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Baffling DSL problem

N

Noema

Platinum Member
Here's the deal. I have a 1mbps/down connection via aDSL. However, I never get that actual bandwidth. When checking my modem's gateway, I get this (this is a 2wire Wired modem). This is not a fixed number, and it changes every time the modem is reset. Sometimes (seldom) I get 512, but most of the time it's just 256kbps. This is my maximum theoretical bandwidth.
I'm not talking about download rates or anything, which can of course depend on many other factors.

This is a problem of course. I called my ISP and they sent someone over today to my place to check my telephone wiring, and the like. They monitored the telephone cables and in his tests, the tech was getting 1024d/128u without hitch on the monitor they use to test the line's bandwith capabilities.

He changed the modem, with the same crappy results I was getting with mine (256ish to 320ish). We actually tried 3 different modems, including a pre-configured one the tech brought with him with a different account. Same deal.

I tried the modem via USB, no go. Tried a different ethernet cable. Same results. Tried different phone cables. Always the same results: 256-320kbps down.


But when we tried monitoring with the tech's device, the line at every end, with different cables, of different lengths: it would always report 1024d/128ukbps!!!!

And yet my connection always is limited to this . Fearing a Windows problem, I tried in Kubuntu. Same deal. Vista RC2, same deal.

This is driving me insane. The tech was stumped as well.

Does anyone have any ideas before I just give up on this? 🙁

 
Mbps = Mega BITS per second
MBps = Mega BYTES per second
There is 8 bits in 1 byte.

most ISP's rate their connections in Mbps because it sounds better. For instance, I have an 8Mbps cable connection with comcast, which is in essence 1MBps, 1024KBps, 8192Kbps.

You have a 1Mbps DSL connection. That equals 1024 Kbps, or 128 KBps.

You do not download in Kilo BITS, you download in Kilo BYTES.

If you do indeed have an 8Mbps or 1MBps connection...it is indeed baffling and excuse my above response. It's hard to tell as you denote all speeds the same...
 
What numbers are you getting for your SNR margin and line attenuation?

If you have a remotely decent modem, if you check it's status information this information should be there.
 
Originally posted by: jlazzaro
Mbps = Mega BITS per second
MBps = Mega BYTES per second
There is 8 bits in 1 byte.

most ISP's rate their connections in Mbps because it sounds better. For instance, I have an 8Mbps cable connection with comcast, which is in essence 1MBps, 1024KBps, 8192Kbps.

You have a 1Mbps DSL connection. That equals 1024 Kbps, or 128 KBps.

You do not download in Kilo BITS, you download in Kilo BYTES.

If you do indeed have an 8Mbps or 1MBps connection...it is indeed baffling and excuse my above response. It's hard to tell as you denote all speeds the same...
Click to expand...

I am well aware of the kilobit / kilobyte difference. I know that a 1024kpbs connection will usually yield 128ishKB/s or something close (usually a bit less).

Sorry 🙂 You misunderstood the problem. These are not download rates I'm talking about. This is maximum theoretical bandwidth. This means that effectively, I'm not getting a 1024kbps connection, but rather, only 320kbps, or approximately 35KB/s download rates.

I'm sorry if I wasn't clear in my previous post. It' not a download rate problem; it's bandwidth problem. If you check the pic I linked you'll see I have a theoretical bandwidth of less than 400kbps,, or roughly 40KB/s, not the 1024kbps / 128ish/KBs (pic from my parents house, who have the same modem / ISP / connection as I do) I should be getting with a 1mbps connection 🙂 I should be getting the same info on my modem's gateway; yet I don't and that's the core of the problem.
 
Originally posted by: Mark R
What numbers are you getting for your SNR margin and line attenuation?

If you have a remotely decent modem, if you check it's status information this information should be there.
Click to expand...

The modem does offer this information. I'll post those numbers when I get back home tomorrow.
 
Originally posted by: Noema
Originally posted by: Dean
Possible bad NIC?
Click to expand...

Doubtful; I tried the modem via USB, with the same results. I also tried on my laptop, with same results as well.
Click to expand...

If it is not your hardware or OS, it has to be them throttling you.

Now are you actually downloading and uploading files to a nearby server or are you using a Java Based speed tester to determine the speeds you are getting?
 
Yes, post your SNR DB readings. http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/mdc should take you to your modems management diagnostic console, but you should be able to see the readings off the normal config page.

Doesn't sound like the tech tested at the MPOE. Test your modem at the MPOE, and get the readings there. Is this new DSL service?

