FTTC Banded? DLM Reset

[#1]

Hello,

My FTTC seems to to be limiting upload speeds - currently getting less than 0.8mbs with 10% + packet loss. which makes the connection almost unusable. My max data rate seems to be set at 1068. Is it possible for someone to check if the line has been banded and request a DLM reset?

I'm not sure what information may be need, but see below line stats from the router;

Many thanks

[#2]

Unfortunately, we can't see that detail - although I shall ask for the picture to be  released. Upload speed is not a guaranteed figure and a 'DLM  reset' would not necessarily improve it.

EDIT - someone beat me to it. From what I can see, I suspect a fault, probably in the Openreach network. I suggest you raise a fault via https://www.plus.net/help/report-a-problem/

[#3 · Accepted solution]

@injuredFish 

Those stats aren't showing a banded line and I doubt if a DLM reset would help.

I agree with @jab1 , first run the Plusnet automated faults checker and see what it finds.

What were your upload speeds before this ?

It would be interesting to see what Openreach think your upload speeds should be ?

1. Visit BT Broadband Availabiliy Checker 
2. put in your details and get to the results page
3. take a screenshot of the purple results table (being careful to not include your phone number or address at the top)
4. then post that screenshot back here.

To eliminate the possibility that the fault is within your home, try plugging your router in to the Openreach TEST SOCKET behind your master socket faceplate,  then get another screenshot of your line stats and post the results here.

[#4]

Hey John,

Thanks for replying. I've gone through the report-a-problem page, the automated tests and spoken to an advisor, but no fault is being detected. They are sending me out a plusnet router (as I don't have one) to complete their checks ... Nothing has changed with the setup in the last 5 years and upload speeds were closer to 4mbs up until a week or two ago. having a 'banded' line was the only thing that's come up to explain the issue. Any suggestions whilst I wait for the plusnet router?

Russell

[#5]

I know you've got to follow the support process - but a Plusnet Hub Two will be worse than useless with those line speeds.

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@injuredFish wrote:

Any suggestions whilst I wait for the plusnet router?

Can you post the screenshot from the Openreach checker, and try your router connected to the TEST SOCKET.

What router model are you currently using ?, and do you have any other old routers available to experiment with ?

.

[#6]

Hey ExForce9,

Thanks for replying - good call about the test socket, I forgot that was there - I'll check that once I find my screwdriver!

Uploads before a couple of weeks ago were consistently between 3-4mbs 

Here's the results from the openreach checker:

Thanks for your help,

Russell.

[#7]

My Router is an Asus DSL-AC68U, a bit of an old workhorse but until recently has been working perfectly well.

Unfortunately my archive of routers from the last 20 years have recently been sent to silicon heaven, so I don't have anything else I can test with. Until the plusnet hub arrives at least.

As soon as I can get to it,  I'll check the test socket and post back.

[#8]

@injuredFish 

Given that you have an Asus DSL-AC68U, you could likely make your internet usage more tolerable to use if you correctly configured that router's QoS bandwidth limiters.  While doing so won't help with fixing the underlying fault,  at least you should be able to reduce the impact on browsing and streaming while the fault is being investigated.

Do you want to try this ?

.

[#9]

@ExForce9 ,

Thanks, Great Idea.. what would you suggest as appropriate settings for the bandwidth limits given I'm getting between 0.6-0.9 mbps upload?

[#10]

@injuredFish 

Start with measuring what your line is doing now - before applying any QoS !

Run this test - https://www.waveform.com/tools/bufferbloat  on a computer connected by an ethernet cable (not WiFi)

when the test completes, scroll down to where it says "Share Your Results:"

press the [Copy] button, and then paste that URL back in your reply here.

.

[#11]

@ExForce9 

So, I excavated the master socket from behind a cupboard, and found my screwdriver - tested the connection in the test socket and lo-and-behold back up to 4-5mbps! I have done a switch back and forth a couple of times to make sure it's not just a fluke, but it definitely appears to be the master socket faceplate. Thank you (and John) for suggesting this, as I would not have thought to do it at all. 

Now I'm looking at a dodgy faceplate to the master socket which is much less of a pain. 

Really appreciate your time in debugging the issue, and it looks like I have a resolution. 

Russell

[#12]

@injuredFish 

Were there any wires attached to the faceplate when you pulled it off ?

When you removed the faceplate were there screws through the front of the faceplate, or did it have clips at the sides ?

Is your faceplate a single 'PHONE' outlet, or a two socket filtered ''PHONE' + 'DSL' ?

Do you still have a landline telephone service ?

Are you going to cancel Plusnet delivering a (useless) Hub Two ?

.

[#13]

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@injuredFish wrote:

Now I'm looking at a dodgy faceplate to the master socket which is much less of a pain. 

---

Not necessarily the faceplate. Do you have ant extension wiring? If so, have you a filtered faceplate with extensions connected to the filtered output? If not get one as the problem could be the extensions. These are getting quite rare for the screw on type but I have found this: https://cpc.farnell.com/tuk/aavnte2/faceplate-vdsl-2-single-hs-filter/dp/TE08800?gross_price=true&mc...pcrid|74904248855509|kword||match||plid||slid||pid|TE08800|pgrid|1198467783533304|&CMP=KNC-MUK-CPC-SHOPPING-273663291-1198467783533304-TE08800&s_kwcid=AL!8472!10!74904248855509!4588399469821356

The newer clip on type have a reputation for being less reliable, the two versions are not interchangeable, you need to change the back box to use the new type.

[#14]

@ExForce9 

There are screws through the front as in the image on this site (https://phil.lavin.me.uk/2012/02/bts-uk-fttc-vdsl2-explained/) - the faceplate has the two socket 'phone' + 'dsl' connections. 

I do not have a landline phone service, but there is an extension wire going under the carpet. I believe it it's going out into the next bedroom, but there's no terminating faceplate on the wall in that room, so assume it's capped under the carpet somewhere. A gift from the previous owner of the house!

And yes, I have cancelled the Hub Two delivery.. even though you've been so positive about it! 

[#15]

@injuredFish 

If the extension wires are connected to the faceplate then remove them and try refitting it.