ADSL unstable (only) when downloading at line speed - any ideas?

Engram

Engram

Engram

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Joined
6 Jul 2004
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995
Location
England
I'm having an issue with my ADSL where it's unstable only when I'm downloading at line speed (about 12Mbit). For normal use (web browsing, gaming, etc.) it's ok.

The router appears to lose its sync with the exchange, so my first thought is that the router is at fault. However, I'd be interested to hear your ideas.
 
I'll check noise margins at midday (when home server turns on and I can connect to router).

I've never asked for fast path, so I'm guessing it's off?
 
ADSL connection stats:

g3JgymA.png
 
KIA said:
Does it reboot as well as lose sync?
Click to expand...

That's a good question. The router's uptime does match the last disconnection logged by Plusnet, so unless I manually rebooted it (don't remember doing that) it is restarting itself.

Obviously that confirms the theory that the router is at fault. I think I need to try and reproduce the error tonight.

Router is a Billion BiPAC 7300A. As far as I can tell I am using the latest firmware.

What's the preferred ADSL2+ router/modem at the moment?
 
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I know the 7300A well, i used to have one it was good for very long lines but TBH it had a few ghosts that i could never figure out.

Your sync looks fine 6.7db down at mid-day which will tail off at night, but i run as low as 2db some times at night on my 7800n using BE and my syncs set at 3db for max speed, to which i get one resync at night which i never notice. Maybe when you push the modem it is falling over with age, Has the problem just started recently???

Get your self a Billion 7800N. It is the best modem/router i have ever used for adsl2+ which has exceptional wifi range and gigabit ports. There are some people that complain about wifi issues after 2 years but mine is running perfectly. Has some nifty "Phyr" features for impulse noise etc. It has full features including NAT Loopback and static arp as well...
 
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On a side note, Looking at your line stats you can sync quiet a bit higher on your download, you should look into it. Billion 7800N has a SNR tweak function which allows you to sync higher than the exchange is set at. Seeming your upload is only 448kbps you may find better connections with other service providers...
 
KIA, the last time it happened I was downloading a game from Steam, so I guess it was a single threaded download? (Unless Steam uses P2P?)

WesleyBurns, thanks for the great info and comments. It sounds like you manage your ADSL connection at a pretty detailed level!

It's interesting that you recommend another Billion. I was starting to think I was the only person using one.

PS. The problem has only started recently.
 
Engram, If the problems have just started and nothing significant has changed (new phones/sockets added etc), My guess the modem is getting a little old...

TBH there should be nothing that you can do on any of your devices on the network that should make your modem disconnect. Hence my guess is the modem if not an external factor which can be hard to trace.

But seriously though I cannot recommend the Billion 7800N enough, a bit pricey (around 90 - 110 pounds) but if you read the reviews you will see it is a good option. There is a newer 7800VDPX model to be released shortly in the UK (already in AUS where they are made) but i guess will cost up to 150 pounds and bring only really dual band wifi to the table worth pointing out.

Good luck.
 
Thought I'd make a final update to this thread.

After moving the router the high-load restarts stopped, so I believe it was being caused by excessive heat!

I'm now using a Billion 7800N, but only because I saw one going for a good price on the Member's Market.
 
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