Need help! Pulling my hair out! >_<

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Tymara

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Hi there all...
I'm here because quite frankly I'm at my wits end and have no idea what to do anymore... I'm also here, in the WoW section specifically, because that is obviously the main heartache I'm having because of my internet woes.

I'm hoping maybe someone who has had a similar experience can offer me some sound advice.

So here's the story:

I live in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria. I have been playing WoW since October 2005. When Telkom launched the 4MB service in.. what was it? Beginning 2006? I was one of the original 1MB clients that got upgraded and I had a pretty good connection to WoW for about 4 years.
A year ago, we had a HUGE lightning storm and, living on a mountain, I'm quite close to the sky shall we say. One, very sudden huge crack of lightning struck and later my net was down. One week later a Telkom technician came to "fix" it... Only problem is, now my line wont sync at 4MB anymore, 2MB max... Which would be fine, except since then I've also been having massive fluctuations in WoW latency, my line is now completely unreliable and unstable. Currently my Home latency usually sits around 200ms, and World around 270-320ms... which is fine, of course, but... I get constant lagspikes taking me into the 7-800ms range (just for that spell) and then next spell will be fine again. Problem is it happens so often, at least 5 in every 10 spell casts will end up being affected by these spikes. Anyone can learn to live with lag (up to 600ms is my theory) but when you have an inconsistant connection with CONSTANT lag spiking, its almost impossible (for me at least) to adapt to it and L2P with it.
Over the past year I've logged about 7 faults on the line, each time they come back to me saying either "We've fixed it", or "there's no problem", or "its your distance from the exchange." Funny, because they make a point out of telling you that WILL charge you a callout fee if the problem isnt on their side (which they haven't done to me even once out of these 7 times).The latest thing a techie told me was "I understand you used to be on 4MB but some things change" :/
Nobody is helping me and I don't know what to do or who to turn to anymore, I feel as if I've exhausted all options.
Telkom is my ISP
I have a Vukanet account also that I have been using for comparison to see if it was perhaps an ISP thing, but even though Vukanet uses the IS international exchange, I still get the same lag spikes and constant fluctuations.
I've been through 3 routers now, 2 wired and 1 wireless with no difference either.
Got 2 PC's running WoW and both give the same latency, so I don't think its anything to do with the PC.

Sorry for the essay about my problems :P
Thanks for reading and any help or advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Tymara 85 Night Elf Warrior
Draenor EU

PS. I feel I should mention I have tried proxy services like WTFast and Lowerping, I can see an overall improvement in latency but the constant spiking is still with me.
 
Well, Blizz recommends 4096kbps for WoW so that could be why you have problems, but it should only be in high pop areas or 25man raids (and 40man PvP events :p).

I had a similar problem. Lightning truck my connection somewhere and I've never had 4mbps again after that. Telkom doesn't care either as they just sync the speeds lower to get them stable.

I move though, so that's someone else's problem now :D

For advice I would say:

If your line is unstable, get Telkom to investigate again. Hopefully they'll fix the problem.

If it is only speed and latency, then you should maybe try a Latency Fix

http://www.wowinterface.com/downloads/info13581-LeatrixLatencyFix.html

Or you could try a traffic compressor:

http://www.tcompressor.com/

Above needs you to pay though. You get a trail but it disconnects you after ever 10mb compressed.
 
Tymara said:
Hi there all...
I'm here because quite frankly I'm at my wits end and have no idea what to do anymore... I'm also here, in the WoW section specifically, because that is obviously the main heartache I'm having because of my internet woes.

I'm hoping maybe someone who has had a similar experience can offer me some sound advice.

