20mb problem, please help? :)

[Jonnymeg]

Originally Posted by ceedee

The link you suggest is for the EvenFaster section of VM's website which is for people currently on 4Mb to check which cable modems are suitable for the upgraded 10Mb service -- it's got nothing to do with 20Mb!

If you've got any more reliable information, please post it?

Indeed but if ain't gonna do 10 then it won't do 20 will it?. Pardon me for trying to be helpful!

As a rule of thumb all modems issued before the Ambit 200 should be swapped out. Of course there may be case where the motorola's or ambit 100's can hit 20mb but there are occassions when they cannot.

You can request a new modem by posting in the support newsgroups.

[KungFuKitty]

Originally Posted by Jonnymeg

Indeed but if ain't gonna do 10 then it won't do 20 will it?. Pardon me for trying to be helpful!

As a rule of thumb all modems issued before the Ambit 200 should be swapped out. Of course there may be case where the motorola's or ambit 100's can hit 20mb but there are occassions when they cannot.

You can request a new modem by posting in the support newsgroups.

Hiya Johnnymeg When on the phone to CS i asked specifically for a new modem with the 20mb service and was told "Your modem will support the 20meg line, so no need" to be honest i'd like a new modem anyway, if not for the speed (which of course i want most!!) it'd even be for the fact the old modem i have is extremely ugly you think if i ring again stating i'm not getting the speed i should and ask for a modem again they'd issue me with a free upgrade? I'll try this monday if you think its worth a shot

Originally Posted by bigsinky

expect that speed to drop to about 7-8 meg at peak hours

Hiya bigsinky i can safely say i have a 'stable' connection of atleast 13mb's during peak hours, usually around 13-15mb's worth of line... is this all i should expect? off-peak as in late at night i've got around 18-20mb's worth of line... should the 13-15mb's worth during peak be considered 'good'?!

Thanks for all your input folks
Oh and ceedee... i may still write into TS via newsgroups monday anyways just to check things through
~ Kitty xx

[ceedee]

Originally Posted by KungFuKitty

I checked my speed out and FINALLY seem to be getting what i'm paying for! my 20mb line!!! I also tried with my router instead of directly wired and got slightly lower but 2meg down / 768 up results
Super-duper happy.. atleast now i don't have to ring VM's (mostly) shoddy CS again! and i know that i can get proper results.. although its late at night so less traffic it's still a huge relief

That's great news, KFK! Very pleased you're now (more) up to speed!

If anyone could point me to some router tips (as its a lil better direct) to try that'd be great, i just know its going to drop down to 13-15mb's worth again.. but its good to know it'll be there later yanno?

I've never had any problems setting up my own router but I'm almost completely useless diagnosing remote problems for other people so it's probably a good thing that most routers' auto-install routines are fairly good!
I'd be surprised if there was anything wrong in your current config if it works.
And you've updated your firmware to the latest version, so, erm, that leaves...

• I'm guessing that you don't have lots of firewall or client IP Filter rules setup?
  
• Having flicked through your modem's user manual there's nothing particularly relevant that I can think of to alter!
  
• It might be worth changing the DNS servers on your router from VM to OpenDNS as many people are reporting faster connections to websites and generally increased browsing speeds.
  
• And have a read through Annie's excellent Broadband FAQ just in case something jumps out at you.
  
• I wonder if having the wireless service running on the router (even tho' it wasn't being used during your tests) is slowing it down.
  
• I'd recommend turning off anything you're not using, eg. wireless, uPNP, vpn.

It's very unlikely to be relevant to speed tests from your wired PC but it's probably worth checking to see if you're getting wireless interference (maybe your neighbours are using the same 54g radio channel with their wireless devices). Belkin routers default to #11 so it might be worth switching yours to either #1 or #6 and see if anything changes.

I've not been able to identify any decent forums for Belkin routers where somebody better qualified might offer assistance but the folks at Techwatch seem to regularly tackle wifi problems intelligently -- you might want to post a query there?

Best of luck!


(Oh, and thanks for your kind words, mate.)


---------- Post added at 19:33 ---------- Previous post was at 19:17 ----------

Originally Posted by Jonnymeg

Indeed but if ain't gonna do 10 then it won't do 20 will it?.

But the link you helpfully provided states that the SB4200 *is* capable of handling 10Mb! And if it *will* handle 10Mb, there's a reasonable chance that it'll handle 20Mb.

That's why I searched the TS support newsgroup only to discover that they were rejecting swap-out requests from folk with SB4200 for new modems because they considered that it would be okay for 20Mb.

Pardon me for trying to be helpful!

If you'd followed your own link (which wasn't relevant) or searched the TS support newsgroup or provided any referenced information, I'd be the first to back you up.

Your wacky assertions alone that contradict TS and the VM website are not helpful.
Sorry if you can't see that.

