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Old 28-12-2016, 00:28
inverness1967
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Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Inverness
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For the past two weeks my broadband has constantly dropped connection. When i try to download on my sky planner catch up, it can take 4 hours to download load a 1 hour HD programme. I've tried all connections and all seems ok. A speed check shows download at about 2.88mb. I've an 02 router as i was with O2 before sky take over their broadband. Not contacted them yet but just wondering if anyone has advice before i call them as its just all happened in the past few weeks.

I have wondered if the router is on its way out. I've had it about 8 or so years.
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Old 28-12-2016, 09:28
chrisjr
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First things first. 2.8mb is 0.0028 of a bit, so I sincerely hope your broadband isn't that slow and you meant to type 2.8Mb (yes there is a difference between m and M and b and B). I am also assuming that you previously had a much higher speed service?

If you have a NTE5 type master socket with the removable lower section the first test to do is to remove that panel and plug into the test socket that is revealed behind it, as shown in this image

http://www.exbtengineers.com/wp-cont...ocket-Test.jpg

That connects direct to the line and isolates any extension sockets you may have. Do several speed tests, using a cable connection to the router NOT WiFi. WiFi can introduce all sorts of problems of its own that could give you a false reading so always do speed tests with a cabled connection from computer to router.

See if you get the same result as when plugged into the normal phone socket. Or if you get an increase in speed. Also if possible try a different filter just in case the one you are using is faulty. This will give you a clue as to where the fault lies.

If you get the same results on the test socket then it is possible you have a line or router fault, which is Sky's problem to sort out. If however you get a speed increase put the socket back together and test on the normal phone socket. If the speed drops back then you have a fault on your internal wiring which is your job to sort. If you called Sky and they sent an Openreach guy out to investigate and it was found to be your extension wiring at fault then you could be charged over £100 for the call! So that is why you need to do this test.

If you suspect a line fault one other test to do is to dial 17070 from a phone plugged directly into the test socket (no filter). Sky have their own variant of this test number but it should have a silent call option. This should be totally silent, any noise or crackles heard could indicate a line fault. This may also indicate if the router is faulty if the line is OK.

If however you suspect the fault is with your extension wiring then you have to do some more work. On the back of the removable section of the master socket you should see a bunch of terminals with the extension cable attached. perhaps like this

http://telephoneextensionsocket.com/...ront-Plate.jpg

If there is any wire on terminal 3 remove it. less likely is a wire on terminal 4 but remove that as well. Only 2 and 5 should have wires attached.

Check the condition of the cables to the extension sockets, ie follow the cable run as much as you are able to and check for signs of damage especially if the cable is run under carpets or round door frames.

Unplug everything from all extension sockets and re-test with the master socket faceplate re-attached. That will indicate if you have a fault with something plugged into an extension. To check what device is faulty plug each one back in one at a time and retest until you find the one that is dropping the speed.

Also make sure everything plugged into an extension has a filter. Unless you are using a replacement master socket plate that has the filter built in and also filters all the extension cabling everything you plug into an extension socket must have a filter otherwise it can affect the broadband.

That will keep you busy for an hour or three

But as I said above worth your while determining where the fault is to reduce the chance of facing a three figure call out charge.
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Old 28-12-2016, 17:38
inverness1967
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Hey...thanks for all this. I'll try everything i can. I never thought of the cable from the socket to router so will have a look at that.
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Old 28-12-2016, 18:59
chrisjr
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Hey...thanks for all this. I'll try everything i can. I never thought of the cable from the socket to router so will have a look at that.
I never mentioned that cable. Though it would be worth checking it out anyway.

The only cables I mentioned are those to any extension phone sockets you have and using a cable from the router to your computer when doing a speed test to eliminate the many and varied problems WiFi can introduce.
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