Random Slowdowns / Packet Loss due to Socket

In the last month, on 2 separate occasions I've had a huge slowdown on my 60Mbps connection down to around 10Mbps, and my ThinkBroadBand quality monitor shows continuous 50% packet loss. It goes away after a couple of hours, but the second time I tried plugging my micro filter into the master socket instead of the face plate which seemed to sort it out instantly.

So after that I bought a 'ADSL Faceplate Splitter for NTE5' so I wouldn't need a micro-filter but just had an identical issue, and removing it and going back to the master socket with the old micro filter sorted it out.

What could be the issue, any suggested solutions? Is it a bad idea to just keep the micro filter in the master socket / why do we need a face plate? Thanks!

Edited by banana999 (Sat 31-Oct-20 15:15:48)

Have you any extension sockets?

You can leave the front plate off and just use your microfilter in the test socket. Only you know if that’s too aesthetically unpleasant for you.

As Jelv asks, is there extension wiring terminated on the front plate ? This is the most likely cause of your issues.

Nope no extension sockets, directly plugged in to the main socket which is actually the only one in my flat. It's really random, haven't had the issue since I posted this *touch wood*

Just got the same issue again, really odd. BQM shows a ton of packet loss. Are there any issues with not using a faceplate and directly using the master socket?

Not really, but it sounds like there is something causing you a bunch of impulse interference on the line and the faceplate/no faceplate is a red herring.

You might remember the a whole village having it's internet knocked out from a dodgy TV last year. I would suspect a dodgy electrical appliance in your or a neighbouring flat. Say something like a food processor or vacuum cleaner that is used intermittently.

Yes I think so, using the master socket hasn't solved the issue this time.

Could be something to do with a neighbouring flat but the weird thing is, this time it started at around 2AM where the BQM shows 100% packet loss for about 20 mins, then hovers between 10-20% loss since then so it's been quite a while. (normally has 0% packet loss). Not really having any noticeable speed loss though.

Called up my provider (Freeola) and they couldn't find any issues after their tests. Guess there's not much else I can do at this point?