I recently moved house and brought my Netgear DGN2200 that I bought from Harvey Norman with me. I am very close to the exchange, so my ISP told me that I should be getting speeds around 20Mbps. When I test the speed, the maximum download rate I can get is 11Mbps. When I raised this issue with my ISP, they said they have tested the speed to my port and that I should be getting maximum speeds of between 18-19Mbps, but they said they can see that my modem is only syncing at 10Mbps. Indeed when I test with ethernet connection to modem the maximum speed I get is only around 11Mbps. Is it common for the modem to be a bottleneck for internet speeds? If so, which modem-router combination should I get?
ISP Says My Modem Is Limiting My ADSL 2+ Speed. What Modem Should I Get?
Lalchew on 09/06/2015 - 12:35
Comments
Thanks! I'll check if the ADSL2+ in the modem settings is checked tonight.
Did you find where to check that? See my comment below - couldn't see anywhere it could be turned on/off.
"The only possibility is that you've unchecked ADSL2+ in the modem settings, so it's only running at ADSL2 (not 2+) speeds. Or for some strange reason it comes unchecked by default.."
Do you know where I might find that setting? I've got the same model modem router that is outputting very slow speeds and I thought I'd check it - but can't find anywhere I could set to be 2 or 2+
From here:
http://www.cerberusnetworks.co.uk/index.php/support/34-guide…Next, you need to specify the ADSL Settings. The ADSL Settings page is accessed by clicking on the ADSL Settings menu item, on the left hand side of your browser window.
You will then need to set four options. For Multiplexing Method, click on the dropdown box and select LLC-Based. For VPI, type in 0 – and for VCI, type in 101. Lastly, for DSL Mode, click on the dropdown box and select ADSL2+. Once you have done this, don’t forget to click on Apply.
But use VPI 8 VCI 35 as these are the standards for Australian ISPs.
Just changed it and (at least in my mind!) it seems faster already! DSL mode was set to 'auto', not 2+ so will see if it helps.
@seanbsydney:
http://speedtest.netBetter yet, in Router Status what is the downstream connection speed?
ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 4945 kbps 812 kbps
Line Attenuation 44.5 db 26.0 db
Noise Margin 12.4 db 15.8 db@seanbsydney:
You're just further from the Exchange.. the longer the line the slower your possible speed…
Your line is incapable of connecting at ADSL2+ speed..@scubacoles: :-( - I did know I'm a long way from the Exchange, but didn't realise the effect was that intense. Any suggestion about anything I can do to help squeeze the last bit of speed out of the connection?
BTW, did try the DMT tool you mentioned below, but couldn't log in to the router. It looks like a pretty old site, and didn't list the NETGEAR DGN2200v4 as one it's compatible with.@seanbsydney:
You're not going to be able to squeeze much out. And any speed that is squeezed out will be at the expense of stability (so your connection will drop out more often). Seriously your best bet could well be to switch down to ADSL1.DMT Tool should work with version 8..
Your modem uses the Broadcom 6358 chipset and Version 8 suports that chipset.DSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 4945 kbps 812 kbps
Line Attenuation 44.5 db 26.0 db
Noise Margin 12.4 db 15.8 dbyour downstream noise margin is quite high which suggests that you should be able to get a higher downstream sync speed.
basically you can increase speed at the expense of stability (as indicated by the noise margin).
your adsl connection should happily work at a higher downstream sync speed down to a downstream noise margin of around 6db.
@mtg:
There must be a reason the modem is autosyncing so high…
ANd these are basic modems, the only way to force SNR is with DMT Tool.
I still reckon changing profiles to ADSL1 will be a quicker and easier solution.the adsl chipset in the modem can affect how aggressively a modem tries negotiate the sync speed. broadcom chipsets opt for slightly lower sync speeds with more snr (more stable) - but not normally with an extra 6db to spare.
also, isps have the ability to control the line profile for users in the dslam (eg a more stabile profile with higher snr, a normal profile with normal snr, etc).
