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EsatBTBT in Ireland provides a range of adsl packages to domestic and business users.
The thread "BT 3Mbps performing like 1-2Mbps" 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.
It looks like it must be my area that is affected. This evening is the quickest I've seen my connection in over a month with the following speed test on Speedtest.net just before this time of writing (27th April '07, 12:20am):
The following is via the London server on that site:
Last Sunday was my worst experience where webpages were taking up to 30 seconds just to start loading. It felt very like being on a 56k modem.
Unfortunately BT support has let me down three times in that they seem to have no interest in getting back to me, so I've decided to make the switch to Digiweb about a week ago. At the moment, I'm still on BT until the transfer finally goes through and where I get my DSL log on details for Digiweb.
Can you check your modem, as to me your speedtest.net result indicates you are on a 4Mb link, although it then seems strange that your IrishISPTest result does not reflect this.
You can check the actual modem's link by logging on to its web interface, then go into "System Status" under the maintenance column and click the "Show Statistics" button on the bottom. The upstream and downstream shown is your actual line speed between your modem and the exchange. The actual maximum throughout is roughly 85%.
When I compare IrishISPTest against Speedtest.net, I do get very different results. For example, when I ran the IrishISPTest result just now, I got 626k down / 244 up, while on speedtest.net, I got 2566 down / 288 up.
For anyone thinking of changing provider, it will take around 3 to 4 weeks to complete going by my experience of changing from BT to Digiweb. About two days after placing the order, I was given a transfer application, which I had to fill out and sign to accept that I wish to change ADSL providers. I mailed this off and got an e-mail yesterday (20 days later) saying that my account has been activated along with another message saying that I will receive a modem two days later. So, assuming this arrives tomorrow, it will be 24 days between the time of application to the time of completion. Unfortunately, as the end of April was the new BT bi-monthly billing cycle, I have been billed €80 for the new BT cycle, which I'm not sure if any will be refunded for leaving them.
As I received my new log on details for Digiweb and my BT account is currently still active, it is interesting to be able to test the providers by simply changing the logon details on the DSL modem. However, when it comes to performance, I'm getting pretty much the same transfer rates between the two ISPs going by a few download tests. Interestingly, I seem to get higher results on the IrishISPTest result on Digiweb, where I usually always get above 300k in the evening (unlike BT where it sometimes goes down to 100k). Ping times vary also, for example, at one time I was getting ~100ms ping times to Google.ie from Digiweb and ~300ms ping times to Google.ie when I logged on with BT. However, it can vary the other way around, for example, later in the evening (~10pm), I was getting ~80ms ping times to Google.ie from Digiweb and ~45ms ping times to Google.ie with BT. Basically, going by the performance I'm getting between the two ISPs, it seems like the exchange or Internet backbone in the area is quite heavily overloaded.
Both ISPs show much better performance after midnight and early in the day. For example, early in the morning (7am to 8am), I get up to ~320KB/sec on transfers and 2.61M Down / 320K up on the IrishISPTest. However, as the day progresses, the speed drops. For example, I'm getting a 373K Down / 318K up result at the moment (10:40am, currently connected to Digiweb).
In the end, while the performance does not seem to be any better despite the difference I noticed before in comparing against someone else's Digiweb connection in my area, at least I got a few other benefits such as an extra 10GB monthly allowance (40GB / month), a static IP address and a spare ADSL modem.
Here i was pulling my hair out thinking it was a one off, ( everytime you need to do something ) For the last 2 months now our 3MB line is useless.
You get your full rate when testing, but try using it online for gaming and it drops either as you join a server, or kicks you out for HIGH PING 10 mins in. Before this we started with the basic package from BT and upgraded etc.
IT was great, no drops in connection always available. Now its a nightmare or lottery to see if you can get some decent bandwidth. Rang support, went through the A4 questionaire they read out to you, we replaced our router and USB wireless connections. Still the same, everytime you ring them its do this, do that, ok done, still the same when i try it. Nothing works presently if it requires a good connection online. You would think in this day and age we would be able to source some decent bandwidth in this country. FOr gods sake E. Europe had better connections and fair cheaper prices to go with it.
Enough is enough in this rip off for what can only be described as a rip off.
At least Dick Turpin had the decency to wear a mask.
I've recently signed up to BT BB + total talk.. 2mb option 2.. 2048/256 - i know I should be getting that....but this is the best I can get..
The upload speed is well under 256Kbps!!
Can you actually use it for say gaming, not just reading web -pages. When i ring Tech support, they get you to do the download test and it works fine.
take today for example, even loading CNN>com videos caused it to start stop playing the vids, if i use if for gaming it drops connection everytime. I had tech on the phone today saying ok look at the line now, my ping has gone from 29 to 25000, and i have been kicked on the server. They say nothing is wrong, i say i dont have a connection ? They dont have an answer. I know Ericom controls the backbone, is this a ploy to have ship jumpers revert back to what is the only backbone availble ? Its a joke in this day and age and also the price they charge for 3 meg lines that cant in no way handle it.