So here's the story:

I live in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria. I have been playing WoW since October 2005. When Telkom launched the 4MB service in.. what was it? Beginning 2006? I was one of the original 1MB clients that got upgraded and I had a pretty good connection to WoW for about 4 years.
A year ago, we had a HUGE lightning storm and, living on a mountain, I'm quite close to the sky shall we say. One, very sudden huge crack of lightning struck and later my net was down. One week later a Telkom technician came to "fix" it... Only problem is, now my line wont sync at 4MB anymore, 2MB max... Which would be fine, except since then I've also been having massive fluctuations in WoW latency, my line is now completely unreliable and unstable. Currently my Home latency usually sits around 200ms, and World around 270-320ms... which is fine, of course, but... I get constant lagspikes taking me into the 7-800ms range (just for that spell) and then next spell will be fine again. Problem is it happens so often, at least 5 in every 10 spell casts will end up being affected by these spikes. Anyone can learn to live with lag (up to 600ms is my theory) but when you have an inconsistant connection with CONSTANT lag spiking, its almost impossible (for me at least) to adapt to it and L2P with it.
Over the past year I've logged about 7 faults on the line, each time they come back to me saying either "We've fixed it", or "there's no problem", or "its your distance from the exchange." Funny, because they make a point out of telling you that WILL charge you a callout fee if the problem isnt on their side (which they haven't done to me even once out of these 7 times).The latest thing a techie told me was "I understand you used to be on 4MB but some things change" :/
Nobody is helping me and I don't know what to do or who to turn to anymore, I feel as if I've exhausted all options.
Telkom is my ISP
I have a Vukanet account also that I have been using for comparison to see if it was perhaps an ISP thing, but even though Vukanet uses the IS international exchange, I still get the same lag spikes and constant fluctuations.
I've been through 3 routers now, 2 wired and 1 wireless with no difference either.
Got 2 PC's running WoW and both give the same latency, so I don't think its anything to do with the PC.

Sorry for the essay about my problems :P
Thanks for reading and any help or advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Tymara 85 Night Elf Warrior
Draenor EU

PS. I feel I should mention I have tried proxy services like WTFast and Lowerping, I can see an overall improvement in latency but the constant spiking is still with me.
Click to expand...

Triy a wireless connection to confirm it's your line and not hardware/software on your side
 
Thanks for the advice so far guys.

Got Leatrix, wonderful little gizmo but doesn't solve the spikes.

When you say "wireless", do you mean my LAN or my actual internet connection? If its LAN you mean then put it this way: Got 2 PC's running WoW, one is a Laptop on WLAN and my Desktop is wired, we get the same latency.
If you mean wireless internet, what would be the best option to test this on?
 
Tymara said:
When you say "wireless", do you mean my LAN or my actual internet connection? If its LAN you mean then put it this way: Got 2 PC's running WoW, one is a Laptop on WLAN and my Desktop is wired, we get the same latency.
If you mean wireless internet, what would be the best option to test this on?
Click to expand...

Is it just one or both of the PC's experiencing the problem?

WRT Wireless internet, 3g would be the easiest (you could use your cellphone if it's got a 'modem' option)

Are you using Quartz to view your cast bar latency?
 
I think he means wireless internet. If you have decent 3G coverage you can sommer plug in your phone (assuming you have a tetherable one) and connect through that.

I read through your very briefly. Get a free 1gb Afrihost account and see if that makes a difference. Maybe you have bad luck with the ISP's http://www.afrihost.com/site/page/free_1gb_adsl_account
 
I would suggest you try ask Telkom to put you on to another DSLAM port, preferably in a different row, and if you can on a different make even better. I am pretty sure you were on one of the older ADSL1 DSLAMs, then lightning struck and they installed replacement ADSL2+ DSLAMs, and now you have something that is not stable anymore.

Alternatively, and I know you not going to like this, if Telkom doesn't wanna change you to a different make/model DSLAM you need to get a ADSL modem that is better compatible with what they are currently use, the problem is they won't tell you what they use and you have to play a guess game.

Generally the cheaper ADSL2+ modems work on most DSLAM except a select few they give problems with, and this is when you need a more expensive ADSL2+ modem that uses a different chipset. I have done investigation on this some time ago, and I have come to the conclusion its the difference between a Connexant chip and Broadcom chip (inside the ADSL modem). For example, my Billion 7300ag uses a cheap chip, but like for example the Billion 7402X series uses a much better chip, in fact we got one that synced on a line that has a SNR of 5.0, which I know is impossible, because the ADSL spec says you need a SNR of 6.0+ to be able to sync. And this is just 1 brand of modems that uses different chips already.

Best of luck with your situation, I think my 1st suggestion is the preferable one.
 
Both PC's same problem.

