Is it the connection or the router?

verbal · 8 Jul 2012 at 23:04

Hi, there's a problem with my parents internet connection in that sometimes (maybe 3-4 times a day or more) the connection stops working. The ADSL light remains on, on the router and webpages attempt to load but either take minutes or time out.

If I restart the router this seems to fix the problem. Is there any way I can determine FOR SURE whether the connection (the ISP or the line) is to blame or if it's the router. I don't have access to another router to try.

It's a Belkin router and Plusnet is the ISP. Neither was chosen by me but I live abroad and this is what I've come home to for the summer and what they want me to sort out. Any help is much appreciated.

kerrgreg · 8 Jul 2012 at 23:40

Have you tried looking at the adsl network stats? Looking at the noise attenuation etc.

If we can have those details it will help

verbal · 9 Jul 2012 at 10:47

Ok, thanks, see below

Type: Interleave Path

Downstream

Data Rate: 6904Kb
Noise Margin: 5
Ouput Power: 123
Atenuation: 43

Upstream:

Data Rate: 448Kb
Noise Margin: 17
Ouput Power: 202
Atenuation: 22

verbal · 9 Jul 2012 at 11:50

Now:

Downstream

Data Rate: 8120Kb
Noise Margin: 2
Ouput Power: 121
Atenuation: 43

Upstream:

Data Rate: 448Kb
Noise Margin: 21
Ouput Power: 204
Atenuation: 22

verbal · 9 Jul 2012 at 12:10

I found the master socket and only wires two and 5 were connected, so no Bell wire to remove. Interestingly I had a look at one of the other stockets and it has 6 wires connected.

I plugged the router directly into the test socket (the master socket is one of the new type ones) and I got a higher Data Rate [ 10392Kb ] but still a low noise margin [ 3 ]. I guess there is no point in altering or disconnecting any of the other 3 sockets in the house (2 aren't being used)?

lucid · 9 Jul 2012 at 12:53

I had exactly the same problem.

My business line connection is with PlusNet. The house line connection is with Sky. I was losing the PlusNet service regularly. Tried changing ADSL filter, connecting direct to the master socket, even changed the router. All still the same.

Then I tried a wireless link via the Sky connection. That was similarly affected. The chances of two routers and two ADSL filters both showing exactly the same fault was remote. So the problem had to lie outside somewhere.

I looked at the BT junction box where the telephone wire attaches to the house. The lid was open. I went up and cleaned it out and remade the connections for both lines. PlusNet is now back on 100%. Sky is still ****, but I think that is to do with the old telephone downlead from the box to the master socket. The cable looks ancient and the outer cover is cracking and flaking. I think it just needs replacing and then the Sky bb connection will be okay too.

Tealc · 9 Jul 2012 at 14:41

If you are getting a drop in speed between the test socket and anywhere else then the extensions are adding noise to the line and dragging the noise margin down with it. 3 is pretty low for a margin but can be stable. If they are not in use then remove them from the circuit at the master socket.