Tools to test connections

I suffer from a slower broadband speed than I think I should get, typically 3-4MPS, My ISP (Plusnet) says that they can see that my line is dropping connections which my router (Zyxel P_660HW) is restoring automatically so that I don't see any loss of service. They have also suggested that I plug into the BT main socket to determine if the is a problem inside the house rather than outside.

I would like to monitor these "dropped connections" myself. Does anyone know of a tool which I could use to do that?

Thanks for all your help
Ian

http://www.thinkbroadband.com/tbbmeter.html

http://www.vwlowen.co.uk/internet/files.htm

http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping

The router's manual or other support for that box?

Does it have an event log?
Is it compatible with tools like DMT, routerstats, etc?

A half decent router with the right tools will allow you to monitor and graph any changes in SNR, for example.

Plus what's already been said.

The two links in BatBoy's post are the best for you in my opinion. The first (RouterStats) is also referred to by the Anonymous poster, and I suggest RouterStats Lite rather than the full RouterStats to start with. Dead easy to set up if your router is on its drop-down list.

For your purpose RouterStats (Lite) is far superior to DMT. DMT stops working when there is a disconnection/reconnection, whereas RS keeps going.

The second link is also great but only useful if you have a Static IP from Plusnet, unless it is a very sticky dynamic one.

I don't really think tbbMeter, which has also been put forward, fits the bill here. It monitors actual download/upload speeds and amounts, which aren't what you are worried about.

How many computers do you have connected, and any games consoles etc.?

Edited by RobertoS (Tue 25-Jan-11 12:06:08)

Ah yes, I'd forgotten that BQM doesn't work for dynamic IP's. In that case I suggest http://www.fruk.net/index.php?fruk=f8lure as this works for static or dynamic IP's and also can send you an email when your connection goes down or comes up.

Definitely the TBB ping tool (per Robertos' advice). You will soon see any disconnected periods as lines or even chuncks of red.


Some examples:

My Broadband Ping - Showing a couple of reboots (red lines)

My Broadband Ping - Showing extended downtime - (red chunk)

In reply to a post by camieabz:

Definitely the TBB ping tool (per Robertos' advice). You will soon see any disconnected periods as lines or even chuncks of red.

Doesn't work for Dynamic IP's

Does the OP have a dynamic IP?