Internet Dropping while using Ethernet Plugs

[#1]

Hello, my PC/Xbox/TV was struggling with wifi so I purchased ethernet plug adapters so I could use a Wired connection. Multiple times a day the internet will cut out when I use any of these devices (even though only one is using the ethernet plug adapter). First I thought it was the plugs but having bought new ones I realized the problem didn't go away.  I can't find anyone else on forums/internet who's having this issue so I wonder, is the problem with my connection or router?

Could you advise on what I or you can do to resolve this please?

If it helps mobiles/tablets/smart devices have no problems with wifi.
(had to write this twice as internet dropped while posting!)

Thank you to any one who can help with this annoying problem!

[#2]

Hi @brokenbiscuits 

It is possible that the signals from the Ethernet plug adaptors are interfering with Routers VDSL signals sent over the Telephone line.

Could you check the Routers modem statistics with and without the Ethernet plugs (without = all Ethernet plugs unplugged) and post the results in this thread?

If you are using a Plusnet Hub one router, I *think* the stats can be found at: http://192.168.1.254, then click troubleshooting and then help desk.

Regards

Richard

[#3]

Regards

[#4]

Richard

[#5]

It sounds more like your plugs are the problem if WiFi is OK.

To confirm, you could look at the router logs to see if there are disconnections. Get a longer cable, or move a device closer to the router and use a direct wired connection. Look at the lights on the router to see if they change when you get a disconnection.

[#6]

Which stats do you need? I'm not sure how safe it is to share all of the information.

[#7]

The Wifi is barely usable on PC, xbox is ok but lags quite often and TV was really bad with streaming. Wifi is only ok with mobile devices.

[#8]

Hi
The modem stats including:
Line speed/synch speed
Signal to noise ratio
Uptime
Etc
Omit anything related to WiFi and any username details.
Regards
Richard

[#9]

This is without Plugs

1. Product name:	Plusnet Hub
2. Serial number:	+081441+NQ83926184
3. Firmware version:	Software version 4.7.5.1.83.8.263 Last updated 21/03/19
4. Board version:	Plusnet Hub One
5. DSL uptime:	7 days, 07:16:28
6. Data rate:	19978 / 79904
7. Maximum data rate:	25031 / 81176
8. Noise margin:	8.1 / 3.0
9. Line attenuation:	7.6 / 9.4
10. Signal attenuation:	7.6 / 9.5
11. Data sent/received:	10.9 GB / 133.3 GB
12. Broadband username:
13. 2.4 GHz Wireless network/SSID:
14. 2.4 GHz Wireless connections:	Enabled (802.11 b/g/n (up to 144 Mb/s))
15. 2.4 GHz Wireless security:	WPA2
16. 2.4 GHz Wireless channel:	Automatic (Smart Wireless)
17. 5 GHz Wireless network/SSID:	0000000
18. 5 GHz Wireless connections:	Enabled (802.11 a/n/ac (up to 1300 Mb/s))
19. 5 GHz Wireless security:	WPA2
20. 5 GHz Wireless channel:	Automatic (Smart Wireless)
21. Firewall:	Default
22. MAC Address:
23. Modulation:	G.993.2 Annex B
24. Software variant:	AA
25. Boot loader:	1.0.0

[#10]

With Ethernet Plugs

1. Product name: Plusnet Hub 2. Serial number: +081441+NQ83926184 3. Firmware version: Software version 4.7.5.1.83.8.263 Last updated 21/03/19 4. Board version: Plusnet Hub One 5. DSL uptime: 7 days, 08:08:17 6. Data rate: 19978 / 79904 7. Maximum data rate: 25042 / 81267 8. Noise margin: 8.1 / 3.0 9. Line attenuation: 7.6 / 9.4 10. Signal attenuation: 7.7 / 9.5 11. Data sent/received: 11.0 GB / 135.1 GB 12. Broadband username:   13. 2.4 GHz Wireless network/SSID:   14. 2.4 GHz Wireless connections: Enabled (802.11 b/g/n (up to 144 Mb/s)) 15. 2.4 GHz Wireless security: WPA2 16. 2.4 GHz Wireless channel: Automatic (Smart Wireless) 17. 5 GHz Wireless network/SSID:   18. 5 GHz Wireless connections: Enabled (802.11 a/n/ac (up to 1300 Mb/s)) 19. 5 GHz Wireless security: WPA2 20. 5 GHz Wireless channel: Automatic (Smart Wireless) 21. Firewall: Default 22. MAC Address:   23. Modulation: G.993.2 Annex B 24. Software variant: AA 25. Boot loader: 1.0.0

[#11]

@brokenbiscuits 

Depending on your house wiring powerline devices can be very problematic. See here for tests that I have done in my house.  https://community.plus.net/t5/Tech-Help-Software-Hardware-etc/Powerline-Unit-Performance/m-p/1607450...

[#12]

@Baldrick1 I'll give this a test in the week. Couple of questions though, what are my options if this test proves my house wiring is no good? I'm on a new estate and it seems really disappointing that I should expect internet to always be bad unless I have long ethernet cables running through house. And why don't we see this happening more on new estates

[#13]

Hi @brokenbiscuits,
The good news is that there is no apparent effect on the VDSL from the Ethernet over mains.
So re your sentence:
>>Multiple times a day the internet will cut out when I use any of these devices (even though only one is using the ethernet plug adapter
If only one device is using the, how are the other devices, which lose the internet, connected to the router?
When you lose the internet, what does the router report (I see the DSL uptime is 7 days).
It does seem that ethernet over mains devices are having problems.
Regards
Richard

[#14]

The other devices use wifi when not on the ethernet plug. Wifi is really poor quality. I mostly use the plugs on my PC as i work from home. Cutting out several times a day isn't very helpful but its better than poor quality all the time on wifi.

[#15]

I'll check the router page when internet drops on pc next.

[#16]

@brokenbiscuits 

Problems are more likely to crop up on new builds for a couple of reasons. First the mains cabling is better segregated between at least two RCDs and can use multiple RCBOs, see my previous attachment for more details. Secondly to get better insulation into walls some builders are using aluminium faced insulation boards such as Celotex. This is brilliant at RF screening so can kill WiFi transmission between rooms.

Personally I think that there should be a requirement to wire all new houses wifh an Ethernet backbone.

See here for some of your options. https://community.plus.net/t5/Tech-Help-Software-Hardware-etc/Distributing-Data-around-Larger-Proper...

[#17]

Hi
I think it is now a fair assumption that the router is working OK and the connectivity issues are due to the Ethernet over mains devices/electric cabling layout and the poor WiFi.
Have you considerd buying a mesh WiFi system?
These often provide 3 WiFi points and an app to help locating the best positions.
One example: https://shop.bt.com/products/bt-mini-whole-home-wi-fi---three-discs-096450-F7C0.html
I have limited knowledge of comercial mesh WiFi systems but....
Given that you have an xbox (which may not be happy with double NAT):
Use of combined WiFi and routers like the TP link DECO series would have to be operated in access point mode only. The Plusnet Hub one does not support modem only mode and will have to remain as the router or be replaced with a dediacted VDSL modem to allow the DECO to be the router.
Avoid the Amazon EERO as it does not support PPPoE needed to login into most UK ISPs.
Regards
Richard