Intermittent broadband dropouts

[IanStedman]

Hi,

We've been having a few intermittent issues with broadband dropping out.

I replaced the line filter and tried the test master socket. Replacing the filter helped a bit but it still occurs. Sometimes I need to reboot the router to recover. The router is a brightbox 2 and I have a VDSL 40mbit connection.

I've also had issues where the 2.4GHz WiFi refuses all connections but the 5GHz Wifi works fine. Looks like the DHCP server had a hiccup.

DSL status from the router:

DSL STATUS

This page shows information about your DSL connection. If you are using Ethernet Broadband then this page is not applicable.

STATUS

  Configured CurrentLine StatusLink TypeOperation Mode

--	UP
--	Fast Path
Automatic	G.993.2 (VDSL2)

DATA RATE INFORMATION

UpstreamDownstream

10000 (Kbps)

39999 (Kbps)

DEFECT/FAILURE INDICATION

Operation Data Upstream DownstreamNoise MarginLine Attenuation

15.9 (dB)	16.0 (dB)
0.0 (dB)	12.7 (dB)

Indicator Name Near End Indicator Far End IndicatorOutput PowerFast Path FEC CorrectionInterleaved Path FEC CorrectionFast Path CRC ErrorInterleaved Path CRC ErrorLoss Of Signal DefectFast Path HEC Error STRInterleaved Path HEC ErrorError Seconds

0.8 (dBm)	14.2 (dBm)
10169	249
--	--
0	0
--	--
0	0
0	0
--	--
0	0

STATISTICS

Received DataTransmitted Data

7166695 (Kbits)

719400 (Kbits)

Should the fast path FEC number be so high?

Any suggestions?

[XRaySpeX]

The Fast Path FEC is not particularly high. It could be in the 100,000s / hour. They are corrected errors. What is the 'System Uptime' from top of System Log page?

[IanStedman]

Hi,

System uptime is currently shown as 37:45:42.

I'm inclined to replace the router but want to make sure that is the problem before changing it.

[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?

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. Post the full router stats & System Uptime when plugged into test socket.

Is the issue any better?

[IanStedman]

Hi,

I swapped out the EE Brightbox for an older but trustworthy, Archer C7 router an Huawei HG612 modem combo. So far, I've had no issues with the broadband dropping out or refusal to connect any device to the 2.4 GHz WiFi band. This replacement system has been working reliably for 10 days now.

My conclusion is that it was the Brightbox router/modem.