Thanks for the advice, I'll install the software for my phone and try the 3G thing, then I'll take a look at that Afrihost option and get back to you guys.

Thanks again
 
Tinuva said:
I would suggest you try ask Telkom to put you on to another DSLAM port, preferably in a different row, and if you can on a different make even better. I am pretty sure you were on one of the older ADSL1 DSLAMs, then lightning struck and they installed replacement ADSL2+ DSLAMs, and now you have something that is not stable anymore.

Alternatively, and I know you not going to like this, if Telkom doesn't wanna change you to a different make/model DSLAM you need to get a ADSL modem that is better compatible with what they are currently use, the problem is they won't tell you what they use and you have to play a guess game.

Generally the cheaper ADSL2+ modems work on most DSLAM except a select few they give problems with, and this is when you need a more expensive ADSL2+ modem that uses a different chipset. I have done investigation on this some time ago, and I have come to the conclusion its the difference between a Connexant chip and Broadcom chip (inside the ADSL modem). For example, my Billion 7300ag uses a cheap chip, but like for example the Billion 7402X series uses a much better chip, in fact we got one that synced on a line that has a SNR of 5.0, which I know is impossible, because the ADSL spec says you need a SNR of 6.0+ to be able to sync. And this is just 1 brand of modems that uses different chips already.

Best of luck with your situation, I think my 1st suggestion is the preferable one.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this as well, this sounds like it may just work! I'll let you know. I assume I just phone the ISP call center? When I phone 0800 375 375 and it prompts me to enter my ADSL tel no, it recently started redicrecting me to the Telkom Business ISP call center who usually tell me they cant help with ADSL support lol
 
Tymara said:
PS. I feel I should mention I have tried proxy services like WTFast and Lowerping, I can see an overall improvement in latency but the constant spiking is still with me.
Click to expand...

When you try WTFast, have you tried using ports 22, 80 or 3724 to see if this helps to stabilize your connection? Most users get the best results with these ports.
 
Method said:
Well, Blizz recommends 4096kbps for WoW so that could be why you have problems, but it should only be in high pop areas or 25man raids (and 40man PvP events :p).

I had a similar problem. Lightning truck my connection somewhere and I've never had 4mbps again after that. Telkom doesn't care either as they just sync the speeds lower to get them stable.

I move though, so that's someone else's problem now :D

For advice I would say:

If your line is unstable, get Telkom to investigate again. Hopefully they'll fix the problem.

If it is only speed and latency, then you should maybe try a Latency Fix

http://www.wowinterface.com/downloads/info13581-LeatrixLatencyFix.html

Or you could try a traffic compressor:

http://www.tcompressor.com/

Above needs you to pay though. You get a trail but it disconnects you after ever 10mb compressed.
Click to expand...

I have played wow on 512 for years with no problems or lag and normal 300ms pings(unshaped) on US servers, I later switched to SmootPING and got about 80ms.

I dont think is problem is with line size, more like line quality.

And yes this included opening AQ as well do 40 man raids no problem.
 
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Elimentals said:
I have played wow on 512 for years with no problems or lag and normal 300ms pings(unshaped) on US servers, I later switched to SmootPING and got about 80ms.

I dont think is problem is with line size, more like line quality.
Click to expand...

Don't disregard the advice he gave. I also played 512k with 200ms on European servers,'cept when we raided anything intensive on 25man ( Cho'gall heroic,Ony adds etc ) I was infamous in the guild for dc's along with my other South African compadrés with less than 4meg. The burst traffic at those times may JUST be too much
 
PsyWulf said:
Don't disregard the advice he gave. I also played 512k with 200ms on European servers,'cept when we raided anything intensive on 25man ( Cho'gall heroic,Ony adds etc ) I was infamous in the guild for dc's along with my other South African compadrés with less than 4meg. The burst traffic at those times may JUST be too much
Click to expand...

Only found it a problem when using VoIP like vent. Might have changed now... I stopped beginning of the year with Cata so expansion might have changed this. 6 years of wow was enough :)
 
Elimentals said:
Only found it a problem when using VoIP like vent. Might have changed now... I stopped beginning of the year with Cata so expansion might have changed this. 6 years of wow was enough :)
Click to expand...

