Vodacom Problems: Slow Throughput, trying to Connect, DNS, High Latency

[Bedford]

Hey guys,

- Bedfordview
- Huawei E220
- 351827011553592 (IMEI)
- Not to sure of the firmware (recent download from vodacom, maybe 5 weeks old)
- I have both standard and unrestricted apn

When I 1st got the it worked like a dream, I was able to do anything online without a hassle (play poker, and a little gaming), generally sat on 3 to 4 bars. About 5 weeks ago the tower in our area started giving hassles (was getting no network or maybe 1 bar), I was told that there was a fault and hardware was replaced. After that signal returned to a healthy 3/4 bars. 1 week later the signal began to degrade again and has since been giving me problems again.

I am in touch with a technician in CPT (if u need ill pm his details), and hopefully will get a techy out here with equipment to help work out the problem.

I confirmed my coverage area and im well within the footprint. What could be causing the flucuations im having, 1 night 3/4 bars great connection then others like recently 1 bar and horrific connection. Tonight was by far the worst i have ever had.

I did notice that the modem was constantly flicking between 3g and hsdpa every 2 sec or so.

Please let me know if u need any further info, ill provide just short of my credit card number to get this sorted

 

[ajax]

Well, it's at it again!

Had an issue previously where I just got no response when trying to ping a website.

Could not get a working connection this morning. Reconnected several times and got it to work. Half an hour later had the same problem. It connects, but no data comes through. Eventually switched to MTN

 

[Francois Theron]

Area: Langebaan
Modem: Globtrotter 3G+ Option card
IMEI: 356936004278011' NL2D65G0BL
APN: Internet

Two to three bars signal, no connection on 3G

 

[vodacom3g]

The guys are busy trying to find causes for this.We're not seeing general problems.

Can you check if you can do a DNS lookup after connected?

 

[Francois Theron]

Can you check if you can do a DNS lookup after connected?

What does this mean?

 

[ajax]

Working just fine tonight.

 

[3GSux]

Heya v3g

Name resolution works fine. It is simply getting a response that doesn't work.
This was initially a problem on Thursday 28 June '07.
Last weekend was GREAT with responses as good as 190ms.

Then WOW, we're back to No Response.

Vodacom seems to be taking the lead from Eskom and all the other services in South Africa, just cutting us off whenever they feel.

:&

 

[Csnoopy]

I'm sure I'm not the only one struggling to understand your post - seems like conflicting info to me, perhaps you could clarify what you meant?

It is rather difficult to help if we cannot understand the issue.

Are you still on 3G. I see your name is 3Gsux? Is it relevant. Maybe the Forum & v3g can help you solve some of your issues.

 

[3GSux]

There ain't no conflict dude. If there were a problem with DNS, when pinging the name would not be resolved and the ping would fail. However, names are being resolved into the appropriate IP address.

Getting a response from the IP is the problem.

Extract of PING:

C:\>ping smtp.vodacom.co.za

Pinging smtp.vodacom.co.za [196.11.146.148] with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 196.11.146.148:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),

C:\>

What we would be expecting to see here is something like:

C:\>ping smtp.vodacom.co.za

Pinging smtp.vodacom.co.za [196.11.146.148] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239

Ping statistics for 196.11.146.148:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),

C:\>

I must reiterate my previous comment, 3G is GREAT (when it works), but days like this where I get no response from sites simply means HIGH latency and the ability to do absolutely nothing other than surf a few web pages. Any other application just connects...disconnects.. actually I'm lucky it connects at all.

Yes I am still on 3G but am very annoyed at how random the service is.

 

[Csnoopy]

There ain't no conflict dude. If there were a problem with DNS, when pinging the name would not be resolved and the ping would fail. However, names are being resolved into the appropriate IP address.

Getting a response from the IP is the problem.