EDIT: The problem is from the modem out to the isp's CO/RT. Don't bother wasting your from the modem to your computer, since this isn't the issue. Also make sure you dont forget to filter alarms/tivos those are often overlooked.
 
Originally posted by: tweekah
Yes, post your SNR DB readings. http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/mdc should take you to your modems management diagnostic console, but you should be able to see the readings off the normal config page.

Doesn't sound like the tech tested at the MPOE. Test your modem at the MPOE, and get the readings there. Is this new DSL service?

EDIT: The problem is from the modem out to the isp's CO/RT. Don't bother wasting your from the modem to your computer, since this isn't the issue. Also make sure you dont forget to filter alarms/tivos those are often overlooked.
Click to expand...

Excellent 🙂 You understood the problem 🙂

What do you mean by MPOE? I suppose it's Minimum point of entry?
If so, yes, I have tried the modem there with the same results, without and with the filter. And the tech tested it as well.

I will post the numbers tonight when I get back home. Thanks for the replies 🙂
 
Originally posted by: Dean


Now are you actually downloading and uploading files to a nearby server or are you using a Java Based speed tester to determine the speeds you are getting?
Click to expand...

It's not a speed test. That's my modem's gateway telling me how much bandwidth my ISP is providing me (ie, the theoretical limit. If it says 320kbps, that's all I get will get for downloading, no matter what, regardless of which server I'm trying to download something from). This doesn't have to do with download/upload rates (though those are affected by the borked bandwidth of course).


 
The only two things I can say that I noticed off the bat is that your attentuation is kind of high for the downstream at 63dB. Usually the max is 60dB, and still its not a good thing to be at.

Also in the Verizon world there is a type of connection setting called either FastPath or Interleave. Which helps with either lower ping rates or error checking. I see in your configuration the "channeling" is set to "FAST". I would inquire about getting this change if it is the same thing as FastPath in the Verizon world to your ISP's equivalent to Interleave.

Also what is your distance to your telephone switch location or "Central Office"?
 
Well if thats is correct, the distance is fine. But the attentuation is really an issue there. Is the DSL connection by your phone company as well or a 3rd party ISP?
 
Originally posted by: ELopes580
Well if thats is correct, the distance is fine. But the attentuation is really an issue there. Is the DSL connection by your phone company as well or a 3rd party ISP?
Click to expand...

Phone company.
 
6.0db is normally the very low end for the cutoff for 384 guaranteed QoS, not allowing room for any deviation in signal which WILL happen. There have been some who have no issues 5-7db reading down sold the 128-384k download with no issues because of the quality of the copper. ~18,000k ft of copper is normally the maxium distance that anyone will sell you DSL, and remember this is not measured as the crow flys.

The speed numbers from your modem are the sync rates, and don't include the ~15% overhead. So your real download speed is normally 0.85 x Sync rate under the condition the server that can push that type of speed. Interleave may improve your speeds but will also increase your response time if you plan to game.

If you have broadband alternatives I would look into that, otherwise have them fix their issue.
 
I am very surprised you are at under 10,000ft and have attenuation measurement of 63dB. I would have them run a physical line and distance test from either your house or the CO to verify that it is the actually line distance. Make sure they just do not look up your info on the database and give you that distance since it can be inaccurate. If need be, keep requesting that your problem be escalated to the higher tech levels if not a supervisor who can understand what you are asking.

As I also stated before, i would look into the configuration section on your modem where it say "FAST". I would see if that can be changed over to Interleave. It may give you higher ping rates as tweekah mentioned; but it will allow a much better and stable connection.
 
You may want to try plugging in the modem at that point of entry on your residence. Usually there is a test jack there that can be used. If you are still seeing the same results then it is a problem between your residence and the CO assuming your modem is good.
 
How many dsl filters are you using in the home ? ?
Anything over 4 will degrade your signal
Call your telco provider, have them send out a tech
and when he arrives, ask him to install a Whole House DSL
Filter / Splitter where your telco line enters the home

The Telco should also run a check for extra Load Coils
or Bridge Taps on your line as this will also degrade the
signal, as will bad or corroded connections

After this is installed, remove all your individual DSL Filters
from every telephone you put them on.

You will need to run a CAT 5 grade wire from the Filer / Splitter
DSL output into your Modem / Router combo ... on the Modem side
it will connect to the Center 2 pins of the RJ11 .. same pins the Red
and Green would be on a normal telephone base cord

This will very likely fix your problem. I had dsl drops and modem
resets constantly until I did this. Line hasn't dropped yet (almost 8 months now)
'
 
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