Cataclysm changed the requirements for traffic imo :) don't ask me why,but I had to bite the bullet and upgrade for it,my sanity was at stake :P
 
Hi Tymara,

I 2nd what Tinuva said, so try that. It does sound like a Telkom problem, but tbh it can be so many things from the cables in your house to the filter or even the phone jack.
At my previous house I had to disable ADSL2+ on my modem to have a stable connected (hacked firmware)

But lets go back & start @ the beginning

What router are u currently using?
Log your router and give me its stats (Line Attenuation & Noise Margin/SNR) IE:

ADSL Link Downstream Upstream
Connection Speed 4096 kbps 512 kbps
Line Attenuation 16.0 db 8.0 db
Noise Margin 27.0 db 14.0 db

Now also keep refreshing it and/or when u get lag tab out and see if your Noise Margin stays static (ie the same as it always is) or if it goes up and down.
You can also check if there is any Collisions.
 
I just hate lightning and routers, 9/10 times the lightning have affected the router and it will have to be replaced.
Still I think the best advice given here was to move ISP (go with Webafrica or such) let them take over the hassles with Telkom, atleast they know who to contact etc.

One other thing you may want to test out is the new Network settings tab in the wow options. They have different settings for connections now using more or less Bandwidth.
 
Hey all
First I want to thank everyone for their continued advice and support.
Now to business.

I've heard WebAfrica is a good service for playing WoW, although I do doubt it is my actualy ISP that is the problem. Some of you guys say I haven't tried a new ISP but in fact I have, I have a Vukanet account I have been using for comparative testing, and Vukanet even uses the IS exchange, not SAIX, and get exactly the same spiking etc. The only upside to changing to WebAfrica, like Werries said, was that they would at least deal with hellkom instead of me :p

I tried the earlier suggestions of trying 3G but it was even worse, I just don't think I have great 3G reception in this area cuz it drops constantly.
This weekend was partiularly bad btw... Not at all how I described the problems at first... Now, I get that same, shoddy, spikey connection as before, except after a couple of hours or even sometimes minutes, I just start lagging out completely getting 3-4 second lag spikes etc. Its definately getting worse and there's definately a problem on the line.

I've opened a new fault on my line this morning, and when I finally get to talk to a technician I'm going to ask them about putting me on a different DSLAM like someone suggested earlier, it may just help.


@SnowWar: I don't wanna waste your time by giving you my router specs right now, as there is in fact a problem with the wireless on it and I've decided to get a new router this week (btw my PC is connected through a LAN cable, before anyone asks :p)

So, if you'd still like to help me out right now, I could really use some advice on what the best router would be that I could get for gaming AND where I could buy it? My usual supplier doesn't seem to have anything and I have no idea where else to look for decent hardware, the last router I bought from a Telkom shop died less than 6 months later, so I tend to avoid them now if possible.

I need an ADSL2+ capable router with Wireless and Ethernet ports, preferably one that has been designed with online gaming in mind.

At least if I have a new router I can be 100% sure thats not the cause when hellkom finally come knocking

Thanks again for all the advice guys <3
 
You know, I thought about it and I guess it can't hurt to post those stats SnowWar wanted, even if I am getting a new router.

Here it is:

Mode ADSL2+
Latency Fast
Trellis Coding Enable
Status SHOWTIME.L0
Power Level L0
Uptime 00:42:41

Downstream Upstream
SNR Margin (dB) 9.3 11.7
Attenuation (dB) 40.0 17.5
Output Power (dBm) 10.5 2.5
Attainable Rate (Kbps) 4960 1024
Rate (Kbps) 2047 511
K (number of bytes in DMT frame) 30 16
R (number of check bytes in RS code word) 8 0
S (RS code word size in DMT frame) 3.68 0.98
D (interleaver depth) 1 1
Delay (msec) 0.92 0.24
FEC 262628 0
CRC 56403 0
Total ES 2606 26667
Total SES 1738 16406
Total UAS 1647 832052

P.S I feel I should mention that a few months ago, before the problems started getting even worse, it used to read 'Attainable rate: 10164 kbps', even though even back then it would not sync at 4MB, it still told me it was available... Now... Only 5MB available (and this figure changes constantly).
 
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