Adsl Connection vs VDSL Connection

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ipsum

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Hi,

New and seeking some advice.
I upgraded my afrihost adsl account to 20mb uncapped VDSL line and data at afrihost.

For a while i have noticed that the speed i receive is between 10 and 12mb if i am lucky.

I noticed the modulation also still says adsl. I plugged in my adsl modem and saw that the adsl modem works on the vdsl line. Then i contacted the supplier of the modem TPlink and they replied that the modem i use will never work on an vdsl line.

When i contacted Afrihost to ask how it is possible, they replied that the line and package is on vdsl but because the modulation is not on vdsl, it can operate adsl and vdsl.

Why do we need to buy VDSL modems if a ADSL modem is compatible with vdsl line, even if it is not designed for it?
It makes a person wonder, how may isp has informed the customer to buy a vdsl modem for nothing. I spend just under 1000 for a vdsl modem thanks to afrihost and then i find out my non compatible adsl modem works on the vdsl line just fine.

My Questions are:
Has this happened to anyone before that you can run a vdsl connection from an ADSL modem that is only designed for adsl?
Are the minimum speed for 20 mb vdsl constantly 24/7 between 10 and 12mb?

thanx
 
Your line sync profile is most certainly still on ADSL. VDSL will not work on an adsl modem, unless the exchange is configured in such a way to allow both ADSL and VDSL syncs.

Why would you want VDSL?
- Higher upload
- Higher download (VDSL uses PTM which has a lot less overhead than ADSL over ATM), you will just abour reach your 20Mbps.
- Somewhat lower latency
- More stable (Better SNR margins) over short distances.

The fact that you're only seeing 10-20Mbps could very well be because your ADSL sync profile is not syncing at 20Mbps (but probably around 15Mbps)

Go harass Telkom and insist on a VDSL profile.
 
ipsum said:
Hi,

New and seeking some advice.
I upgraded my afrihost adsl account to 20mb uncapped VDSL line and data at afrihost.

For a while i have noticed that the speed i receive is between 10 and 12mb if i am lucky.

I noticed the modulation also still says adsl. I plugged in my adsl modem and saw that the adsl modem works on the vdsl line. Then i contacted the supplier of the modem TPlink and they replied that the modem i use will never work on an vdsl line.

When i contacted Afrihost to ask how it is possible, they replied that the line and package is on vdsl but because the modulation is not on vdsl, it can operate adsl and vdsl.

Why do we need to buy VDSL modems if a ADSL modem is compatible with vdsl line, even if it is not designed for it?
It makes a person wonder, how may isp has informed the customer to buy a vdsl modem for nothing. I spend just under 1000 for a vdsl modem thanks to afrihost and then i find out my non compatible adsl modem works on the vdsl line just fine.

My Questions are:
Has this happened to anyone before that you can run a vdsl connection from an ADSL modem that is only designed for adsl?
Are the minimum speed for 20 mb vdsl constantly 24/7 between 10 and 12mb?

thanx
Click to expand...

ADSL 2+ works up to 24Mb/s.
 
Unbelievable the levels of misinformation out there!

There is absolutely zero point in upgrading to a vdsl line and then NOT upgrading the modem/router on the end of the line. That IS the only way you will get value out of the vdsl line.

Having said that, The MSAN whatever at the exchange end of the line WILL detect what modem/router you have and set itself up accordingly to handle whatever protocols your modem/router is capable of and will in many cases give you a better service, but not what you could get if you upgraded the modem/router. If your existing router is a ADSL2+ router then you will get some benefit from being connected to a vdsl compatible MSAN at the exchange.

It is called downward compatibility. The only way to get full value out of your new service is to replace the modem/router with a vdsl modem.
 
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Geoff.D said:
Unbelievable the levels of misinformation out there!

There is absolutely zero point in upgrading to a vdsl line and then NOT upgrading the modem/router on the end of the line. That IS the only way you will get value out of the vdsl line.

Having said that, The MSAN whatever at the exchange end of the line WILL detect what modem/router you have and set itself up accordingly to handle whatever protocols your modem/router is capable of and will in many cases give you a better service, but not what you could get if you upgraded the modem/router. If your existing router is a ADSL2+ router then you will get some benefit from being connected to a vdsl compatible MSAN at the exchange.

It is called downward compatibility. The only way to get full value out of your new service is to replace the modem/router with a vdsl modem.
Click to expand...

Nope, most of the time it's either VDSL or the highway if they set it up as VDSL. The sync speed will dynamically adapt.