[bigsinky]

kitty if you are getting 13 -15 at peak hours 4 - 10.30pm then you are very lucky. i get around 7 - 8 Mbit. i upgraded to 20Mbit and had to have old old silver ntl100 modem swapped out for one of the Ambit ntl250, but proof of the pudding is if you are getting nearly 20Mbit then you can assume your modem is up to the job. the new ntl250s max out at about 42-43 Mbit so if and when VM upgrade to 50Mbit they might need to swap the modem out again.

enjoy the speed and remember 500GB drives a pretty cheap now, believe me you will need it.

[KungFuKitty]

Originally Posted by ceedee

That's great news, KFK! Very pleased you're now (more) up to speed!
[*]It might be worth changing the DNS servers on your router from VM to OpenDNS as many people are reporting faster connections to websites and generally increased browsing speeds.
[*]And have a read through Annie's excellent Broadband FAQ just in case something jumps out at you.
[*]I wonder if having the wireless service running on the router (even tho' it wasn't being used during your tests) is slowing it down.
[*]I'd recommend turning off anything you're not using, eg. wireless, uPNP, vpn.[/LIST]
Belkin routers default to #11 so it might be worth switching yours to either #1 or #6 and see if anything changes.

Best of luck!

(Oh, and thanks for your kind words, mate.)

Evenin' ceedee i'll try OpenDNS a little later tonight and let ya know how things go Although i don't have wireless enabled on this pc i will switch to a different channel just for good measure and i'll flick through Annies FAQ whilst the girlfriend is busy on the PS3
i don't have much open/turnt on other than UPNP for the PS3 when i need it Cheers as always and much welcome for the "kind words"


Hiya bigsinky it's a shame we're all not getting close to 20mb seeing as we're paying out our nose for it I think i'll push my luck and ask for a new modem anyway, this white one with my 'all black' setup is really outta place As for the new drive i currently have a 160gig barracuda which never gets filled as i'm too fussy with my space Only thing i'm worried about now is seeing as i've upgraded to the 20mb line wouldn't that renew my 12month contract? ...with Phorm approaching (which ceedee so nicely pointed me to!! lol) hopefully that wont mean i can't get out or atleast opt-out of that damned idea! *shakes fist* i suppose if i go on i'll have to move it to the Phorm thread, hehe.
~Kitty x

(Edited as seen bigsinky's post after!)

[Jonnymeg]

Originally Posted by KungFuKitty

Hiya Johnnymeg "[/I] to be honest i'd like a new modem anyway, if not for the speed (which of course i want most!!) it'd even be for the fact the old modem i have is extremely ugly you think if i ring again stating i'm not getting the speed i should and ask for a modem again they'd issue me with a free upgrade? I'll try this monday if you think its worth a shot

Trust me when i tell you a new modem is needed. Regardless of what 'Ceedee' spouts a new modem will help you. Without telling you how - trust me i know.

Ceedee - When 20 meg first came about VM stated that other modems were compatible and have since changed their minds. In theory the surfboards can go upto 35meg+ in reality they don't. I work with these modems day in day out so unless you have more experience of the day to day operations of this kit on this network i would thank you to be less insulting.

[ceedee]

Originally Posted by Jonnymeg

Trust me when i tell you a new modem is needed. Regardless of what 'Ceedee' spouts a new modem will help you. Without telling you how - trust me i know.

Ceedee - When 20 meg first came about VM stated that other modems were compatible and have since changed their minds. In theory the surfboards can go upto 35meg+ in reality they don't. I work with these modems day in day out so unless you have more experience of the day to day operations of this kit on this network i would thank you to be less insulting.

Let me summarise:

1. You post that KFK's modem "is not supported"; a link to VM's checklist for 10Mb-capable modems (when the OP is on 20Mb) and "You need to get your modem swapped out for a new one."
   
2. I point out that VM TS have stated[see example below] that the SB4200 *is* supported and that your link cannot confirm your assertion.
   
3. You completely miss the point that the link you posted states that the SB4200 is supported and launch into your "rule of thumb" without any reference, explanation or substantiation.
   
4. I again explain that the link you posted and VM TS say the SB4200 is actually supported and point out that you'd be aware of that had you looked. I also (perhaps unfairly) described your "rule of thumb" as a wacky assertion.
   
5. You respond that effectively you know best because you work with them every day; that VM TS are completely misinformed and that folks with problems should blindly trust you despite your lack of a supporting reference.

So what are these trusting souls supposed to do, other than hassle VM for a replacement modem that TS says isn't needed and won't supply?


And you say that *I'm* insulting?
Phew!

