Attention Netgear DG834 Users!

Dave2150 · 5 Feb 2006 at 18:02

Firstly I apologize for old news, this could have been posted Last october when the firmare I discuss below was released. However, given the imminent nature of the MAXDSL (latest update is all exchanges upgraded by 31 march) I think its important to share the below information:

Today I upgraded my router firmware from V2.10 to V3.01.

Router stats using firmare V2.10:

This is a 1mbit line by the way

Attenuation 59 (downstream) 18 (upstream)
SNR 10 21

After updating to firmare V3.01:

Attenuation 55 (downstream) 15.5 (upstream)
SNR 17 24

You can download the new firmware from here:

Link to Netgear

My SNR used to jump all over the place with firmare V2.10 (from 6-10), but with this new firmware Its steady at 15-19, and settles at 17db mostly.

With BT set to test your connection as part of the MAX DSL trial or the actual product rollout, it is important to have every bit of SNR, so I highly recommend you update to this firmware ASAP.

It is possible that although the router was reporting incorrect Attenuation/SNR values before, it could be reporting different data values to the DSLAM, so this may or may not help you get a faster connection with MAXDSL.

Its worth a go though im my opionoin

tolien · 5 Feb 2006 at 18:23

Dave2150 said:
It is possible that although the router was reporting incorrect Attenuation/SNR values before, it could be reporting different data values to the DSLAM, so this may or may not help you get a faster connection with MAXDSL.

It's possibly neither. Just because they've changed doesn't make the old values wrong.

Burbleflop · 5 Feb 2006 at 18:24

Dave2150 said:
It is possible that although the router was reporting incorrect Attenuation/SNR values before, it could be reporting different data values to the DSLAM, so this may or may not help you get a faster connection with MAXDSL.

I'd say that it was reporting different attenuation and SNR values before, the new ones are not necessarily any more accurate than the old ones.

Dave2150 · 5 Feb 2006 at 20:03

Yeh thats true, but you dont know either way, the firmware notes do say its improved ADSL2 sync rates though, so it cant hurt to be on the latest firmware.

tolien · 5 Feb 2006 at 20:32

Without bit counts for every bin it's impossible to say either way, but it's certainly not universally true that different SNR margin on firmware upgrade == old SNR margin was wrong.

Dave2150 · 6 Feb 2006 at 13:25

tolien said:
Without bit counts for every bin it's impossible to say either way, but it's certainly not universally true that different SNR margin on firmware upgrade == old SNR margin was wrong.

Why do you have such a negative attitude?

You have no idea if the old/new firmare is correct - and neither do I.

I also stated that my line is more stable in my OP, my SNR is no longer fluctuating wildly, so I consider this firmware a major improvement for anyone.

Burbleflop · 6 Feb 2006 at 13:34

Dave2150 said:
Why do you have such a negative attitude?

I think its called being realistic and factually correct.

so I consider this firmware a major improvement for anyone.

I wish it were that easy to make such broad generalisations. And no, that's not being negative.

tolien · 6 Feb 2006 at 16:44

Dave2150 said:
Why do you have such a negative attitude?

Because I don't accept what you're saying as a universal truth, I've got a negative attitude. Er, right...

You have no idea if the old/new firmare is correct - and neither do I. p

That's the point I was making, but I'm not the one claiming that the old values were wrong...

the router was reporting incorrect Attenuation/SNR values before

I also stated that my line is more stable in my OP, my SNR is no longer fluctuating wildly, so I consider this firmware a major improvement for anyone.

It's a major improvement for you.

Skilldibop · 7 Feb 2006 at 11:40

Tbh simple logic would say that no matter how fantastic the firmware your noise and attn. arn't gonna change much in reality. This is purely because they are not caused by the router. as far as attenuation is concerned that damage is already done before the signal hits your ADSL interface and the firmware can do anything about it.
The results might appear different because the firmware might enable more accurate readings, but the same piece of copper lies between you and the digital wonderland beyond the exchange, and that's where your attn. and noise come from.
I'm not saying it won't improve your connection. Just that saying it can for everyone is misleading and not really fair on less knowledgable souls.