Connection Dropping

[ProfK]

I have a client who is with Polka, on an ADSL line. His loses his connection several times a day, and apparently, Telkom blame Polka, and vice versa.

As a complete ADSL noob, I would appreciate some advice as to how I could go about identifying where the problem actually lies. Maybe a diagnostics log of errors before connection loss, etc. They are using an AccessRunner USB modem.

 

[fz1]

See if you can find whether the modem reports line/connection statistics. Specifically, (in the modem's control panel) you should be looking for "attenuation", "noise margin" or "signal to noise" figures. Please also provide some details regarding what line speed your client is running at (and, via the information on the router, what speeds your client is actually synching at)...

 

[ProfK]

and, via the information on the router, what speeds your client is actually synching at)...

Like I said, I'm a _real_ noob. I last worked with networks in 1996, now I write business software, so, where would I start looking for that information from the router?

Thanks for the other suggestions; I'll look at those when I visit there again on the weekend.

 

[InsaniacZA]

ProfK, fz1 is right, a few quick nuggets of information would be good...

first you wanna access your modem/router... its an ip (i think its set by the user), you access it through internet explorer..

from there you can start finding diagnostics of the line and the router statistics (attenuation, noise levels, sync rates etc)

that will give us an indication of what is going on.. otherwise it could be a number of things... faulty router, faulty line, faulty exchange port....

 

[fz1]

I wish I could be more specific, but I have only worked with one brand/model of router (the one I have - Netgear).

Start by trying to find a manual for the modem (online or otherwise), and then search through it for "attenuation" or "noise". Alternatively, when you visit your friend, play around with its control panel and see if you can find those figures displayed somewhere.

Sorry, that's all I can offer...

 

[Dosti]

Telkom test line

Some exchanges are equipped with line test system (LTS), Telkom can test, the norm conditions for DSL working over copper is
Mettalic noise < 2 db
Negative < 5 volts
Earths > 20 meg
95% line balance minimum.

I suspect you have fluctuating metallic noise influence. When DSl frequencies are loaded, capacity downloading, the conditions cause attenuation and SNR to change, hence reset DSL link. This hardly happens for odd small downloads or normal surfing.

Test speed transfer continuously (terminate and redo numerous times) from http://www.telkom.co.za/athome/products/dsl/speed.html but change ISp username/password to guest@telkomadsl/guest respectively (Telkom test). That will give you an idea of how and when the fault happens, easily prove to techie.