"Virgin Media Technical Support- Karl Rio" <news-support@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message news:WnbBj.20884$XI.1526@text.news.virginmedia.com ...
>
> "Ron Lewis" <xxxxxxxx@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:ZhbBj.237052$LD6.76614@fe3.news.blueyonder.co .uk...
>> Hi. I've been getting low speeds and poor levels and i've been booked for
>> a
>> RG11 repull but the tech said it could be the modem.
>>
>> I've got the Motorola SB4200 modem.
>>
>> Username: rl004e1179 .
>>
>
> Hi Ron,
>
> repull still booked for 20th. The SB4200 is ok for 20mb, but after the
> repull, we can look at this and retest, and if you have any problems, can
> swap this out and see if it is causing the issue.
>
> --
> Kind Regards
> Karl Rio
> Virgin Media Technical Support
> http://status2.virginmedia.com/
>
>

[Jonnymeg]

Originally Posted by ceedee

You respond that effectively you know best because you work with them every day; and that folks with problems should blindly trust you despite your lack of a supporting reference.

Correct.




Original text from VM regarding supported modems:

Ambit 100
Ambit 120
Ambit 200 (ntl branded)
Motorola SB4200
Motorola 5100
Motorola 5101E
Great news!
You actually don't need a modem upgrade.
We've looked at your current modem specification and it'll deliver the new speed perfectly


What they say now:

After further investigations we have now concluded that there may be circumstances where Ambit 100 and Ambit 120 modems do not meet the performance criteria for the Broadband Size XL service.

We recommend that any customers who have either of these modems now request a cable modem swap-out in order to get the maximum performance from their broadband connection.



Now whilst this doesn't cover the SB it shows you that there is confusion over the older modems, and the op's SB is old. Some say it is OK others don't. Now in the real world it suffers in performance and it is advisable to get it swapped out.

I have already communicated with the OP by pm and explained things that i am not willing to post in a public forum.
Your problem is that you fail to understand that their are people that know more than you and are in positions to have information that you cannot learn.

You know less than you think you do. I am not going to argue with silly people such as yourself. I post here to help out those seeking help and not to be slated by prats with little better to do.
So unless you KNOW any further info or personal experience that i don't and not something TS have told you then i suggest you keep your comments to yourself.

[KungFuKitty]

Hey guys you've both helped me out in different ways and its much appreciated no need to argue or insult eachother, i shall try to get a new modem not only because i would think a newer model would improve the service some but also because i'm sick of this dusty white box making my setup look ugly Either way opinions are allowed to be diff but no need for insulting eachother
Cheers lads
~ Kitty x

[ceedee]

Originally Posted by KungFuKitty

Either way opinions are allowed to be diff but no need for insulting eachother

FWIW, Kitty I never insulted him (apart from maybe the mild dig at "wacky assertions") unless that includes pointing out the inaccuracy of his 'advice' and the fallacy of his argument. At any point, he could have explained what he meant, or included that text, or provided a link to the letter* from which it's partly copied rather than insisting that "he knew best" (something which I plainly did not do).

Individual opinions vary and I have no problem with that.
But making an inaccurate and misleading claim, refusing to explain or back it up with references while insisting that everyone else is wrong and ought to believe them because they are "right" is not expressing an opinion.

That's overbearing, arrogant machismo.


* Letter from Alex Brown to ex-NTL customers (via DigitalSpy)

[KungFuKitty]

Originally Posted by Jonnymeg

I post here to help out those seeking help and not to be slated by prats with little better to do.

Ceedee not sure what FWIW is but i mainly meant to the above quote not nice and not needed.. either way.. back to topic... i still need to try the OpenDNS i read a few posts on it since and looks promising!!
~ Kitty x

[ceedee]

Sorry, Kitty. FWIW = For What It's Worth.

Using OpenDNS has certainly speeded up my web browsing compared to the default VM DNS but that's on my paltry 4Mb -- it may not make such a difference on your 20Mb but probably well worth the experiment.

Give it a go sometime and post back the results?

[KungFuKitty]

Originally Posted by ceedee

Sorry, Kitty. FWIW = For What It's Worth.

Using OpenDNS has certainly speeded up my web browsing compared to the default VM DNS but that's on my paltry 4Mb -- it may not make such a difference on your 20Mb but probably well worth the experiment.

Give it a go sometime and post back the results?

Usually it's me getting asked what my abbreviations are too! Yup i deffo will post back results on using OpenDNS, i'll edit my post after i've done this tomorrow.. feelin' lil lazy tonight hehe
~ Kitty x

[bigsinky]

well well well. tried the opendns name servers on my girlfriends tiscali adsl account and the connection deffo seems faster. everyday is a learning day

cheers

bigsinky

[KungFuKitty]

Originally Posted by bigsinky

well well well. tried the opendns name servers on my girlfriends tiscali adsl account and the connection deffo seems faster. everyday is a learning day

cheers

bigsinky

woohoo! glad it worked out for you, tried them myself.. whilst not being a massive improvement there deffo was a nice little extra speed when it came to browsing hurray for OpenDNS!
Now back to me stew
~ Kitty x