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sand_man
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I think it could be a combination of things but for starters I would recommend changing the software...
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Vodacom Problems: Slow Throughput, trying to Connect, DNS, High Latency
- Thread starter vodacom3g
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I agree VMC is really ***, but separate of that VC needs to improve the reliability. U dont pay for a service that works at certain times, i swear it feels like load shedding with what VC do
lotus123
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The difference is that, with the help of people like V3G and others from VC that have come to my premises to sort out problems, something ultimately gets done about VC 3G problems. The folks over at the MTN forum have possibly given up trying! (I have a couple of MTN SIMs in my SIM farm, and I know what a bother it can be with them).
It's an unfortunate fact that we've become a nation of whingers (and that's a topic I'll not venture into today). Just take a look at the other forums and see how much people hate their ADSL providers, and all other categories of broadband. I'll admit that I've been a staunch Telkom hater - but they got my ADSL running in 5 days from start of application (and that included installing a new line and advising me on how to shave the installation costs).
Regarding the comment on signing up new subscribers beyond the capacity of the network - it doesn't quite work that way. We all know that new towers are going up all the time, and these will make some inroads on satisfying pent-up demand. The reality is that this is a business, and the first responsibility of a business is to create SHAREHOLDER Value - customers needs have to be met for that to be sustainable, but profit must come first. Realistically, the problem is not lack of goodwill in putting up adequate infrastructure - it's deciding where to allocate those resources. I was recently shown a coverage map of our area (Fourways). There are dozens of towers out here in the North, but in my neighbourhood there are 3 that must cover a major new node of development. It puts the problem of congestion in context - I also realised that there would be no quick fix for my particular 3G HSDPA issues, so I now have ADSL.
I think it needs to be reiterated that this 3G network in SA is BIG - far bigger than anything you'll find overseas (I kid you not). So when it hits the fan, there's no-one for VC to call for help (okay, that's not entirely true, but close enough).
A current thread comments on the suitability of VC's 3G network as a viable ISP, and for the most part I agree with the author's sentiments. For what it provides (and note - I did not say "what it promises") it's pretty good. If you plan to run your business on it, then do as I have done and get a dual input (3G and ADSL) router.
In a country where the monopolies of broadcast TV and the Postal (dis)service can really make you crazy, at least broadband offers some choices.
Some very valid points, well put.
On top of what you've mentioned the constraints in getting better coverage (tower site location and backhaul) are serious hampering factors. There are many areas out there where we know there is enough demand to make rolling out towers financially viable but environmental or backhaul issues puts an effective spanner in the works.
And you're spot-on with the size of Vodacom's 3G network. It's so big now compared to most of the 3G networks in other countries that they come out here to learn about the growing pains we (you and us!) had to go through. Guess we have our local, friendly Telco to thank for that!
22:30
Well, as predicted, my throughput dropped considerably after about 7pm. Right now it is extremely slow, albeit a tad better than last night.
Yet, my speed test shows great results:
http://www.speedtest.net/result/324491084.png
V3G, why is this happening virtually every night for the past couple of weeks?
Well, as predicted, my throughput dropped considerably after about 7pm. Right now it is extremely slow, albeit a tad better than last night.
Yet, my speed test shows great results:
http://www.speedtest.net/result/324491084.png
V3G, why is this happening virtually every night for the past couple of weeks?
22:30
Well, as predicted, my throughput dropped considerably after about 7pm. Right now it is extremely slow, albeit a tad better than last night.
Yet, my speed test shows great results:
http://www.speedtest.net/result/324491084.png
V3G, why is this happening virtually every night for the past couple of weeks?
Not only is this peak period for data but it's peak period for voice as well. Since the days of Telkom call-more, people start phoning after 7PM and after 8PM call volumes are very high.
So you get hit with a double whammy. Why it's worse the past week could well be that there is a transmission (back-haul) problem somewhere and data is being routed over alternate links, aggravating the problem.
@ Lotus and V3G
U guys make valid points and i understand the issues, its just frustrating. i remember round this time last year i was having this exact discussion and here we are rewriting history. It just feels that VC just cant keep up with demand, as they "sort" the problem bam back to playing the catch up game. I know this product works, on the days that it is working its like climbing into a sports car thats reliable, fast and has great handling. Followed by days of borrowing ur grans stuffed out mini from 19-footsak.
V3G dont u have hassles at night round the 7pm->11pm mark? run a constant ping to google and please check (unless u on a elite admin APN, kidding). I swear its like clockwork give or take a 1min or 2.
