Speed has declined / Frequent ADSL drop-outs

I use a Buffalo WHR-G54S Wireless router for my TalkTalk ADSL Internet connection. This equipment consists of two parts - a wireless router and a separate ADSL modem (which is "driven" by the router).

My desktop PC is hard wired to the router and I use a wireless connection for my laptop. I have experienced no problems using my local wireless network.

My local telephone exchange was unbundled several years ago. Until recently, I experienced no problems whatsoever with my Internet connection. I used to achieve download speeds in excess of 6.5 Mbps but within the last month, download speeds have declined to around 3 Mbps. Also, I am experiencing frequent ADSL dropouts. When I lose my Internet connection, the green ADSL light on the modem blinks rapidly. Then, it re-establishes the connection.

I have spoken to TalkTalk Broadband Support and spoke to someone in India, who told me to:

1. replace my broadband filters
2. stop using Microsoft Live Messenger for the next few days and
3. repeat the speed test three times daily for the next few days.

According to TalkTalk, this "medicine" should result in a gradual restoration of my connection speeds.

I don't believe a word of it. The operative in India was obviously reading from a script and I doubt whether she performed any proper testing. Furthermore, the advice ignores my problem with the frequent ADSL drop-outs.

I shall welcome any alternative suggestions or technical advice that other subscribers can offer.

try posting onto the TalkTalkMembers forums, they may be able to assist you.

Hi Bob,

as TalkTalkBoy says if you post on http://www.talktalkmembers.com/index.php.

We would be delighted to assist you.

In reply to a post by TalkTalkBoy:

try posting onto the TalkTalkMembers forums, they may be able to assist you.

Many thanks for that advice. I was not aware that TalkTalk hosted Members forums.

My experience of the service was truly excellent, and I discovered that the forums are populated by UK-based technicians, who not only possess the requisite knowledge but also have access to TalkTalk's systems and records. Consequently, they are able to diagnose and correct problems at source.

TalkTalk not only supplied a new router free of charge (which resolved my problems with loss of sync, because my previous router had developed a fault), but also tweaked my broadband connection to achieve consistent download speeds in excess of 8 Mbps.