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EsatBTBT in Ireland provides a range of adsl packages to domestic and business users.
The thread "BT 3Mb - Dropping connections" has not received any replies for a month. It has been automatically closed as a result. You may start a new thread on the topic if the information in this thread is not sufficient.
BTW I am now at 1.45 Mbps, still not as good as before but better. I forgot to ask, when you changed to PPPoA were you using the Linksys? Have you tried it with Zyxel?
Uhhm I tried to remove my accidental self rating above, but can't, so just to say, I'm really not that conceited!
Last edited by rachaelworld; 15th November 2006 at 03:00 PM.
Reason: I didn't want yous all to think I was self rating on purpose!
I seriously doubt it's because you're a MAC user. I'm more so inclined towards it being your internal wiring, line fault, or the quality of your line. You should start by making sure your router is connected to your phone system correctly. Your router should really be connected to the earliest point at which your phone line originates in your house. Your best bet is to use the double-split microfilter. Plug that directly into your main phone socket closest to the where the line enters your home. Then plug your router into the DSL side, and all phones into the Phone side (use a regular phone socket splitter from this point if you have more than one phone). If your phone cables are not long enough, then you should purchase a longer one at your local hardware store (don't purchase a cable that's too long, but one that's just long enough). Trust me when I tell you this is the best method to use.
If that doesn't solve your problem then you should take a look at this: Click Me (BT UK's Website Support). Don't take any notice of the speeds they cite or anything else specific to their network in the UK. What you should take note of is the methods of testing your phone socket and advice offered.
Again, if that doesn't solve your problem, you'll need to contact Esat BT's technical support. Read my post regarding going about this on page 2. Click here to read. It contains advice on how to make the guys at TS work for you. They *should* be able to help you root out the problem if it's external of your home (line based). Just put 'em under pressure!
I'm sorry I don't have more to offer you Rachael. Do give all the methods a go (in the top-down order), and let us all know how you get on.
Good luck,
Seifer.
P.S. I think Howfast was using the Linksys, as it was defaulted to PPPoA. It was an accidental find because of that. However, I doubt it matters. But for all intensive purposes, you should use Esat BT's recommended settings here and avoid messing around with PPPoA and other such settings until your connection has been stabilized.
Last edited by oneill.dav; 14th November 2006 at 11:03 PM.
I seriously doubt it's because you're a MAC user. I'm more so inclined towards it being your internal wiring, line fault, or the quality of your line. You should start by making sure your router is connected to your phone system correctly. Your router should really be connected to the earliest point at which your phone line originates in your house. Your best bet is to use the double-split microfilter. Plug that directly into your main phone socket closest to the where the line enters your home. Then plug your router into the DSL side, and all phones into the Phone side (use a regular phone socket splitter from this point if you have more than one phone). If your phone cables are not long enough, then you should purchase a longer one at your local hardware store (don't purchase a cable that's too long, but one that's just long enough). Trust me when I tell you this is the best method to use.
Thanks for your reply Seifer,
However I have a few queries, sorry if I sound ignorant but is this not the only method to use when using a non wireless router? Anyway, that's how mine was set up from the beginning, although I had an extension phone cable that was far too long. I now have the router plugged directly(via the double split microfilter) into the main (only one present) phone socket. The links for customer service are great, especially the trick about opening the phone socket to isolate the connection, I'll give that a go. If it is to do with the cordless phone (no fax or Sky box or such present) interfering, is there any guidance you could give me on changing the band it uses or the distance between the phone base and my wireless base station/ZyXel router. Is there anything about electromagnetic interference given off by plugs (particularly the large transformer type ones that are used for my phone and my ZyXel) when in proximity to my base station?
You mentioned firmware upgrading for routers in a previous post, as far as I can see there is only one firmware download for my model, and it's dated 2003, so I reckon that's not an upgrade? I'm just thinking that using a more up to date model of router might help?
