Ignorance is not always bliss (Help required)

I wonder if there is anyone out there who could kindly give me some information please?

Firstly, I suppose I am what is laughingly called a "Silver Surfer" or I would be if I had a decentg BB connection.

I have been having daily long and detailed chats with our BT friends in Calcutta since 11th. MAY 2009, all of which have been extreemly polite, my problem is download speed.

I complain, they change my ISP address and I get around 1800kbps, then over the next few hours it drops and drops to my lowest speed of 3 kbps!!!! so I ring again and the process is repeated.

I have had 3 engineers out and all say the line tests OK, it is not my equipment (one socket, no TV, no PS just one laptop)

BT keep changing my DSL Connection rate (can anyone explain this to me?)
BT keep changing my IP Profile (what does this mean?)
BT keep changing my IP address.(??)

As I know they can check from their end, when my line is working properly (about four or five days since I joined in April), why don't they leave it alone?

I know my top download speed is just short of 2Mbps because of where I live, but I get frustrated when it keeps changing and then dropping out all together.
If any of you please explain this to me, to help me understand, I would be greatful.

Thanks
Phill

S

Please post your router stats. See http://www.dslzoneuk.net/adsl_line_stats.php

Check your wiring. See http://www.dslzoneuk.net/socket.php?type=html

yes the stats are the first thing but

changing my IP address

would be a curious thing for them to do.

Note that a different IP address being given out each time you connect is normal and tends to be an automatic rather than manual thing. Similarly the other things can be an automatic reaction to noise on the line (whether temporary or following a pattern for those times of the day).

Changing the IP address would have no impact on speed. However if you have a virus you might e.g. see a gradual slowdown as more and more things connect to your machine (you would get a temporary respite after you reconnect).

Similarly if you have wireless and someone unauthorised is using your connection.

Another reason for a drop in speed would be if your computer happens to be downloading updates in the background - this can leave less tor your browsing.

With just 1 laptop you can open task manager and choose the network tab. If you notice a slowdown you can watch to see if a program on your laptop is using the connection even when you are not intentionally downloading.

Some routers or modems struggle or freeze up if a program is setup to make lots of connections at once.

Edited by prlzx (Tue 23-Jun-09 01:00:55)