Checked out Eircom today, 2 and 3 meg packages, 29.99 and 48.99. Contention ratio for both is 24:1. You'd expect a better one for the 48.99 package but aparently not from Eircom, the reason for it is........I dont know you have to ask the sales dept. Talk about clued in.
The only difference it the extra gig and extra 10 gig download cap.
Cheers.
I've recently signed up to BT BB + total talk.. 2mb option 2.. 2048/256 - i know I should be getting that....but this is the best I can get..
The upload speed is well under 256Kbps!!
Hi i70west
The BT product is DSL and because of the way data is transmitted over DSL you will never get the full rated speed. The best speed obtainable will generally no more than about 85% of the rated speed. Thus your download speed at 1.75Mbps [2Mbps x 85% = 1.7Mbps] is good while the upload could be better.
Howfast
__________________ The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on. It is never any use to oneself.......... Oscar Wilde
The BT product is DSL and because of the way data is transmitted over DSL you will never get the full rated speed. The best speed obtainable will generally no more than about 85% of the rated speed. Thus your download speed at 1.75Mbps [2Mbps x 85% = 1.7Mbps] is good while the upload could be better.
Howfast
Ok, Thanks Howfast, I agree 1.75Mbps is not bad, but my upload speeds are very poor..I e-mailed BT on Sunday as my downstream dropped to 511Kbps...it was like that all day, so I brought it to their attention.... to which they replied with this:
Regarding your slow speeds,in order to troubleshoot this we will need to ascertain a few details please:
1. Between your modem and your phone socket, are you using a long/extension phone cable?
2. Are you using the primary phone point in the house (ie the one usually closest to the front door)?
3. How many phones/faxes/other devices do you have connected to the phone line?
4. Does every phone socket that is in use in your premises have a micro filter attached?
5. Do you have a digi-box (eg NTL/Sky Digital) that is connected to a phone socket?
6. Do you have a monitored house alarm or internal phone system (PBX) in the premises?
7. Are there specific times of the day that you cannot log on to the service, on a consistent basis?
8. Do you hear any noise or crackling when making or receiving phone calls?
Please run a full Antivirus and Spyware scan on your machine. To help me trouble shoot your slow speed problem please complete the following tasks:
1. Open a Microsoft Word Document.
2. Direct your browser to http://www.url.ie/qv Save the file and take a screenshot* of the transfer rate after it stabilises. There is no need to download the entire file.
3. Click on 'Start' > then 'Run' to open a CMD Prompt, Please type in cmd and click OK.
4. Type 'netstat -o -n' and press enter - Get a screenshot and paste it into the Word Doc.
5. Type 'ping 192.111.39.1' and press enter - Get a screenshot and paste it into the Word Doc.
6. Type 'tracert 192.111.39.1' and press enter - Get a screenshot and paste it into the Word Doc.
7. Logon to the Routers Web configuration page, (http://192.168.1.1 - the default access password is '1234').
Click on 'System Status' > 'Show Statistics' - Get a screenshot and paste it into the Word Doc.
8. Get screenshot of the completed test in Hosting 365 - paste it into the Word Doc.
9. Save the word Doc and e-mail it to myself.
*Press the 'Print Screen' key to capture your full computer screen. Press Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot into the Word Document.
I answered all the above questions and took the screenshots but speeds are "kinda" back to normal again.. My speeds are up and down all the time.. but when the downstream drops lower than 512Kbps 'on a 2mb connection', I think I was right in bringing it to their attention.
Last edited by i70west : 17th May 2007 at 12:26 AM.
Can you actually use it for say gaming, not just reading web -pages. When i ring Tech support, they get you to do the download test and it works fine.
take today for example, even loading CNN>com videos caused it to start stop playing the vids, if i use if for gaming it drops connection everytime. I had tech on the phone today saying ok look at the line now, my ping has gone from 29 to 25000, and i have been kicked on the server. They say nothing is wrong, i say i dont have a connection ? They dont have an answer. I know Ericom controls the backbone, is this a ploy to have ship jumpers revert back to what is the only backbone availble ? Its a joke in this day and age and also the price they charge for 3 meg lines that cant in no way handle it.
Checked out Eircom today, 2 and 3 meg packages, 29.99 and 48.99. Contention ratio for both is 24:1. You'd expect a better one for the 48.99 package but aparently not from Eircom, the reason for it is........I dont know you have to ask the sales dept. Talk about clued in.
The only difference it the extra gig and extra 10 gig download cap.
Cheers.
No, My connection never drops, it just slows down every so often, usually at weekends.. the only reason I can think of, is that there must be alot of internet users on the exchange at the time.