By the way, my speed test result at the moment says I'm at 2.45 Mbps and still set for PPPoA, although loading pages doesn't seem very smooth, you could say a bit sticky. So, the messing around with PPPoA had already been done when I posted (I'm an instinctual messer around, I always push the red button that says don't push!!) But it was interesting to me the wild fluctuations in speed, I wasn't aware that this appears to be normal (stated in one of the BT links you posted above) So anyway, the more I mess around the more I'm learning about how this all works. But could you explain also the difference between PPPoE and PPPoA and why they seem to both work?
And Howfast, are you still using the Linksys? Still no problems?
I'm unsure of how cordless phones operate, as I'm not a user of any. But the best way to find out if the phone's are at fault is to plug 'em out for a while and do various tests spread over the course of the day.
As for the method of connecting your router and phones to the wall, there are other ways of doing so. For example: You could put a standard splitter into the wall, and put the DSL modem into that, and then use a signal microfilter for the other phone sockets. I'd have to advise against this, and continue to use the double microfilter supplied by Esat BT.
In your router's configuration screen, it should tell you what version of the firmware is installed. If it's a lower version than the latest release from 2003, then you should try upgrading. If it's the same, don't bother.
Why is PPPoA allowed? That I couldn't tell you. In the UK, PPPoA is the method used to connect people to the network. Over here it's PPPoE. Without going into too much detail (ok I admit, I don't know the ins and outs), it's simply the method used to connect to the broadband network. Generally PPPoA doesn't require a password (people in the UK don't need them to connect), while all ISPs here using PPPoE do issue passwords (usually chosen by yourself). So moving back, why it works, I don't know. Really it shouldn't. You'll also notice that VC multiplexing (another UK PPPoA standard) is allowed also, provided that the VPI and VCI are set to 8 and 35 respectively (just like when you use LLC), while it's 0 and 38 in the UK (which won't work over here).
To finish Rachael, I'm also a Linksys user and it works fantastically. The one thing I did when I got the Linksys was to set the MTU down to 1492. It's usually defaulted in most routers to 1500. If you can switch it in the ZyXEL, then do try it. Generally 1492 is recommended for routers which are being used wirelessly. But like yourself, I've been on many dates with the afore mentioned red button! It's all worth a go; wireless or not. It can only present anomalies in your connection at the end of the day, and it's simple to switch back to 1500, so don't worry. Just make sure you can remember what the original settings were or you'll be performing a factory reset!
Good luck again.
Seifer.
P.S. I'm not a qualified expert. I'm simply a lazy 23 year old, unemployed bum, who has done a little light reading into the subject over the last month or so. Added that to my general PC experience (god it's been a whole 14 years - and nothing to show for it!). I'd just prefer not to mislead anyone into thinking that I may work in or studied telecommunications, because I don't nor have I ever (believe me, oddly enough I've been asked this before!). Therefore if anyone has any more information to offer, or has found any information posted by me to be incorrect, please let us all know. We could do with some expert advice around here, perhaps even from an eircom employee! I know I certainly could do with learning a thing or two in this department.
Last edited by oneill.dav; 15th November 2006 at 03:44 PM.
