Bridge tap?

Hi folks.

Can anyone explain what "bridge tap" is please on the availability checker. Image below of what i mean. And the "U" that follows.

http://i66.tinypic.com/2uogvfc.png

Thanks in advance.

Michael.

A bridge tap in terms of an FTTC circuit in the U.K. is when the point where connection to the modem is made is not from the first point on the circuit (ie the NTE) and this point isn't fitted with a faceplate filter if there is extension wiring connected.

It might also mean the line is star wired prior to the effective NTE.

(Can see no image on the link you posted, though that might be the ad blocker on my phone)

The image I see is a normal BT Wholesale estimates table, with the words "Tags: Bridge" above it. The Tags of course referring to the keyword that some search or other has hit so given this image as a result.

What isn't shown is the text that comes below the table so unless people remember that then it is somewhat mysterious . In that text we have the recently introduced explanation of "Impacted" in relation to VDSL.

For VDSL or G.fast Ranges A and B, the term "Clean" relates to a line which is free from any wiring issues (e.g. Bridge Taps) and/or Copper line conditions, and the term "Impacted" relates to a line which may have wiring issues (e.g. Bridge Taps) and/or Copper line conditions.

I don't know what the "U" refers to.

Edited by RobertoS (Mon 15-May-17 08:42:08)

You have your explanation ... At a guess, is your house to exchange around 9km and house to cabinet about 3km?

Thank you for the response Zarjaz,

Easy to understand and detailed response.

Thank you

Michael.

Hi MHC.

To my understanding, no. I've been lead to believe that my line follows a direct path with the road. Given all the mini manholes that are on the grass verge of the route i'm inclined to believe that. But what do i know, i'm far from expert.

So around 3.2km from home to exchange and 3.1km from home to cabinet. By road.

Thanks for pointing that out Roberto.

I assumed that always stayed the same. I'll keep a better eye on the text at the bottom from now on.

Thanks

Michael.

Just going by te speedssuggested by the checker. 3 to 3.5 km usually gives anywhere from 1 to 3 Mbps on VDSL - which corresponds to yours.

However, ADSL2+ with a range of 1 to 4 Mbps suggests somewhere in excess of 6 km maybe up to 9km. If your 3.2 is accurate then there is either a major issue between the cabinet and exchange or it is routed a long way round. Is the cabinet just 100m from the exchange?

Oh i see why you would think that.

Yes the checker is inaccurate. I currently get 8-9 Mbps with ADSL2+. I'm not sure why the checker is so low.

Yes, the cabinet i'm on is very close to the exchange, might even be less than 100m but not certain.

That is what I would expect from ADSL2+ -, in fact pretty good.