Broadband connection dropping out. Help!

Guest 46905 · 22-02-2007, 11:46

Can anybody advise me, i'll admit now it's probably something I've done

I've just migrated providers and gone from Pipex to UKFSN (Entanet reseller). I got the email yesterday to tell me the migration was complete and my new login details.

I can login, and I get the windows balloon telling me I'm connected, but the connection rarely lasts longer than one or two minutes before I'm kicked off.

I'm pretty sure it's not a problem on the line / microfilters end because I have never had anything like this with Pipex.

I'm using WinXP and an Alcatel 330 Speedtouch Modem (the silver frog one). I've tried removing and recreating the internet connections and reinstalling the modem drivers, but with no joy.

I'd appreciate any advice. cheers

allan175 · 22-02-2007, 11:51

A friend had a similar problem with Tiscali and it was due to them setting the connection speed too high for what her line could handle. They gave her a 2Mb connection but the line couldn't do more than 1Mb.

Once they eventually changed her speed it was fine.

Guest 46905 · 22-02-2007, 11:59

This sounds possible. I've gone from a 1mb connection to an "up to 8mb" one. I've been in touch with the provider about it but they've not replied yet.

Arthur Fowler · 22-02-2007, 12:55

Sounds like you've gone from fixed to ADSL Max. With ADSL MAX (all to do with BT, not your ISP), there is a 10 day learning period during which time your connection will vary in speed and reliability (BT is trying to find the right combination of speed vs stability).

I am no expert in this, but the above is my (fairly limited) understanding.

I went through this with newnet a couple of months back when I moved house and got BB. After 10 days it was stable.

However, just to confuse matters, I moved from newnet to UKFSN and my connection became less stable, and when it dropped, or failed to connect I had to reboot my PC. It might have just been coincidence abut the change of ISP though.

The advice I got from some people was that I should change to a router from my Speedtouch 330 (by the way, there is up to date software that supports >2meg lines available for your frog. You should find that if you haven't).

So now I have a router and UKFSN and it seems ok, but varies hugely in download speeds and I still sometimes lose the connection. I think maybe I have a dodgy BT line, so my story has not yet ended!

Anyway, I hope something above is of help to you!
Arthur.

Guest 46905 · 22-02-2007, 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arthur Fowler

Anyway, I hope something above is of help to you!
Arthur.

Cheers for that. Oddly enough I'd just come from your thread on the thinkbroadband forums. I don't need to reboot after the connection has dropped but I do have to wait a minute or two, presumably for the modem to sort itself out.

I've downloaded the new software for the modem and will give them a try when I get home from work. I don't particularly want to buy a router but I suppose I will if I have to.

Arthur Fowler · 22-02-2007, 16:31

Cool

I would certainly hang back from worrying too much about it or spending money until your 10 day training period is over. Mine was pretty stable after about 48 hours.

Chris Locke · 22-02-2007, 16:42

I had similar after Eclipse upgraded me from their 2MB package to 8MB, even though my line can't support more than 2MB. I too have the 330 'frog'.

I downloaded the updated frivers from the Speedtouch website, and its been fine since.
Technical support at Eclipse were pretty useless, and just kept giving stock answers (check your filters, etc.)

Guest 46905 · 22-02-2007, 19:41

Cheers for all the advice chaps. I've downloaded the newer software for the frog and at leat I can connect now.

It still disconnects very regularly, every 10 minutes or so, then immediately after the first redial attempt, then OK for another 10 minutes.

I'll persever for the next 10 days as you say, hopefully it will settle down a bit quicker.

eric · 23-02-2007, 10:42

Hi Dogmanstar, I've just gone through the sign up process with UKFSN, did it take the minimum of 7 days as the website states, or did it process any quicker ?

thanks

Guest 46905 · 23-02-2007, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by eric

Hi Dogmanstar, I've just gone through the sign up process with UKFSN, did it take the minimum of 7 days as the website states, or did it process any quicker ?

thanks

The connection was activated on the date I specified, which was exactly seven days after I signed up. I think it has to be at least seven days.

In other news, the connetion has been stable as you like all day today.

Arthur Fowler · 23-02-2007, 13:43

7 days here too, but I think that is as much to do with BT lead time as it is UKFSN/enta.

Glad to hear about your connection dogmanstar.

Guest 28345 · 23-02-2007, 19:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by dogmanstar

This sounds possible. I've gone from a 1mb connection to an "up to 8mb" one. I've been in touch with the provider about it but they've not replied yet.

Its worth asking your ISP to "lower" your line profile. If you have been unbundled to upto 8meg, chances are you will be on a 15db profile by default. Ask them to try 12db, 9db or even 6db and see if you get a more stable connection.

Guest 46905 · 23-02-2007, 23:55

Just to bring closure to this, my connection has been constant all day and has not dropped out once. I think I may have been a bit premature in the whinging and not done enough research into the workings of ADSL Max.

Thanks again to everyone for their advice.