So I'm Changing ISP...

Minato

Minato

Minato

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Joined
29 Aug 2008
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1,040
Location
London
hey everyone,

im currently with Virgin Media, on their size L (10MB) package. The download speed is good, but the throttling irritates me horribly. I have a BT phone line, which connects to an old modem (motorolla 300 or something.) This in turn connects to the router (a netgear WPN824 V2) that is connected to the main pc.

My PC and my brothers PC's are wireless connected using Belkin N1 adapters. My computer and his drop signal quite often, either due to overheating, or when streaming videos/downloading things. The PS3 downstairs also has a constant level of 2 bar (yellow) connection on CoD4.

So I have decided to finally change ISP. I'm thinking of switching over to Be Broadband, with their unlimited or pro package. they will provide a free shiny new modem, but not a router, however it says it is a wireless modem. Does this mean it does the job of a router as well? and if not, do you think i should replace my current netgear router?

Lastly (I hope) I am aware that i need to contact virgin to get a MAC code, so when i obtain this and place my order with Be, how long roughly will it be before i have internet up and running?

Thanks very much.
 
If you're on 10Mbps from VM, then you have cable not ADSL. ADSL is delivered over your phone line, VM is a cable coming through your wall and plugged into a modem. You don't need a MAC to move between cable and ADSL, as they're totally different. How far are you from your exchange? You realise that 24Mbps from Be could end up being < 1 Mbps if you have a poor line? Just something to check out before you jump ship.
 
It's a wireless modem/router that Be supply. It's possible to use it as just a modem and use your Netgear as a router if you find it flakey as many do.

But you appear to have cable, no?
 
Rainmaker said:
If you're on 10Mbps from VM, then you have cable not ADSL. ADSL is delivered over your phone line, VM is a cable coming through your wall and plugged into a modem. You don't need a MAC to move between cable and ADSL, as they're totally different. How far are you from your exchange? You realise that 24Mbps from Be could end up being < 1 Mbps if you have a poor line? Just something to check out before you jump ship.
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aah, you're right, it's cable. The cable comes through a wall in the study, into a very old and yellow telewest broadband box, which connects to the modem on the floor. according to speedtest, im less than 50m from virgin media, dunno what that would be like on Be. Ideas?
 
Have you considered replacing your router instead of switching ISP? Most of your problems seem router related, so it might be worth getting a better one. I can highly recommend the D-Link DIR-655, I've never had to reboot it in the past 18 months, it keeps a rock-solid wireless N connection, and its QoS feature is really effective for gaming and VoIP.

As for the throttling, I've never had a problem with it. I simply start my downloads after 9pm, and set my computer to go to sleep when they're finished.
 
Minato said:
according to speedtest, im less than 50m from virgin media, dunno what that would be like on Be. Ideas?
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The speedtest site is giving you a measurement of ping (time) to and from their server, it's not a measurement of distance from your BT exchange. Sites like SamKnows and Kitz will give you various estimates of distance from the exchange. They're not necessarily representative of line length or the quality of your line, but obviously they're still worth checking.

You say you're not happy with the VM throttling, but you are on their lowest package. Have you not considered upgrading the service to one with better usage limits? VM's pricing might not be that competitive with LLU providers like Be, but since you have no idea what kind of service you'll get from Be there's no point writing VM off just yet.

Finally changing ISP won't fix your wireless problems.
 
well, with a birthday coming up soon, i will be spending a bit on a new router, probably the dlink one (thanks m8). for now i am upgrading my virgin media package to the size XL, and that should sort out the throttling, 7gb is fine for me =)

thanks all.
 
A new router probably won't fix your wireless problems either. I'd be more inclined to blame the USB wireless adapters.
 
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