Extract of PING:

C:\>ping smtp.vodacom.co.za

Pinging smtp.vodacom.co.za [196.11.146.148] with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 196.11.146.148:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),

C:\>

What we would be expecting to see here is something like:

C:\>ping smtp.vodacom.co.za

Pinging smtp.vodacom.co.za [196.11.146.148] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239

Ping statistics for 196.11.146.148:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),

C:\>

I must reiterate my previous comment, 3G is GREAT (when it works), but days like this where I get no response from sites simply means HIGH latency and the ability to do absolutely nothing other than surf a few web pages. Any other application just connects...disconnects.. actually I'm lucky it connects at all.

Yes I am still on 3G but am very annoyed at how random the service is.

Did you ever mention your location ? and have you contacted 911 oh sorry 155 or 082155 ?

 

[Csnoopy]

There ain't no conflict dude. If there were a problem with DNS, when pinging the name would not be resolved and the ping would fail. However, names are being resolved into the appropriate IP address.

Getting a response from the IP is the problem.

Extract of PING:

C:\>ping smtp.vodacom.co.za

Pinging smtp.vodacom.co.za [196.11.146.148] with 32 bytes of data:

Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.

Ping statistics for 196.11.146.148:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 0, Lost = 4 (100% loss),

C:\>

What we would be expecting to see here is something like:

C:\>ping smtp.vodacom.co.za

Pinging smtp.vodacom.co.za [196.11.146.148] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time =200ms TTL=239

Ping statistics for 196.11.146.148:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),

C:\>

I must reiterate my previous comment, 3G is GREAT (when it works), but days like this where I get no response from sites simply means HIGH latency and the ability to do absolutely nothing other than surf a few web pages. Any other application just connects...disconnects.. actually I'm lucky it connects at all.

Yes I am still on 3G but am very annoyed at how random the service is.

I am on a Dial-up.
I have just done a ping smtp.vodacom.co.za and I am also getting timeouts.

Sometimes they have firewall rules that block pings to smtp servers.

 

[pietpetoors]

Langebaan

When I started it was on GPRS, during my test it went to 3G again.
- Your area Langebaan
- Your type of modem Huawei E220
- The modem's EMEI - 351827011551075
- The modem's firmware revision. HOST 20.11.04.01.00.19
- apn you're on. What is this?

C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>ping -t smtp.vodamail.co.za

Pinging smtp.vodamail.co.za [196.11.146.148] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=862ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=721ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=580ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=643ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=705ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=802ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=661ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=722ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=580ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=645ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=766ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=667ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=687ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=765ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=626ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=691ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=747ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=609ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=688ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=608ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=688ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=728ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=687ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=749ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=605ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=726ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=584ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=706ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=591ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=649ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=729ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=597ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=675ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=731ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=593ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=676ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=755ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=614ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=675ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=755ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=416ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=917ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=659ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=719ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=596ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=675ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=739ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=597ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=675ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=740ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=618ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=779ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=659ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=742ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=618ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=680ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=742ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=603ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=666ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=763ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=629ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=689ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=749ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=627ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=709ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=575ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=629ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=710ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=594ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=675ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=740ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=595ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=659ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=756ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=616ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=693ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=759ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=638ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=697ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=757ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=615ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=679ms TTL=245
Request timed out.
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=1677ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=359ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=217ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=203ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=205ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=190ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=193ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=194ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=198ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=605ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=205ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=227ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=212ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=232ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=237ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=236ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=239ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=226ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=610ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=209ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=213ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=214ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=218ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=1021ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=260ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=202ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=242ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=224ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=385ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=203ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=225ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=207ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=211ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=638ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=360ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=392ms TTL=245
Request timed out.
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=1493ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=389ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=354ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=294ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=344ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=306ms TTL=245

Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=32 time=489ms TTL=245



C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>ping -t -l 500 smtp.vodamail.co.za

Pinging smtp.vodamail.co.za [196.11.146.148] with 500 bytes of data:

Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=267ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=261ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=251ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=246ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=246ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=247ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=249ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=251ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=257ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=232ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=232ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=255ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=250ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=272ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=266ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=269ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=250ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=260ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=253ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=500 time=278ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148:


C:\Documents and Settings\Owner>ping -t -l 1000 smtp.vodamail.co.za

Pinging smtp.vodamail.co.za [196.11.146.148] with 1000 bytes of data:

Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=1000 time=321ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=1000 time=330ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=1000 time=302ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=1000 time=317ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=1000 time=330ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=1000 time=321ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=1000 time=322ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=1000 time=315ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148: bytes=1000 time=305ms TTL=245
Reply from 196.11.146.148:

 

[Csnoopy]

When posting many lines of ping or tracert test results etc, please enclose those results inside a [noparse]

[/noparse] block - doing so will save the scroll wheel on my mouse from wearing out [again].

