Problems with Connection - Phone sometimes cuts out connection, ADSL2+ intermittent...

Redgie · 11 Nov 2011 at 16:35

Right, my internet has never been the best, probably numerous threads in this board which show that, I've always been concerned that there is a wiring problem but it's always been too intermittent to get BT out as they'll just claim they fixed it, charge me and 20 minutes later it will go down.

I recently heard crackling on the line, I swapper the micro filter and sure enough the crackling stopped! However, over the last few days two annoying things have been happening:

1. Sometimes when someone picks up the phone (NOTE: Only sometimes!?) the internet will cut out. It keeps its IP address but syncs at 0kbps up and down. It normally comes back on before the call has ended.
2. Switching the router to only connect at ADSL and not ADSL2 or Auto means the internet will stay on more reliably, which leads me to be it could be an ADSL2 issue at my local exchange

I've tried running on the test socket and it makes no difference, from what I can tell the wiring is fine, essential wires are in place in all sockets and extras are taped up and sealed to prevent cross talk.

I have no idea what to do next, Virgin won't run fibre down my road so I feel like I'm screwed to an unreliable 6-7mb connection that sometimes just dies!

Help?

EDIT: Cut out twice on ADSL only while writing this -_-

ANDARIAL · 11 Nov 2011 at 21:55

Router stats for starters.Post them

Point 1 sounds like you still have a faulty filter OR a telco device WITH no filter

HangTime · 12 Nov 2011 at 01:17

I've had pretty much the same issue for a long time, tried about 7 different filters including 3 brand new adsl nation ones (allegedly the best you can get). It only happens when the phone rings though not if you just pickup the receiver I think. People always assume it is down to filters but I've pretty much ruled that out.

Switched router and had my target SNR increased to 12db which seems to have helped, although obviously that's seen a massive reduction in speed (from a 5500 profile to 3500).

PistolPete · 12 Nov 2011 at 11:01

HangTime said:
It only happens when the phone rings though not if you just pickup the receiver I think.

I could be completely wrong, but isn't that the symptom of a HR fault on the line??

Tealc · 12 Nov 2011 at 15:27

As long as you can be 100% sure there is noise on the line AND it is there when you plug a wired phone directly into the test socket then any repair calls by BT will not be chargeable. Even if the noise isn't there when they come around they can't charge you unless the fault lies on your side of the line.

I had a occasional crackle and pop on my line which always seemed to be there when my usually solid 20mbit connection dropped. I checked a few times when the line was up and running and it was quiet, but everytime I got a disconnection I heard a crackle. I had replaced all wiring and filters but the noise and disconnections continued.

I got BT around and they did warn me but I knew I was safe.

The Openreach engineer came around and found nothing wrong, yet still replaced something on the pole. I put the modem back on and after a few minutes of instability it's been rock solid for 2 months, where previously it wouldn't go a single day without a disconnection.