Inconsistent connection from 2 days after installation

[pretend_yorkie]

Have you used this to solve the grinding to a halt but not showing as disconnected issue? Our connection has been inconsistent from 2 days after installation.

I’d assumed it was the actual connection at fault but this thread supports the open reach chap’s assertion that there’s nothing wrong anywhere in our archaic copper lines…

The last “EE guide” I spoke to thinks a downgraded router would solve the issue… asked if I had my old BT stuff - no, I sent that back as it was demanded! 
And EE will only send me a like for like router to try and solve the problem. 

I’m due my 4th open reach engineer visit next week; it’s been the same guy each time and we both know he’s not going to solve the problem but  I’ll get some nice biscuits in for him anyways. 

[pretend_yorkie]

So I’ve reported the speed issue to EE this afternoon as our guaranteed speed is 18.9mbps. They acknowledged a fault there.

The street cabinet is also 1.6km away. We’re on copper still. No plans from open reach to upgrade to fibre any time soon. 

 Hub Status: 

[XRaySpeX]

Locate the hidden test socket that is revealed when you remove the bottom half of the split faceplate (2 screws or press tabs) of your master socket. Only do this if you have a split faceplate. Do you have any extension sockets in the home even if unused? Are there any wires connected to back of faceplate of master socket?

Only if you have an active landline, try the BT Quiet Line Test (QLT), dial 17070 Opt 2, preferably with a corded phone, in the test socket with the router disconnected. If there is any noise, report it to your landline provider as a voice fault (don't mention Broadband). Often sorting out voice faults will fix the Broadband as well.

Reboot the router & plug it into the test socket using a DSL dangly micro-filter. Post the full router stats & System Uptime when plugged into test socket.

Is the issue any better?

[pretend_yorkie]

No extensions anywhere else in the house.

It’s not a split faceplate master socket. 

We don’t have an active landline, only the digital service from EE - who took over our BT digital line.

The engineer initially thought the buffer between the lines was too small so increased the buffer. No significant change. 
He reported possible router fault at the last appointment. 

[XRaySpeX]

The socket should still come apart. Follow Linebox NTE5C User instructions to get to the test socket. You'll need a dangly DSL micro-filter to plug the router into the test socket.

Forget the phone voice test but still test the router in the test socket.

The buffer he was talking about was probably what's called the Signal/Noise Ratio Margin (SNRM) or more simply Noise Margin (NM) usually defaulted @ 3 or 6 dB.

[JimM11]

@pretend_yorkie Series of pictures, P1 press where you see my finger and pull gently forword, you will see now like P2, P3 hopefully is in your box or you have one lying around, P4 unplug cable from the front plate and plug in unit as shown.

P1 front removedP2P3 in you packaging boxP4 all plugged into the test socket

[pretend_yorkie]

Apologies for the slow response-  currently running via the test socket. No dropping out yet but it isn’t consistent on when it occurs. 

assuming I should leave the test socket in place for a while… 

Below are the findings from the test socket: 

direct copy and paste from the log: 

Firmware updated: N/A

GUI version: 1.13.1

DSL uptime: 2 Mins

Data rate: 1.16 Mbps / 19.71 Mbps

Data sent / received:

2.08 MB Uploaded / 1.11 MB Downloaded

Broadband username: Redacted

Wi-Fi: N/A

2.4 GHz wireless network name: Redacted

2.4 GHz wireless channel:

Smart (Channel 1)

5 GHz wireless network name: Redacted

5 GHz wireless channel:

Smart (Channel 100)

Wireless security:

WPA2-Personal

Wireless mode:

Wi-Fi 6 compatibility

Firewall:

On

 

 

[pretend_yorkie]

That was really helpful. Thank you! 

[JimM11]

@pretend_yorkie Glad it was of use, and yes just keep it running on the test socket to see how it goes, with the speed increase, you just have to get some consistent readings through specific times, although your general bandwidth is fairly low would be a good idea to note some times, ie 9am, 1pm, 6pm etc and run a test note the results and consistency. 

Speed test in general are a guidance to operation and have too many factors to consider, but if you are hitting a reasonable speed most times, and your router is not dipping in and out like previous that is the aim.

[pretend_yorkie]

So far so good, no drop outs and the best quality phone call (WiFi calling) in over a month.

Next question… what to I tell the openreach engineer or what do I ask for to maintain the quality of connection I’m getting through the test socket? 
Obviously their recommendation would be to put the front back on the master socket! 

[JimM11]

@pretend_yorkie The front plate for the Master 5C socket is extremely good and i would recommend to anyone that they have one, it does have a way better filter arrangement for VDSL and speed control, BUT they have been known to go bad, and normally it is the first thing on an OR visit that they swap out to see if things improve, the Points on the Status to look at are the sync speed Up/Down, ratio and you now have one with and without the plate, the ADSL filter that you have fitted is just as good and does a similar function, The test socket is just direct on the 2 wires that go direct to the Green street cabinet box, with your ADSL filter in between that point. 

You need to keep an eye on four parameters the Up/Down sync speed's and the System and Network uptimes, the times should match each other as long as there are no disconnect's your end or on OR side, it is also not good to be switching the router on/off as it can confuse the OR electronics and force a DSLAM on your line, that forces the speed down to maintain stability of the line, sacrifice speed for stability....

Have the OR engineer swap out the front plate, that has all the electronics, and as soon as you connect up to the master socket again, capture that Status screen sync is important, you can also ask the OR engineer to do a reset on your line, that kicks off a 10 day period were it closely monitors and adjust the line to optimal parameters, this can be a little misleading when you look at the status but depend's really on how good your line is back to the Green Street box. At 1.6KM you are out at the low end of the spectrum, i was 800M and managed to have 40/10 split on average 46/9.6 down/up syncs.  

If you can get back to a Master Socket connection it does just look way better than having the ADSL filter hanging of the socket, but needs first is the priority, and looking like you may be having a bad Master Socket.... Hope that helps answer your question.