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that won't fix the underlying problem

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if switching on this PC causes noise and slower sync speed, then it surely is the underlying problem.

As a quick test I've plugged my router directly into the test socket. Tried booting the bad PC a couple of times & the connection hasn't been broken. It's not a definitive test, but it suggests the extension wire is picking up the inteference (will test again tomorrow with the dodgy PC reconnected to the router & in the same room) If the wires do pick up interference then it's quite possible that they also pick interference from other sources outside my control e.g. neighbours electrical appliances or passing cars/motorcycles.

As a side note I've noticed that the connection stats haven't changed after connecting to the test socket? From the Netgear 834G v2 router:

Line Attenuation: 56db up & 15.5db down
Noise Margin: 11db up & 17db down

Is there a discrepancy on the up/down stream line attenuation ratio - should downstream be circa 30db if the upstream is correct at 56db? (located approx. 2.8km from exchange as crow flies)

I need to try changing the cable between the router & phone socket as it's excessively long @ 10m, but I'll need to buy one tomorrow before I can test that.

Edited by deleted (Tue 03-Jun-08 00:39:12)

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I've noticed that the connection stats haven't changed after connecting to the test socket

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was the speed the same ?

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Line Attenuation: 56db up & 15.5db down

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Either wrong stats or incorrect reporting there. Have seen 15.5 dB downstream occasionally - perhaps a bug or a data exchange issue between modem and DSLAM.

Speed was indeed the same - 2300kbps. I tried resetting the modem at 07:55 this morning & it's 2560kbps. I think 2560kbps is as good as it gets currently. The previous 2900kbps was 1-2 months ago & I think the quality has gradually degraded. The area is fairly rural & susceptible to atmospheric conditions (analogue TV quality varies considerably) and there are frequent power cuts during bad weather, which is pain as the bad weather is also pretty frequent...

Once I've done as much as I can to stabilise the line quality I may try one of the 2wire or Speedtouch routers or modems to see if more speed is available. Is it worth contacting Plusnet before I buy a new modem, would they know in advance which is likely to be a better match for my line?


Edit: I've re connected the extension & the speed has now dropped back to 2100kbps

Edited by deleted (Tue 03-Jun-08 09:25:14)

Seems pretty clear your extension wiring is a factor here. As suggested, a filtered faceplate and locating the router right next to the master on a short cable will probably be the best answer speed-wise.

To move the network around the house, wireless or (my favourite), homeplugs.

Might also be worth carefully checking the rear of the master socket for poor or corroded connections.

As to the 2wire \ speedtouch choice, I would suggest buying one of each and trying them - they both do well, but which is best on a particular line may well be down to luck of the draw. Shopping carefully should net you a pair for under �50 easily, and you can resell the one you don't want. (My 2wire cost me about �15 delivered IIRC)

For the network I think I'm going to install some new CAT6 & go Gigabit LAN (I've got to re route the cable anyway to accomodate the new router location) of course that means an extra headache figuring out the best modem+router combination. D-Link's Gamer oriented routers are quite appealing, but of course that means identifying a different modem only device than the 2wire/Speedtouch routers already mentioned... unless the speedtouch's or 2wire's can be made to operate as a modem only?

I started looking at the connections on the BT box on the outside wall - it's in a pretty messy state , opened it up to find lots of cobwebs & spider nests. Your comment about the corroded connections reminded me that I need to replace the Sky TV cable from the dish, that's decayed after 10 years to the extent that the signal drops in bad weather (the 1 year old 2nd run for Sky+ is fine) So given that part of the phone line is exposed to the same conditions outside it may well be in need of some work too.

Edited by deleted (Tue 03-Jun-08 23:03:32)

You've said the wiring in the house is flaky, but I was wondering if the room with the suspect PC has an energy saving light bulb. As they can cause all sorts of problems. If there is one fitted, try a normal 60watt bulb and then re-run the tests.

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if switching on this PC causes noise and slower sync speed, then it surely is the underlying problem.

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My thoughts exactly. Put a new power supply in the PC - �20 or less, job done !

But by all means do something about the phone wiring too !

Some kind of upstream thottling? Be's old 'Lite' package did that. Gave me a stonking 48db atten. now that I'm on a more expensive package the upstream atten. is reasonable.

Thanks zebedee, I still think that doing that is just a stop gap measure, especially as there is no way for me to identify & control other sources of interference not under my control. Once I'm satifisfied that I can run the noisy PC without affecting snyc I'm probably going to feel reasonably confident that the line isn't behaving as an antenna for electrical noise. At that point I can happily bin the old PC PSU & get on with addressing any other issues