadband". Their website states just states the the Service Type is DSL with a contention ratio of 35:1. It also states the maximum line speed is 8192kps and the following connection settings:

- Encapsulation = PPPoA / VCMUX
- VPI = 0
- VCI = 38

I'm hoping that since it states max speed of 8192kps and the router is only showing 5280 then there is scope to improve the speed I'm getting. I've checked though all the router status but cannot find any other info re modulation type.

When you talk about internal wiring the I assume you're talking about everything from where the (underground) telephone cable hits my house, through the wiring to the socket, the filter and then the lead to the modem. I have to say that the filter and lead are the original ones I've had for years. I don't know if this is relevant but there are two cables from the junction box where the BT cable hits my house - one is approx 24m and goes to an unused socket, the other goes a couple of metres to the socket where the filter and modem are connected to.

GunJack

Lucian - ADSLmax IS NOT ADSL2+, ADSL2+ is provided by LLU operators(of which you have none on your exchange), or by 21CN (the BT ADSL2+ IPStream service) which you're stuck with, so the max rate until either your exchangwe is upgraded or you get an LLU provider is indeed 8 meg

But, as you quite rightly understood, you should be syncing an extra 2.5 meg higher than you are, so the main factor WILL be your house wiring...look at the links I posted above for how to sort it out, do it now for the speed boost, and it'll then already be done for when your exchange gets done for ADSL2+ and the almost doubling of speed you "should" get when it happens

Hintza

GunJack wrote: »

because, in all likelyhood, in both this and the OP's cases, the internal wiring/equipment setup isn't optimised for broadband

Many thanks for all the replies so far.

My wiring is brand new. The BT mastersocket is in the loft (self build house) and was connected last week. The Billion 7800N Router + NAS + Switch are all together in the loft (all brand new).

Openreach were out yesterday dealing with noise on the line (broadband cutting off when phone rang) part of which was a fault on the line but also a new filter (5 days old) that was knackered.

My service provier was Nildram which over the last few years has metamorphisised into Talk Talk business. I am still on my old Nildram contract (cancel anytime) as I have refused to accept their deals which require a 24 month contract. My exchange is LLU but I have been waiting until house was completed (ie anytime now to change).

My LLU options are Talk Talk, AOL an Sky.

Edit:-

What more can I do with my wiring?
I have also hardwired the whole house with Cat 5e wiring.
Line rental still with BT

Hintza

LucianH wrote: »

It's extremely encouraging that you think that I could be achieving better performance - do you think it's the router that's the limiting factor or does it look like it's down to the deal I've got with the ISP?

I changed router in the last few weeks from an old Linksys (2005) to a Billion 7800N and the speed seems to have virtually doubled!!

GunJack

Hintza, sounds like you're well on the way

Do you have phone extensions in the house? If so, MAKE SURE you remove the bell wire from the Master (and the extension sockets for belt'n'braces). As was said earlier, you should be syncing around 13-14 meg on 2+.

Choices - TT/AOL now same company. Sky bb is good, but restricted so you can't use your own router without exctracting the ISP username/password which can be a pain (and it's against sky's t&c). TT you can use your own kit, they will turn off DLM on your line, and I've had no problems with their LLU service.

Just be aware you may have a min cline rental contract with BT if it's a new line...check it out

Hintza

GunJack wrote: »

As was said earlier, you should be syncing around 13-14 meg on 2+.

Even 2 miles from exchange?

GunJack wrote: »

Just be aware you may have a min cline rental contract with BT if it's a new line

It's not a new line we knocked house down and rebuilt. I was a bit of a naughty boy an changed a lot of the wiring outside the house (pole made from CSL, wires up trees and laid along the ground etc). So when we moved in I tought I had better go legit (mainly because the line is knackered and they are out so often). I'm first name terms with half the guys now and a cup of coffee an half a dozen eggs works wonders....;)

LucianH

GunJack wrote: »

Lucian - ADSLmax IS NOT ADSL2+, ADSL2+ is provided by LLU operators(of which you have none on your exchange), or by 21CN (the BT ADSL2+ IPStream service) which you're stuck with, so the max rate until either your exchangwe is upgraded or you get an LLU provider is indeed 8 meg

But, as you quite rightly understood, you should be syncing an extra 2.5 meg higher than you are, so the main factor WILL be your house wiring...look at the links I posted above for how to sort it out, do it now for the speed boost, and it'll then already be done for when your exchange gets done for ADSL2+ and the almost doubling of speed you "should" get when it happens

GunJack - this has been extremely useful, thank you. I will go through the details in the link and sort out the wiring etc. I do have one further question though - do you think my 8yr old Netgrear router will be capable of achieving the extra 2.5 meg or do I need to consider another one.