@seanbsydney, if tpg is your isp you could contact a rep on whirlpool to check that your line profile is not forcing a higher snr. or you could use dmt tool to experiment with a downstream snr closer to 6db, but this is not ideal solution as it is not persistent (needs to be set each time the modem is rebooted)
you might be able to get an extra megabit or two but for normal browsing it i don't think it will make much of a difference.
most likely nothing is wrong with the modem. the sync speed of the modem is the important factor here. it could be because the modem is not configured correctly (your problem) or it could be because there is some interference on your line (yours or isp problem).
workout the line distance from your exchange & your expected sync speed and look at your up/down sync speeds and noise margins and go from there.
Line distance from my exchange is <1km. My up/down sync speeds are 11Mbps/0.5Mbps. I did a quick setup on my modem for the ISP connection but I will have a more detailed look at the modem settings this evening. I'm glad to here that the modem should be fine!
Given the distance, upload should be either very close or exactly 1Mbps. Sounds like there's definitely something dirty along the way. Tried different cords? Making sure there's nothing unfiltered on the line etc?
It's naked ADSL so I haven't used a line filter, but should I? The line is not used for anything else. I have a filter that I can use. I haven't tried a different phone cord but i have tried different ethernet cords.
Line filter should only be used on other devices that share the line, NOT between the modem and the wall socket. The sole purpose of a line filter is to block the frequencies used by ADSL/2+ and stop other devices from making those noises that cause interference. This means if you filter your modem you'll get either no connection, or even worse speed.
[@scubacoles][@bonezAU]@spackbace: So basically its likely to be the settings on my modem that's the problem or my cords unless there's a dirty line from exchange to my place?
do you have another modem you can temporarily test with. i'm guessing you have a dodgy line which needs to be sorted out by your isp, although there is always the possiblity there is something is wrong with your modem. it is easier to press your case for a faulty line if you can tell your isp you have tried another modem and get the same speed.
so the adsl status on your modem says it is using adsl2+?
what are the up/down noise margins?
who is your isp?@alchew:
The ISP can see that the line is capable of faster speeds, so yes, it's something to do with your modem or other hardware.@mtg:
The ISP will be able to see the line profile, so unless they're lying (possible but unlikely) it's a hardware issue.
11mbps is pretty close to ADSL2 (not 2+) maximum speed..@scubacoles: Thanks! I seriously doubt my ISP is lying about what speeds they see that i should be able to get and they can see my line is capable of 18-19Mbps and can see that I'm only syncing at 10Mbps which is accurate. And the ISP is Amnet and they've always had good customer service in my experience. Looks like i'll have to try and find someone off whom to borrow a modem to test it.
I'm far from the exchange and on ADSL2. I'm lucky to break 4mbp/s. Make sure you have your filters all sorted… don't believe the BS about your router being no good. Ask your neighbours what speeds they are getting.
I use the Telstra "Gateway" and it shows that my speeds are capable of 1.0 GBPS. I very much doubt if it will ever get there but it is very fast.
If you make enough noise/play the loyalty card (assuming you have it) you should be getting one for free. Optus took two phone calls to get a new cable modem which took my cable connection from 20Mbps to 100Mbps… This is cable however, where the technology has changed quite a bit. ADSL2 has not advanced as much..
ADSL2 has not advanced as much..
Correction - ADSL2 has not advanced at all…
- Check if there are multiple outlets in your new home and that you're plugged into the first one.
- Check the wall socket connectors. They could have rust or dirt or poor connections.
- I'm guessing you've already tried a different cable from the wall to the modem and reset the modem.
Test your modem on another line (got friends?) and see if it can connect better. Without doing physical check ISP's opinion in this case should be taken with a grain of salt.
Before I moved house recently I was using a Telstra supplied adsl2+ connection and getting about 16 megabits / second sync. My street distance from the exchange was 1350 km. I used Google Earth to measure along the streets and also the distances from the exchange into the street and street into the house. It's probably fairly close to the cable distance as it is almost a straight line.
You should be getting a better speed than I was. I was using a Billion 7401 VGP R3 which is not the most recent of modems.
Try the Billion 7700NR2 at around $70 its cheap but gets amazing results anywhere I've installed it.
The problem is a whole bunch of ADSL2/2+ modems are not 100% compatible with Australian ISPs equipment.
Alternatively you can try changing settings on your modem to resolve the issue but be prepared to spend a few hours trying the many combinations.