U guys make valid points and i understand the issues, its just frustrating. i remember round this time last year i was having this exact discussion and here we are rewriting history. It just feels that VC just cant keep up with demand, as they "sort" the problem bam back to playing the catch up game. I know this product works, on the days that it is working its like climbing into a sports car thats reliable, fast and has great handling. Followed by days of borrowing ur grans stuffed out mini from 19-footsak.
V3G dont u have hassles at night round the 7pm->11pm mark? run a constant ping to google and please check (unless u on a elite admin APN, kidding). I swear its like clockwork give or take a 1min or 2.
Hi V3g
The point is that everything was fine until a week or two ago. Surely there was peak traffic every night before this problem started?
I really hope they can sort it out pronto. It's really frustrating when one is, as Bedford so aptly put it, used to a sports car!
lotus123
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The technician that visited me showed me the towers in my area on an interactive map on his laptop. I was able to see the towers, the sectors they cover, precise ranges (to the meter) how far away, signal strength - it's very impressive stuff. It also makes you realise that running the network is not a "hit or miss" affair, and that the people in the field (read what you like into that) are extremely well trained and knowledgeable.
BTW - before anyone suggests it, I'm not involved in any way with VC, beyond being a client.
lotus123
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Has this anything to do with 3G phone calls?
Maybe V3G can answer this one.
I've noticed (actually measured) performance degradation in this area in the late afternoons, which corresponds to the homeward migration of the local lemmings in this highly built-up area. Most of them have the latest phones (Dainfern, you know) and if you watch them on the road you'll see every one driving with the phone stuck to the ear (dads, moms, gardeners - Metro makes a killing around here). Similar situation in the mornings.
I understand that many of the newer phones are 3G capable. Is it possible that, when in a 3G coverage area, the calls are being carried on the 3G "spectrum", and thereby contributing to the congestion problem for data users?
Maybe V3G can answer this one.
I've noticed (actually measured) performance degradation in this area in the late afternoons, which corresponds to the homeward migration of the local lemmings in this highly built-up area. Most of them have the latest phones (Dainfern, you know) and if you watch them on the road you'll see every one driving with the phone stuck to the ear (dads, moms, gardeners - Metro makes a killing around here). Similar situation in the mornings.
I understand that many of the newer phones are 3G capable. Is it possible that, when in a 3G coverage area, the calls are being carried on the 3G "spectrum", and thereby contributing to the congestion problem for data users?
Spot on, and in addition, you'll also experience a phenomenon called 'cell shrinking' or 'cell breathing' that basically states the more 3G devices in a 3G cell, the smaller the cell becomes.
So you'll merrily sit and work with your 3G device and as more 3G devices join the cell, it could actually shrink past you and you'll start getting connection problems.
It's inherent in design of 3G and the only way to make sure you appear 'closer' to the tower is with an external antenna.
Just one of the joys of trying to transmit high data rates wirelessly....
Hi V3g
The point is that everything was fine until a week or two ago. Surely there was peak traffic every night before this problem started?
I really hope they can sort it out pronto. It's really frustrating when one is, as Bedford so aptly put it, used to a sports car!
That's why I think something changed in the transmission structure in your area. Could even be more towers that came on-line and are sharing the same links as your towers.
I know I sound like a stuck record, but if we could get the thousands of outstanding links, 99% of these problems will go away.....
Well you should be getting your fibre network up and running in the next few years? This should hopefully make a difference? I know that there are a few rings active but I think it will take years for it to reach the majority of your towers? It sucks but I reckon there is nothing that South African Internet users can do but wait patiently...
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It will make a big difference but obviously only in the areas where the rings run. So the rings try and go where the bulk data requirements are. And it's sooner rather than later.
But if you're outside this area we're still very much dependent on Telkom.....
I don't normally see problems where I am, but it's probably due to differences in local transmission.
Can you run a few speed tests before and after PM?
Also a ping to a local server before and after PM?
Basically if you can give me a before and after snapshot, it'll help.
BTW, no 'elite' Pan's
Which there was one, then I'd put you all onto it....Yes please
Well, surprise, surprise: it's 20:30 and throughput is still normal!
Oh, of course, it's Hump Day ... and everyone is "humping" instead of phoning!
Well, surprise, surprise: it's 20:30 and throughput is still normal!
Oh, of course, it's Hump Day ... and everyone is "humping" instead of phoning!
Sad then that we're posting......
Sad then that we're posting......
HAHAHA
Well i dont know what to say, tonight has been fine. I havent had much request timeouts with the occasional high ping. V3G has anything changed, im in the bedfordview area jhb?
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