No BT master socket (NTE5)

I don't have a BT master socket in my flat, instead the line to the extensions is hardwired into an old BT 52A screw connector block (http://www.telephonesuk.co.uk/images/52a.jpg). I've tried calling 150 to ask them if I can get an NTE5 fitted but the operator in the Indian call centre couldn't tell me anything and couldn't get into their system properly to check.

I'm currently with Nildram and my router shows the following line info:

ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 8128 kbps 448 kbps
Line Attenuation 16 db 5 db
Noise Margin 13 db 22 db

A thinkadslbroadguideband speed test gives Speed Down: 5639.92 Kbps Speed Up: 376.86 Kbps.

I was just wondering if having an NTE5 fitted would improve my connection speed. I only live about 1 - 1.2 km from my exchange (Sydenham, SE London). Is there a charge from BT for fitting the socket?

I'll be changing to be*unlimited after payday, would a proper socket affect the available ADSL2 speed?

Thanks in advance.
Regards,

El Cod

Looks like your router is synced at full speed and it is issues other than your line which are limiting your throughput. What router do you have and how do you connect to it [ethernet, usb or wireless]? Your ISP?

A friend had a similar problem no BTt box and this is where he got the information to deal with this issue.
And as a newbie as far as your connection i would surmise that removing you ext wiring from the incoming line is a good idea
you can see here www.readman.dsl.pipex.com/other/UKphonecatwiring.htm

I'm with Nildram (Broadband2). I connect to a Netgear DG834 (V3.01.25 firmware) by 1m RJ45 then a 1m RJ11 to an ADSLNation XTF-68 filter socket into which my telephone also plugs. The socket is on an extension which is about 4m long with an unfiltered socket about halfway along that has the Sky box plugged in using an external filter.

Edit: the extension is CW1308 cable that I installed myself.

Edited by ElCod (Sat 17-Mar-07 16:02:55)

If you can get past the Indian call centre, and through a few layers, you'll eventually get an English voice and probably persuade them to install an NTE5 for free. That's what I was able to do. The magic incantation (gleaned from here) seemed to be "I need to do some extension wiring and have nothing to connect to", combined with a polite "can I speak to your supervisor" a few times. Best not to mention ADSL, seems to frighten the natives.

Keep trying if you really want an NTE5.

Although you're connecting at the full speed, and have a good noise margin, so lower speed results will be down to exchange congestion or ISP congestion.

Getting an NTE5 fitted wont make any difference in itself. Even fitting a filtered faceplate like the BT ADSL V1.0 or ADSL nation one probably wont make it any better even if you have any extension wiring.
Have you removed the ring wire (3) from any extensions?
If you really want one I have one spare and will do it for a small fee

Thanks for the help everyone.

Fitting a filtered faceplate will help, as long as you don't run any unfiltered (i.e. ADSL) extensions from it. You should connect the router directly to the faceplate, and run ethernet (Cat5) back to the PC('s).

Fitting a filtered faceplate may help

I've just spent 20 minutes on the phone with 151 who eventually referred me to 150. Twenty minutes on the phone with them, mainly on hold while she consulted with the technical dept. I used the magic words but to no avail. It'll cost me over

Edited by ElCod (Mon 19-Mar-07 16:12:34)

Bt told me the same.

Question is has anyone had the nerve to replace the master socket?

In reply to:

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Question is has anyone had the nerve to replace the master socket?

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Yes but not in my own house!