Cheap way to perform my own DSL "line test"?

Dj_Jestar · 10 Apr 2012 at 13:17

Hi all,

Recently moved into a new gaff, and my DSL router keeps dropping every few minutes.

Provider/BT assure me the line is fine (i.e. they have performed a number of line tests, all 'passing')

I'm beginning to suspect that the router is giving up, but I don't want to buy a new one until I am sure. Is there a way to cheaply and effectively test/gauge how volatile the line is?

TIA

PistolPete · 10 Apr 2012 at 13:22

What do the line stats your end look like??

Dj_Jestar · 10 Apr 2012 at 13:23

The only figure I can remember is the attenuation is usually between 19-21db. Will post more when at home.

#Chri5# · 10 Apr 2012 at 13:36

Any noise on the line? Ring 17070 and do a "quiet line test"

bledd · 10 Apr 2012 at 23:03

Try other microfilters, also try with all other phone connections disconnected.

HangTime · 10 Apr 2012 at 23:40

Check your SNR as it could be symptomatic of low SNR (which in itself could have many potential causes). Try plugging in the test socket and see if that helps, if so it could be down to internal wiring.

Tealc · 10 Apr 2012 at 23:47

You'll need to post some stats from your router. Then if that doesn't show anything monitor it with routerstats lite or something and note where it drops out. It can be tricky to pinpoint the problem.

Mine dropped when a crackly noise occurred on the line. I'd noted it every single time the connection dropped and BT, to be fair were really thorough because I had so much data. I'm sure if I hadn't done thus they would have done their tests and left. Instead they replaced a few items on the pole and the line is now 100% solid.

topdog@OC · 11 Apr 2012 at 02:36

I'd see if I could blag a modem from someone briefly, having them backup their settings first using the modem's tools, so that it can be restored again after your tests.

Failing that and somewhat nefariously, you could always order one from somewhere and then DSR it if turns out the new modem is no better and your problem(s) were elsewhere.

Dj_Jestar · 11 Apr 2012 at 23:19

Late reply, apologies!

Code:

DSL Type:	G.992.5 Annex M US 56

Bandwidth (Up/Down) [kbps/kbps]:	1,797 / 6,090

Data Transferred (Sent/Received) [kB/kB]:	0.00 / 0.00

Output Power (Up/Down) [dBm]:	13.0 / 19.0

Line Attenuation (Up/Down) [dB]:	15.0 / 23.0

SN Margin (Up/Down) [dB]:	6.5 / 6.0

Vendor ID (Local/Remote):	TMMB / BDCM

Loss of Framing (Local/Remote):	79 / 0

Loss of Signal (Local/Remote):	99 / 0

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

Loss of Link (Remote):	0

Error Seconds (Local/Remote):	246 / 0

FEC Errors (Up/Down):	40 / 19,740

CRC Errors (Up/Down):	40 / 10

HEC Errors (Up/Down):	66,410 / 7

That's everything the router can tell me. I can't really tell what's good or bad though.

muon · 11 Apr 2012 at 23:50

Dj_Jestar said:
Late reply, apologies!

Code:

...

That's everything the router can tell me. I can't really tell what's good or bad though.

99 drops of signal, is poor. Normally if they can't find a problem after line tests they send a new modem and finally a technician. They don't say screw you, our tests show it's fine.