Re loading video/Games: I never usually experience any problems there, I'm on a 2mb connection... and i usually get 1.75Mbps (on a good day)
What modem are you using?. it could be a bit dodgy if your connection keeps dropping?, I'm using the Netopia 2247NWG - I never had any problems with it so far, but I do notice that my IP changes at 12.00AM most nights, the internet light will go red for about 5 seconds.
I just recently switched to BT too (a few months ago), I was previously with eircom.. I found them robbers, but their tech support was very good and easy to get in touch with...I only changed to BT as I liked the total talk package as I ring England alot.. so it works well for me. Whenever i have a problem with BT though I will e-mail rather than call as they are inclined to keep you on hold for hours and alot of their customer service staff have bad English which can be stresssssssssssssful.
Hope things work out for you anyways!
Last edited by i70west : 17th May 2007 at 01:10 AM.
No, My connection never drops, it just slows down every so often, usually at weekends.. the only reason I can think of, is that there must be alot of internet users on the exchange at the time.
Re loading video/Games: I never usually experience any problems there, I'm on a 2mb connection... and i usually get 1.75Mbps (on a good day)
What modem are you using?. it could be a bit dodgy if your connection keeps dropping?, I'm using the Netopia 2247NWG - I never had any problems with it so far, but I do notice that my IP changes at 12.00AM most nights, the internet light will go red for about 5 seconds.
I just recently switched to BT too (a few months ago), I was previously with eircom.. I found them robbers, but their tech support was very good and easy to get in touch with...I only changed to BT as I liked the total talk package as I ring England alot.. so it works well for me. Whenever i have a problem with BT though I will e-mail rather than call as they are inclined to keep you on hold for hours and alot of their customer service staff have bad English which can be stresssssssssssssful.
Hope things work out for you anyways!
Six weeks now on BT 3Mbps. Solid 2.4-2.5 all the way day and night (2.5km from exchange in Maynooth). Indian based tech support ok. Clearwire modem in the bin. They never, ever answered e-mail or phone until I blocked the direct debit, and they have been invited to meet me in the Small Claims Court if they really want the €120 cancellation fee. Was on Clearwire Performer package 2Mbps, best ever 700 (average 500), don't ask about the 'wrong type of rain' = dial up speed. By the way, the Clearwire modem is only rated to download at a max of 1.5Mbps. Its written all over it, but they promote a 2meg package.
Guy my connection is back, full 2.65 when speedtesting but more importantly no spiking from 25 to 2900+ anymore when gaming, Seems to have cleared itself. Didnt change anything from the original set up but was onto BT again basically saying for the 4 time " a manager calls me to sort this or the DD gets canceld, i was refusing to pay the bill for a 3 mg line which was worse than dial up.
Cheers 170west and others for comments.
My speeds are the same but yo8u can see the line has changed
is this for better or worse
Line needs to be low and noise needs to be high right?
Yes, your Noise Margin or SNR Margin needs to be relatively high, but not overly. Anything less than 8dB is a worry, where 5-6dB would likely cause you to experience connection drops on a regular basis. The reason it needs to be high is because it's the amount of useful signal on your line, what your modem/router would need to listen to.
The Line Attenuation is the amount of noise on your line that is unwanted. While you'll never want it to be 0dB, the less the better.
With both the SNR Margin and Line Attenuation, the levels depend on many factors, which because I'm no telecommunicaions guru, don't know them all. But I do know that distance from the exchange, weather conditions (in the extreme), and your line's condition are all external factors that would contribue. Internal factors would be how your home's phone line is wired to the router from the point of entry from the street (ie. how many splitters are being used, the wall socket's condition, are you using extension cables, etc., etc.).
Here's a screenshot of my current line's condition:
I know, I know. I'm using PPPoA. Howfast, in a previously posted discussion, discovered that it increased his speed-test results from a downstream of 2.57kbps on PPPoE to 2.65kbps on PPPoA and an upstream of 320kbps average to 330kbps average. I tried it myself, and the same result was shown. Don't ask me why, I simply don't know, but I haven't turned back since!
Finally, here's a look at how my line conditions contribute to a fairly stable set of speed-test results. Although, there's always room for improvement!!!
i got a phone line installed by eircom a few months back, 2 days after the installation i defected to BT.
I received my bill from eircom and though. darn em that's a bit rich asking for monthly rentals and i only with them a few days...
anyway paid the bill, 1 month later i get a "bill" from eircom telling me my account is in credit! (with no way of withdrawing the credit value!)
so.. take your time paying.
Looks like I've run into this problem vice versa with BT. When I switched to Digiweb (including signing the DSL transfer form) and started receiving my bill from Digiweb, I thought that was it, since I remember Digiweb telling me that my BT account would have been cancelled once the DSL transfer went through. Now, I just after getting an €80 charge on my credit card from BT again.
So, now I'm not sure if it is BT's fault (for not cancelling my account), Digiweb's (if they did not get BT to cancel my account) or Eircom's (such as never actually making the DSL switch). For now, I e-mailed Digiweb's billing asking them to sort this.
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