Changine a router ... some questions

Hi folks. Some problems trying to set up / connect a new Zoom X6 router to replace my trusty Speedtouch 546v6 (so I can purchase and connect a laptop via wi-fi).

I had rather thought that changing the router was as simple as running a simple set up disc and inputting your username / password.
Question... is this not the case? and do Newnet need to do something at their end to recognise it?

Tried it last night and failed. Phoned Newnet this morning and managed to get te old Speedtouch working again. Then decided (in a fit of madness) to try the Zoom again. Initially would not connect to Newnet (like last night), though DSL connection OK. After a while it just connected and started working on its own.

Also noticed that the Zoom X6 syncs lower than my Speedtouch (7,618, rather than just over 8k). So my IP profile is now 6.5k, rather than 7k. Not a big loss but still a loss.
Question... is this also normal, that different routers tend to sync at different speeds?

Also noticed that it reports the downward attn as 35.5 dB, rather than 34 with the Speedtouch.
Question... is this also normal that different routers give different values?

Also to show my ignorance of wi-fi.
Question ...When I get a laptop. Is it as simple as just switching the laptop on and being in range of the wi-fi router?

Current stats in Zoom X6 are:

ADSL Line State: Showtime
Downstream: 7616 Kbps
Upstream: 448 Kbps
Mode: ADSL2PlusAuto
Transmit Power: 12.1 dB
ADSL Link UP Time: 0 day 1 hour 39 min 5 sec
Operational Mode: G.Dmt
Item Downstream Upstream
SNR Margin 12.0 dB 25 dB
Line Attenuation 35.5 dB 18.5 dB
CRC Errors 3 0
FEC Errors 29 3
HEC Errors 1 0

Thanks in advance for any insights / help.

Edited by MrBeeline (Thu 03-Sep-09 12:15:29)

You'll need to enter, at least, your ID and password (assuming your isp use both of these. Some don't need an ID). Possibly other stuff such as PPPoA, VCI/VPI etc.

Variations in sync speed and reported attenuation are common.

To connect a laptop SECURELY you'll need to set up another passphrase in both the router and the laptop, which enables the data passing between your devices to be encrytped, and stops others from using your connection. Look for WPA2, best encryption currently available.

Thanks for that.

I put all the requested info in (as you mentioned) but still would not initially connect to the Internet. But after a while, it seemed to sort itself out. rather like the initial hand shaking with Newnet was a struggle / problem.

Did sort of wonder if the reported figures might vary between machines. But considering the reasonably high SNR margin, I would have that that I would have got the "full wack" (connection wise), like with the old Speedtouch.

Thanks for the heads up about wi-fi security. I'll do a bit of reading.

In your playing about you have almost certainly triggered the BT Dynamic Line Management to turn on Interleaving. With most modem/router exchange DSLAM combinations that results in a drop in maximum connection speed from 8128 to 7616kbps.

To see whether that is the case all you can do is reinstate your Speedtouch as see if you get 8128 or 7616. If you get the 8128 then it is a good combo, if 7616 then my theory is correct.

Without seeing stats from before you tried the new router it's impossible to form an opinion on that noise margin as its behaviour is different at maximum sync.

When I put the Speedtouch back on this morning. Once Newnet had sorted their side, it sync'd again at 8,128. Now the new Zoom X6 is showing 7616. And from looking at the stats, it is interleaved.

Mind you... considering where I live (out in the sticks... with only cows to steal my wi-fi bandwidth) I suppose I should be grateful for what I get. So Speedtouch just must be a good combo as you say.