Random Disconnects

Hi

Got a strange problem. A friend with DSL suffers from random disconnects - these are only reported on the router (Speedtouch) as a DSL Dropout, the PPP recovers - so the ISP's system doesn't report a disconnection. This is obviously a momentary blip in the connection lasting maybe a couple of seconds - enough to kill any sessions going on (e..g Xbox live, VoIP) - but again, the PPPoA doesn't report a dropout. When this happens the CRC counters increase and the DSL uptime resets.

Tried different routers and the same happens. The telco has tested the line and while the SNR isn't ideal - its good enough. Dropping the profie right down to 512kbps seems to stabilise things - but the problem still occurs (sometimes 10 a day). The telco is now saying there's nothing they can do and its the nature of the product (yeh right). (Its like there is a momentary spike on the line killing it). Internal wiring tested ok, different filters tried etc etc.

Anyone got any ideas what this could be?

It isn't an 'idle timeout' problem is it?

I had that happen with increasing regularity recently running the 6.1.4.3 formware and I have now ditched it and am using the 6.2.15.5 firmware and I no longer suffer from this problem.

EDIT:
Ignore the above as it can't be an 'idle timeout' problem as when I used to get it, I had to reboot the router to get online again.

Edited by deleted (Mon 16-Apr-07 12:04:29)

Poor cable routing perhaps? Do any of your internal telecom cables pass anywhere near any switching gear (Particularly inductive) or the electrical cable that feeds it? PIRs and central heating boilers are known culprits.
If there's nothing your side of the master socket, does some external event trigger it - A nearby factory starting a process, a neighbour switching something on perhaps?