Also make sure the point the modem is plugged into is the first socket for best results.
In saying all that you could also have line issues as well so a new modem might not resolve it either.
Are you using a phone cable that only has 2wires or are you using a standard phone cable with 4?
I didnt know there were different phone cables, I think mine is just a standard one? I tried playing around with the modem settings last night but the speeds were the same at 11Mbps/ 0.50Mbps. The speed is the same no matter which socket I plug it into in the house. I'll have to try and find someone willing to lend me their modem to test it.
Only 2 wires are active for a phone line…
And the modem is reporting the capability of the line at a higher rate than the sync rate. It's not a wiring problem, it's definitely a modem settings or hardware problem.
http://www.wireless1.com.au/networking/networking-products/m…
TPLINK D7 or D9. The D9 has some fancy directional reception thing if wifi coverage is a problem as i was experiencing
Your modem model should be ok, as long as the settings are correct. With ADSL it is very important to put a line filter on any other phone points whether they are being used or not, no filter on the ADSL modem. The phone line to your ADSL modem should be as short as possible. If there is any sort of distance problem, then use an ethernet cable from your pc or laptop to the modem or use wifi. A possible issue may be the quality of the copper telephone cable at your place. This factor is often overlooked. If you are using a long telephone line to the modem, then change it to a shorter one.Since the installation of a telephone line can now be done by any builder, many buildings have been done with sub standard telephone cable. I suspect that sorting out the modem settings will solve the problem
I've tried changing the modem settings and have also tried with a second modem and am getting the same results. I use a relatively short line to the modem. My place is an older place so maybe the copper phone lines have worn?
I'll talk to my ISP and tell them that I've tried all these things and hopefully they can fix it.With your Netgear modem, use DMT Tool to see the capability of the line.
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://d…There's a good, English, usage guide here http://www.kitz.co.uk/routers/DMTv8.htm
It will tell you what speed your modem is syncing at and what speed the line (including your house wiring) is capable of.
In the example image linked here http://www.kitz.co.uk/routers/images/DMT3.gif;
the Bitrate (8128kbit/s in the example) is the sync speed the modem has achieved,
the RCO (79% 10304kbps in the example) is the maximum theoretical speed that the line is capable of.You ought to be able to get at least 80% of the theoretical maximum, and likely more.
From what you've said about your proximity to the exchange, if the theoretical maximum is 12000kbps, then you might have a line fault. Then it's time to experiment changing the location of the modem to a different phone socket, cleaning socket and cable contacts, changing the telephone cable from socket to modem (to a shorter length) and possibly even getting the house wiring replaced (if you think it's worth it and is a likely cause).
Thanks, I'll try and do those tests tonight. I've tried moving location of modem to a different phone socket with exactly the same results and i use a relatively short phone cable from socket to modem. If phone wiring at house needs to be replaced is that my problem or ISPs or telstra's?
@alchew:
Phone wiring through the house (including the roofspace) is your problem.
Telstra (or possibly Optus) is responsible for the line from street to your building ie the little box on the Fascia board of your house.
Get your ISP to suggest one so then they don't have anything to complain about with your modem when it's still the same problem
how long is the cable from your modem to the wall socket? ideally it should be <1m and make sure there aren't any other electrical items around that could be creating noise.
It is probably about 1m or less, with no other electrical items around
'IF' you want a simple stable modem with good chipset try this one https://www.umart.com.au/umart1/pro/Products-details.phtml?i…
cant go wrong with it trust me. That is unless you want some fancy 3g etc AC wireless …I reckon your problem is back with the ISP or their link supplier (Optus?). I think that they have set the line up incorrectly. You have tried your best and no change. In this case I would try Whirlpool forums. Maybe a bit more specialist there. Try this https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/82
It's an ADSL2+ modem, so should be OK.
The only possibility is that you've unchecked ADSL2+ in the modem settings, so it's only running at ADSL2 (not 2+) speeds. Or for some strange reason it comes unchecked by default..
Your Netgear uses a Broadcom chipset, renowned for having a good compromise between speed and stability on long lines, but less suitable for shorter line lengths like yours.
Having said that, having a more suitable chipset (like Trendchip) is only going to squeeze out ~1mbps better performance from the line.