Lol.. DO we really need to as many lines ?

3Gsux is pinging C:\>ping smtp.vodacom.co.za
not vodamail.co.za. If that is what Pietepetoors is trying to show.

 

[3GSux]

I am on a Dial-up.
I have just done a ping smtp.vodacom.co.za and I am also getting timeouts.

Sometimes they have firewall rules that block pings to smtp servers.

smtp.vodacom.co.za and smtp.vodamail.co.za both resolve to IP: 196.11.146.148.

Currently have 3 bars, although even when attempting to use GPRS at 5 bars I receive a timeout. It's been like that all week. Was honestly hoping to get back from the office today and be able to post that it is working again but alas I am still having no luck.

I've tried a number of addresses which work from the office on a Diginet line so it's gotta be a Vodacom issue. Since this issue, something as simple as trying to logon to Yahoo! Messenger is a REAL battle.

Won't even mention streaming audio or video.

Guess I'm just going to have to wait for VC to sort out the problems, would just be nice to be informed that they are aware of an issue and that it is being looked into. 155 is no help at all.

 

[davidwza]

Connection Problems

A couple of days back I was connecting with no problem, I havent changed any settings and am using the APN internet but for the last 3-4 days wherever I am I am getting a connection Failed error - its a bit frustrating because I purchased 2Gb prepaid bundle and am running out of time, i will lose my 2GB in a week or 2 if this problem persists.

 

[vodacom3g]

A couple of days back I was connecting with no problem, I havent changed any settings and am using the APN internet but for the last 3-4 days wherever I am I am getting a connection Failed error - its a bit frustrating because I purchased 2Gb prepaid bundle and am running out of time, i will lose my 2GB in a week or 2 if this problem persists.

Pass me the 155 reference numbers and I'll look into it. What did they say, btw?

 

[pietpetoors]

3g

Is this getting anywhere?
This connection jumps around from 3G to GPRS to No Network all the time. There is no consistency. The one moment I can work, the next moment there is nothing.
I loose about 30% of each day's work not even to mention the frustration this cause.
What is the worse is that at the end of the month Vodacom wants their money, whether they delivered a service or not. They bind you with a contract and if you do not pay, they will hand you over. Maybe I must bill them for my time they have wasted over the past three weeks.

 

[vodacom3g]

Is this getting anywhere?
This connection jumps around from 3G to GPRS to No Network all the time. There is no consistency. The one moment I can work, the next moment there is nothing.
I loose about 30% of each day's work not even to mention the frustration this cause.
What is the worse is that at the end of the month Vodacom wants their money, whether they delivered a service or not. They bind you with a contract and if you do not pay, they will hand you over. Maybe I must bill them for my time they have wasted over the past three weeks.

PIet, as asked before, pass me the 155 call numbers and I'll follow up.

 

[Csnoopy]

Is this getting anywhere?
This connection jumps around from 3G to GPRS to No Network all the time. There is no consistency. The one moment I can work, the next moment there is nothing.
I loose about 30% of each day's work not even to mention the frustration this cause.
What is the worse is that at the end of the month Vodacom wants their money, whether they delivered a service or not. They bind you with a contract and if you do not pay, they will hand you over. Maybe I must bill them for my time they have wasted over the past three weeks.

It is David against Goliath. In Terms of the contract what rights do the users have. Over under billing, quality of service provided. If you dont pay, trouble if you cancel your stop order, trouble. You complain about the service then they cancel the contract and say payup or .......

 

[vodacom3g]

You complain about the service then they cancel the contract and say payup or .......

Where did this happen? Please pass me the details of where Vodacom cancelled someone's contract because they complained.