Connection Problems, Question On New Line Ins

Hi guys/gals,

Having a few problems, hoping you can help !

Connection : Vivaciti Unlimited 24Mb LLU (Supplied Via C&W)

The problem exactly, every day or two we suffer from a connection drop which results in the internet connection dropping. To recover from this I have to manually reconnect through the router's homepage, doing as such the internet connection appears as it was until the next time. I'm currently using a Speedtouch 7G (Unlocked BT Homehub) and before that a DLINK2640B. I have alternated between the two and have discovered the Speedtouch does a better Job of maintaining a connection. With regards to the phone I'm currently using a XTE-2005 Filtered Faceplate at the master socket from which a High Quality (Pro) RJ11 runs directly to the Modem (5 Metre's In Length).

To remedy the situation I have tried numerous solutions such as, alternating routers both of which suffer dropouts, connecting directly to the 'test socket' which gives the same results, using different micro filters which make no difference, using different cables etc all of which made no difference.

Current state of wiring, currently the phone cable comes from the Telegraph pole, runs down the outside wall into a 'Junction Box' (Which Was Replaced 6 Months Ago Due To Corrosion), from the 'Junction Box' to the (Very Old/Tired Looking) 'Master Socket'. The cable that runs from the 'Juction Box' appears very fragile and possibly corroded itself; it's also thin and flimsy. The wiring has been in this state since moving into this property.

Current Line Stats (Recently Reset) :


Uptime: 0 days, 0:14:59

Modulation: G.992.5 Annex A

Bandwidth (Up/Down) [kbps/kbps]: 1.023 / 18.196

Data Transferred (Sent/Received) [KB/MB]: 967,00 / 2,66

Output Power (Up/Down) [dBm]: 12,0 / 21,0

Line Attenuation (Up/Down) [dB]: 8,5 / 19,5

SN Margin (Up/Down) [dB]: 7,5 / 9,0

Vendor ID (Local/Remote): TMMB / P

Loss of Framing (Local/Remote): 0 / 0

Loss of Signal (Local/Remote): 0 / 0

Loss of Power (Local/Remote): 0 / 0

Loss of Link (Remote): 0

Error Seconds (Local/Remote): 3 / 0

FEC Errors (Up/Down): 0 / 160

CRC Errors (Up/Down): 183.231 / 3

HEC Errors (Up/Down): 946.847 / 3

Ping Test Result :

Ping statistics for 212.58.251.195:
Packets: Sent = 238, Received = 233, Lost = 5 (2
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 25ms, Maximum = 39ms, Average = 26ms

We've had these problems since moving to this connection, just not as frequently or as bad as it has been recently. When the connection is up and running it's great, we pull 2MB/s from Rapidshare which is fantastic. When the connection is not running so well we suffer from packet loss and low throughput (apart from Rapidshare which we still get full speed which is puzzeling).

As a solution to all this I'm looking into (again) getting a new line installed with TalkTalk and using their services, I have a few questions on this ! How much of an improvement would I see in my connection assuming I get TalkTalk's speedboost of upto 24Mb ? From which point does a new phone line become new (I.e at the exchange or street cabinet) ? Would I get an error free/connection drop free connection ? And finally Is it all a good idea ?

I currently have a support ticket open with Vivaciti asking them to look into the problems but I haven't had a reply since 26th Deccember (Opening Date) ! (Doesn't give a good impression does it)

gamehunrgy

I see you posted about this before?

Does it do the same thing on a different modulation i.e. adsl2 or standard adsl? Your line is very short so it shouldn't be a problem on adsl2+ but it may be worth going to adsl2 modulation to see how that performs?

Is it a particular time that it occurs that may coincide with anything else coming on or going off electrical around the house?

If you plague enough, Vivacitiy may be able to arrange a BT engineer out to change the master bt socket? but if they don't find fault whilst they're there they will probably charge you.

I had my masterface plate changed a couple of years ago as it was an old one without test socket, the bt engineer didnt find a fault but was a nice bloke and I heard nothing else about getting a bill etc.

I think you will only know once the new connection has been made whether it is an improvement through talktalk?

Your experience with Vivaciti mirrors that of mine, with delayed response times to tickets and getting hold of anyone could be difficult and frustrating, although I was assured here that this was being resolved by additional telephone support, doesn't mention anything about support tickets though. (Xilo's normally are responded too within 10-15 mins!)

Indeed I have !

I've never really given the change in modulation a go, mainly because we're always downloading so go for top speed. Anyway, what I have tried is raising the SNR to the mid teens. At the higher SNR it seems more stable but it still seems to drop at random intervals.

With regards to the timing of the drops, it happens randomly at any given time. I have had a BT Engineer out before to solve similar problems, while he was out here he replaced a coroded 'Junction Box' and left everything else. The connection was fine afterwards.

I must say Vivaciti haven't provided great support as of yet but then I can't comment on the 'human' side as I haven't called them yet mainly as I thought it to be much easier noting everything down in virtual ink.

I prefer tickets too, then you can and they can update accordingly.

As for the speedside of things I'd love anything about 2mb, but I am a gamer as I expect you are with your username, I could get about 2.5mb out of my line but it disconnects in the evening and isn't worth it so I am happy with 2mb, as so far away from exchange.

I know you'll want as quick as you can get, but try changing the modulation if you can to adsl2 to see how that performs, you'll get up to 12mb which is still 6 times quicker than me *grrrr* lol.

That modulation uses same frequencies as adsl1 so if you didnt get disconnects with that and nothing has changed, chances are you won't get disconnected on that, try it, it may work. I know the netgear dg834v4 and gt routers you can change the modulation with dgteam firmware on them.