Is it the connection or the router?

[verbal]

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.

 

[verbal]

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]

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]

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)?