Stuttering BBC iPlayer on DSL modem (but was fine with Netgear modem-router)

KatanaDV20 · 15 Apr 2009 at 22:11

Hallo,

Just wondering if some of you network gurus could offer an explanation please! My Netgear DG834 ADSL modem-router crapped out a few weeks ago. Had to get rid of it since it was out of warranty. So I had to dig out the DSL modem my ISP had sent me and at least Im back online.

However I've noticed the connection to the net is now *significantly* degraded. I watch a lot of BBC iPlayer programs and with the Netgear router I got stutter-free super-smooth streaming. My GF used to watch all her Desperate Housewives shows as well and they also streamed with no stutters at all.

With the DSL modem iPlayer freezes every 2 seconds :confused:

Needless to say programs are unwatchable. Im in the process of selecting a new modem-router (there so many of the dang things out there!!) but until then this modem is all we have.

Why would the connection be so rubbish now? Did the router "tweak" or "optimize" the net connection? If so can I do something similar manually to this modem? It is a Thomson Speedtouch 330.

Also while im on the subject - please feel free to recommend some good ADSL wireless modem-routers hee hee

Thanks

tolien · 15 Apr 2009 at 22:33

The modem's rubbish, which probably doesn't help.
What's your CPU usage like while you're streaming, what speed is the modem connected at, who is your ISP?

I can suggest searching this forum; there are loads of recommendations.

KatanaDV20 · 16 Apr 2009 at 21:51

Thanks I will do that, Im not gonna waste time fiddling with the modem TBH, Im actually in the process of looking for a router at this moment.

I was just interested from a technical standpoint as to why the connection is so rotten with a modem but so good with a modem-router. Its the same connection coming outta the wall socket so just what are the routers internals doing to all those electrons carrying the 1s and 0s!

tolien · 16 Apr 2009 at 22:23

The router's doing all the CPU work whereas the modem's probably using your machine's, the default drivers for the Speedtouch 330 USB are generally awful beyond ~2Mbps and it might not have connected at the same speed. The modem and the router's modem probably aren't the same, so might well have connected at different speeds.

Obviously those assume it's a USB modem you're using. You didn't say.

errata · 21 Apr 2009 at 13:34

your usb connection might also not be the best or best speed
(frequently the case with case mounted usb connecors, hub connections and some older mobo chipsets)