DSLAM? ADSL? How does it all work

I remember when telkom came to my current place to install a line, they couldn't get the cable through the conduit running underneath the road between the sewer and my house. Since this was in a complex, I had to get the complex authorized electrician out, who after spending a lot of effort managed to pull the cable through and wire it up. The telkom technician left a note for me to give the electrician to say they left enough slack on the cable for him to get the cable into the house and to the telephone point. They just came back to switch everything on. Still remember paying the Telkom techie R100 to split the cable and add another telephone point in the kitchen. Well, I'd rather give him R100 to do it than give it to telkom who would give him nothing.
 
Telkom charge for those splits. Per month. At our previous house I noticed that Telkom was charging us for a split and I told them they can come remove it if they want. They just removed the charge after I complained, nothing changed otherwise. They really squeeze out every cent.
 
ambo said:
No - unfortunately. Telkom is developing an IPStream service but its not yet available. With IPConnect your PPPoE session ends on Telkom's router and then they send the traffic to the respective ISP. On IPStream the PPPoE connection goes directly to the ISPs router.
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Thanks for clearing that up ambo , did some research found this info on IP Stream from a Telkom NGN presentation
on Metro Ethernet, Ethernet Express & IP Stream
http://www.iweek.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/14.Richard.Majoor1.pdf

Grabbed this pic demonstrating IP Stream
 
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Ok, so we have an ideal distance of 4.5km from you to the exchange. How can we be sure when the cable was installed that is was done in a straight line? Could other cables carrying power or other telecoms services have an effect on the quality of service causing interference?
 
Hi drew137
Unfortunately there is now way of knowing which route the cable was laid along. Ideally, you should be within 4.5km from the DSLAM (mini or proper) along the cable according to Telkom. They can't guarantee availability of ADSL though, because it depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the copper between you and the exchange. So you could be 2km from your exchange and not be able to get ADSL (unlikely), or 6km from your exchange and still be able to get it if the cable is of high quality (still unlikely tho).

As for you second question: Yes, you can get interference on the cable which would have an effect on your DSL. Have a look at the graphs on this page (Thanks Doomie61). You will see one of the graphs showing significant interference at about 900MHz. The DSL equipment (your router and DSLAM) will simply stop using these channels, resulting in a lower sync speed. This is why sometimes if you reset your router, you get a better sync speed. But once the interference is back, your sync speed will drop again.
 
firewall said:
I sorted that: phoned the Telkom network planner for the area and he said that they will be ordering the material for lines to the complex and it should be done and installed in 4 - 6 weeks.
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How do you get the phone number of this guy? Have been trying for months to get the phone number for the planner in my area but Telkom refuse to give it. I am 4.7Km from the exchange and managed 3Mbs which was not too bad when the max was 4, now that my exchange has been upgraded to 10Mbs and I am still at 3Mbs, I am really frustrated. In the neighborhood it is the only SDC box without a mini-DSLAM and was wondering why and if anything can be done. Be interesting to know how did you manage to get his phone number?
 
I got it from the managing agents of a office complex in the area. Took some trouble but they are also struggling to get ADSL for some of their properties, but they didn't have much know-how of the telecoms business and infrastructure, so I told them I could help them out if they could help me get the number of someone in Telkom. So they phoned a building contractor they use, and then he got back with a number who worked for Telkom who doesn't work there anymore, but could refer me to someone who would help me out. So I completely understand. Not at all easy getting anyone other than the call-center drones. BTW what area do you stay in?
 
Just want to say the links posted helped me know so much Learnt a few things.
 
firewall said:
I got it from the managing agents of a office complex in the area. Took some trouble but they are also struggling to get ADSL for some of their properties, but they didn't have much know-how of the telecoms business and infrastructure, so I told them I could help them out if they could help me get the number of someone in Telkom. So they phoned a building contractor they use, and then he got back with a number who worked for Telkom who doesn't work there anymore, but could refer me to someone who would help me out. So I completely understand. Not at all easy getting anyone other than the call-center drones. BTW what area do you stay in?
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Yep, what I thought, a total nightmare! I am in Cape Town - Plattekloof II
 
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