Anyhoo, I have gone into ZyXel Set up wizard, and changed setting to Nailed Down Connection, and then also changed it to PPPoA, I have been running speed checks after each change. The interesting thing to me is, before I actually registered to the site (so couldn't save my test results) I got a speed of 2.11 Mbps, then it has dropped since changing to nailed down connection and then went up again a bit after changing to PPPoA, then down again dramatically, so I changed back to PPPoE, after which it went back up a bit. Then I read something about the speed not staying constant, so I gave PPPoA another try, disastrous speed test 773 kbps and upload speed has dropped too
Irish Isp Test Results - rachaelworld - 14/11/2006 20:41:30 UTC
Summary Last 10 Results:
2006-11-14 20:37:57, 754 kbps (94KB/s), 191 kbps (24 KB/s), 23%, 15 ms, 1040 ms
2006-11-14 20:220,1544 kbps (193KB/s),315 kbps (39 KB/s),21%,14 ms,463 ms
2006-11-14 20:19:19,1275 kbps (159KB/s),311 kbps (39 KB/s),21%,16 ms,660 ms
2006-11-14 20:16:52,1913 kbps (239KB/s),313 kbps (39 KB/s),43%,14 ms,656 ms
2006-11-14 20:15:47,1612 kbps (201KB/s),313 kbps (39 KB/s),45%,14 ms,386 ms
2006-11-14 20:14:50,970 kbps (121KB/s),308 kbps (39 KB/s),48%,13 ms,725 ms
2006-11-14 206:17,2012 kbps (252KB/s),311 kbps (39 KB/s),73%,17 ms,254 ms
2006-11-14 19:28:50,1822 kbps (228KB/s),305 kbps (38 KB/s),70%,24 ms,126 ms
2006-11-14 19:25:33,1420 kbps (178KB/s),103 kbps (13 KB/s),77%,19 ms,54 ms
2006-11-14 19:243,1690 kbps (211KB/s),115 kbps (14 KB/s),74%,19 ms,132 ms
Total Averages:, 1501 kbps (188 KB/s),258kbps (32KB/s),50 %, 17 ms, 450 ms
So, what do you reckon? Are you still having no problems with you speed and connection? Do you think the difference is a Mac thing ( I can't remember who here said they were a Mac user, but if you're reading this please chime in)?
Thanks,
Rachael
PS I'm on BT 3Mb package too
Hi Rachel
The first thing I would say is that an hour is a not long enough sample time in which to decide if the new settings are an improvement. Leave it a day or two to get a good idea of how your average speed stacks up to before.
From your line stats you could have a line fault and while Seifer has some good suggestions regarding establishing if the problem is with your own equipment I would hold off doing that until after you find out if there is a fault on your phone line or not. To do this contact Eircom or whoever you pay line rental to and complain about noise on the line when making a voice call [do not mention broadband at this stage, especially to Eircom]. You need to get a PTSN test on the line and have any faults that show up repaired, after which if the problem remains it may be caused one of the issues identified by Seifer.
As regards my use of PPPoA with the Linksys I did not, as suggested by Seifer, use this setting because it was the default when I opened the box. I had read the manual and decided to give ‘pushing the red button’ a chance and it worked and still is.
BTW I tried the PPPoA on the ZyXel router with similar success but am sticking with the Linksys, probably because it is new and shiny and I get wireless access.
...contact Eircom or whoever you pay line rental to and complain about noise on the line when making a voice call [do not mention broadband at this stage, especially to Eircom].
That really works? If so, why do you reckon "broadband" is a curse word to use on the phone with them, but if you mention line noise they'll hop to it? Are they really that anal about us paying our bill to Esat BT and not themselves, despite the fact that they are receiving their share though their reseller clients?
Quote:
Originally Posted by howfast
As regards my use of PPPoA with the Linksys I did not, as suggested by Seifer, use this setting because it was the default when I opened the box. I had read the manual and decided to give ‘pushing the red button’ a chance and it worked and still is.
Ooopsies. My bad. I'm sorry for making assumptions like that. However, I too have tried it since your recent post Howfast, and noticed my line speed going for a steady 2.56 up to 2.64/65. Thanks a lot for letting us all in on that.
Rachael, if you're planning on ringing eircom as per Howfast's suggestion, please let us know how it went! I'm sure we're all curious to know what can be done in these situations.
Seifer.
Last edited by oneill.dav; 15th November 2006 at 08:12 PM.
That really works? If so, why do you reckon "broadband" is a curse word to use on the phone with them, but if you mention line noise they'll hop to it?
