Speed Issues: Nick1066

[#1]

I really hope that this hasn't been done yet but I woke this morning to no internet at all.........I will update later in case it's an after 9.00 am thing but it's not looking good.

[#2]

Hi nick1066,
Looks like the order completed yesterday so don't think the changeover caused the loss of sync. Have you tried the usual remove any extensions/test socket/different filter?
Jojo

[#3]

3 BT engineers did as much as they could in terms of wiring/new master socket etc..  The 4th did not even get his screwdriver out but simply recommended the fixed rate option (it's fixed alright just at 0 kbps)
Nevertheless I went  through all the usual checks and still nothing.
Is there anything to do now as it doesn't seem anything works? 

[#4]

Hi nick1066,
I've one of the faults guys testing this for you now.
Jojo

[#5]

Hi nick1066,
Looks like you've been connected for the last 40 mins,
Jojo

[#6]

OK............. he said cautiously.  It looks that way.  I didn't notice as I was on the dongle.  I will cross all necessary fingers and toes and hope that it lasts (apologies for slight doubts)
Nick

[#7]

I was online for under 2 hours.  It has now gone again.

[#8]

HI nick1066,
I've just been chatting to one of the faults guys. He asks do you have another router? If not he suggests you try to get a BT homehub as they perform better on longer lines.
Jojo

[#9]

I have 2 different PN routers but reluctant to throw good money  after bad on the off chance that it might work.
It seems that there is no chance of getting a service (it's been off most of the afternoon so far) basewd on this suggestion...........
So - may I have my money back and a MAC code?  It's awful that it has come to this but if I cannot even get a fixed rate service then I cannot think of another way out.

[#10]

If you can't keep the link up with a fixed 512k service, then the last chance is indeed to try a router model that has a known provenance at dealing with a long line (as shown by your high attenuation value).
The BT home hub is one such model, but another option is the Netgear DG834 v3. The v3 is important, as the later v4 and v5 models have different chipsets, and aren't as good at long lines. That probably means looking on Ebay.
Another option is the "2 wire 2700", which is also sold as the BT Business hub.

[#11]

There are several Netgear routers on sale on eBay.  Are these compatible with Plusnet or do I have to do anything to them?

[#12]

I know that there are plenty that are branded Sky, although I think they are DG834GT models. Avoid these, as they are likely to be locked to Sky as an ISP.
There may be others locked to their own ISPs, but I haven't heard of other difficulties.
Otherwise, you need to be getting a DG834, and need to ensure you are getting a V3 model. Newer models will not help.

[#13]

Thanks.  I may well give it a shot as it has now been off for for approaching 24 hours with no sign of any life at all.

[#14]

I managed to pick up a BT Home Hub but how do I set it up?  Is it not set-up for BT Broadband?
How do I make it work for Plusnet?  Or have I just wasted even more money?
Thanks.

[#15]

I'm not au-fait with the HH models, so can't give specific details.
It might be as simple as:
- Plugging into router using ethernet cable
- Using browser to go to router's IP address. It could be one of :
    http://192.168.1.254/
    http://192.168.1.1/
    http://192.168.0.254/
    http://192.168.0.1/
- Login
- Set username and Password. Username of the form "userid@plusdsl.net", and password to match the one you use on the member portal.
It might need some extra technical details, such as:
- PPPoA
- VCmux
- VPI set to 0
- VCI set to 38
Plusnet have an archive at http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/hardware/archive.shtml
And something like this one should give you the gist of connecting: http://www.plus.net/support/broadband/hardware/bt1800_setup.shtml