Broadband connection problems

[piggeh]

I recently switched ISPs from Nildram to Be. Just prior to joining Be I started to get connection problems which have now continue with the new ISP.

It disconnects a lot and the speed is a lot lower than it should be. I have used two routers during this time, with two different leads, and two different microfilters (going from old equipment to new equipment when I switched). Have phoned the ISP and BT numerous times to try and resolve and neither can detect any faults. So it's come down to arranging an engineer to see if he can resolve it.

If the fault is something on our premises then it will be a £200 charge - obviously I'd rather avoid this if necessary! The only thing I can think it could be is maybe the microfilter (the new Be one looks shockingly cheap quality), as it seems to be a noise issue - when I dial on the landline I get a much greater amount of noise when the router is trying to synch with the ISP, so there must be some intereference somewhere. Does anyone know any decent microfilters worth buying that are good quality, to rule this out, before I go arranging for BT to come?

It's probably not the microfilter anyway, but at least I can then have a good quality microfilter for the future at least and will give me a bit more peace of mind.

Have already ruled out extension (microfilter is permanently plugged into test socket these days), and cant be the router or the lead. We also normally dont have a telephone plugged in and only use the line for broadband, as I have housemates and we decided to remove the landline to stop anyone abusing it and racking up a bill. Any other suggestions welcome!

[peterb]

It may well be the filter - get one that is BT approved - the filtering is superior. However if you have noise on the line without the ADSL equipment connected, you may have an external problem on the line - if you the line is an overhead cable, water in a connection box (particularly with this years rainfall) may be the problem.

If you have the modern type of faceplate (in two halves) remove the front panel and plug the router into the direct line connection behind it (no filter requitred) and see if that improves the speed.

If the line is audibly noisy using the phone (without the router - but with a good fiollter), report that as a fault to BT (or whoever provides your telephone service)

[piggeh]

Thanks - any idea where to get a BT approved microfilter? BT themselves?

[Taz]

Broadbandbuyer stock lots of different types. I would recommend the ADLSnation Xf-1e filters if you don't want to use the 'cheap looking' ones supplied by Be* with their BeBox:

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...?CategoryID=24

The ones supplied with the BeBox are fine and are BT approved ones.

[Taz]

As a follow-up, there is a BT specification for ADSL microfilters: BT SIN 346 v2.2. Just buy a filter that meets or exceeds that specification and you'll be fine.

It's possible that the ring wire and/or extension cables are causing interference. Check out my thread in the BT Interstitial I-Plate as a possible solution to those kinds of problems. Broadbandbuyer stocks the I-Plate.

[!TIMMY!]

...If you have the modern type of faceplate (in two halves) remove the front panel and plug the router into the direct line connection behind it (no filter requitred) and see if that improves the speed...

I would try that. I have read on the Be forums some1 having issues and the Be staff said to do the above and it worked for them. Be's customer service is great, don't be afraid to contact them, I am a very happy customer.

[peterb]

As a follow-up, there is a BT specification for ADSL microfilters: BT SIN 346 v2.2. Just buy a filter that meets or exceeds that specification and you'll be fine.

Thats the one!

[piggeh]

I would try that. I have read on the Be forums some1 having issues and the Be staff said to do the above and it worked for them. Be's customer service is great, don't be afraid to contact them, I am a very happy customer.

Well you do need a filter or the plug type is different? But my router is currently permanently plugged into the test socket!

[nickster]

Well you do need a filter or the plug type is different? But my router is currently permanently plugged into the test socket!

The iPlate fits into that test socket, the front of the linebox goes into the plate, you'd need a microfilter in any case on anything plugged into your phone line.