Hi Seifer If you ring Eircon about line noise in connection with BB they will try to either blame your own equipment, your ISP and/or try to discourage you by advising they’ll charge you for the engineers time if they don’t find a line fault. Whereas Eircon have a direct responsibility for the voice service and can run a PTSN line test from base and advise you of the results by phone and you can then arrange for their engineer to check the line. This approach worked for me when I had a line fault. BTW it was BT TS who advised me not to mention BB when complaining about line noise.
Quote:
Originally Posted by seifer
Originally Posted by Howfast As regards my use of PPPoA with the Linksys I did not, as suggested by Seifer, use this setting because it was the default when I opened the box. I had read the manual and decided to give ‘pushing the red button’ a chance and it worked and still is.
Ooopsies. My bad. I'm sorry for making assumptions like that. However, I too have tried it since your recent post Howfast, and noticed my line speed going for a steady 2.56 up to 2.64/65. Thanks a lot for letting us all in on that.
Thanks for the acknowlegement on the PPPoA speed improvements.
That's a fantastic new method now for me to use if needed! It seems to me that not all the folks at BT's Tech Support are bad. I've spoken to a few, and it's been 50-50 in terms of their friendliness and their willingness to help out. Some just want you off the phone ASAP, and will say whatever to get rid of you. They also seem powerless (from my observation of how others are treated), as they have no control over how eircom operate their lines. I'm glad you spoke to a rep who advised you of the "secret password".
Hi All,
To Rachel,
I am the Mac user and delighted with it.
Regards to all the posting re speeds. As I said before I have not noticed any improvements in speed since changed the modem. However, last night, about 2400hrs checked the speed and it was back to 1.75Mb and again this morning. At 17.44 hrs speed down to 1.50Mb.
I would think that with such a diffenence in speeds it muct be the numbers using the system.
Anyway shall keep a check over the next few days and report back.
Hi I have just recently secured my ZyXEL 600 wireless modem & coincidently my signal is gone frm "very good" to "low". Signal used to drop, but it has been low the last few days. I am using a Sony Vaio laptop. I enclose my last 10 test results:
18/11/2006 09:23 48 kbps (6 KB/s) 0 kbps (0 KB/s) 18 % 1482 ms 1398 ms
16/11/2006 224 473 kbps (58 KB/s) 107 kbps (13 KB/s) 2 % 30 ms 1140 ms
17/10/2006 22:44 2572 kbps (314 KB/s) 316 kbps (39 KB/s) 99 % 37 ms 63 ms
28/07/2006 23:26 2564 kbps (313 KB/s) 315 kbps (39 KB/s) 98 % 29 ms 22 ms
20/07/2006 083 1955 kbps (239 KB/s) 285 kbps (35 KB/s) 87 % 44 ms 142 ms
19/07/2006 23:46 1792 kbps (219 KB/s) 314 kbps (39 KB/s) 76 % 41 ms 160 ms
11/07/2006 20:46 1797 kbps (220 KB/s) 315 kbps (39 KB/s) 79 % 29 ms 59 ms
07/07/2006 23:11 2557 kbps (313 KB/s) 314 kbps (39 KB/s) 97 % 43 ms 30 ms
27/06/2006 00:30 204 kbps (25 KB/s) 159 kbps (20 KB/s) 69 % 245 ms 797 ms
19/05/2006 006 2568 kbps (314 KB/s) 308 kbps (38 KB/s) 99 % 49 ms 59 ms
Total Averages:
1653 kbps (202 KB/s) 243kbps (30KB/s) 73 % 203 ms 387 ms
Hi Noel,
Have tried all the various suggestions made on the Forum.
I did buy a new router,made no difference. The only other change I bought a new cable to link the computer and the modem so far I seen very little difference in BBspeed.
Was using Zyxel supplied by Bt. Apple Mac.
I now use Belkin ADSL wireless router and the Mac.
The thread "BT 3Mb - Dropping connections" has not received any replies for a month. It has been automatically closed as a result. You may start a new thread on the topic if the information in this thread is not sufficient.
BT 3Mb Dropping connections 
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