If you can, always go VDSL.
 
What is not clear in this discussion so far is exactly what is available in the area. There are exchange areas where OpenServe indicate you can get a 20 Mb/s service either on ADSL2+ or VDSL, in which case it may not be necessary to upgrade the modem, provided the existing modem/router is an ADSL 2+ modem/router.

My area is advertised as a VDSL service area, BUT the specific MSAN serving the portion of the area in which I live is only ADSL2+ capable. So while I can apply for a 20 Mb/s service, I will not have to get a VDSL modem/router, and a ADSL2+ modem/router will do just as well.
 
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The short answer is that you aren't actually on VDSL.

It's just a billing description really.

To actually get Telkom to switch you to 20MB VDSL is a pain in the ass and almost not worth it.
 
Geoff.D said:
What is not clear in this discussion so far is exactly what is available in the area. There are exchange areas where OpenServe indicate you can get a 20 Mb/s service either on ADSL2+ or VDSL, in which case it may not be necessary to upgrade the modem, provided the existing modem/router is an ADSL 2+ modem/router.

My area is advertised as a VDSL service area, BUT the specific MSAN serving the portion of the area in which I live is only ADSL2+ capable. So while I can apply for a 20 Mb/s service, I will not have to get a VDSL modem/router, and a ADSL2+ modem/router will do just as well.
Click to expand...

That's because there is a both a 20Mbps VDSL and 20MBps ADSL service offering and most Telkom people see it as one and the same thing while it's not.

The difference is only slight with a higher upload speed on VDSL, so unless you need that or you happen to have a VDSL modem at hand it's generally not worth it.
 
SauRoNZA said:
That's because there is a both a 20Mbps VDSL and 20MBps ADSL service offering and most Telkom people see it as one and the same thing while it's not.

The difference is only slight with a higher upload speed on VDSL, so unless you need that or you happen to have a VDSL modem at hand it's generally not worth it.
Click to expand...

You get a good 2.5Mbps more throughput on a 20Mbps VDSL sync. VDSL has very low overheads. ADSL does not (around 12 or so percent). Thats a very good reason to switch to VDSL. IOW ADSL2+ expect around 17Mbps effective throughput. VDSL you get close to the advertised 20Mbps.
 
Mr.Jax said:
You get a good 2.5Mbps more throughput on a 20Mbps VDSL sync. VDSL has very low overheads. ADSL does not (around 12 or so percent). Thats a very good reason to switch to VDSL. IOW ADSL2+ expect around 17Mbps effective throughput. VDSL you get close to the advertised 20Mbps.
Click to expand...

Aaah didn't realise that's because of VDSL.

Just assumed it was a better offering from Crystal Web.

Makes sense though yeah. I get 18.7 or something like that.
 
ipsum said:
...............

My Questions are:
Has this happened to anyone before that you can run a vdsl connection from an ADSL modem that is only designed for adsl?
Are the minimum speed for 20 mb vdsl constantly 24/7 between 10 and 12mb?

thanx
Click to expand...

So then a summary of all the comments to this and to try and answer your questions.

(1) A 20 Mb/s service can be provided on both ADSL2+ and VDSL. Hence it is not correct for anyone, including an ISP to automatically assume that a 20 Mb/s service is VDSL. You have to confirm in your area what is available ( ADSL2+ or VDSL). Only then is it possible for you to decide which router to get or to upgrade to.
(2) The full potential of either 20 Mb/s service is only possible IF you use the correct modem/router suitable for connection to the available service.
(3) You cannot assume because you have been sold a 20 Mb/s service that it is VDSL.
 
Hi,

1) I was on 8mb ADSL from Afrihost.
2) Telkom said the only way to get faster internet in my area is VDSL.
3) Only 20mb VDSL is available in my area.
4) Afrihost informed me to change my modem to a VDSL Modem and then they will change my package to VDSL.
5) I bought a VDSL modem and requested the change.
6) Afrihost confirmed i am on a 20mb vdsl line and data.
7) Everything was connected on the VDSL MODEM, but my speed was between 10 and 12 mb.
8) I asked afrihost to check and they could not resolve the issues, they did however speculate what the problems could be.
9) Afrihost was informed about the modulation and they said it was not the problem.
10) In the meantime i tested it with my ADSL MODEM and received the same speed, thus concluding it did not make a difference whether it was ADSL or VDSL modem.
11) After consulting with an outside IT expert this afternoon, he informed me that the modulation must be changed and they "afrihost" must double check the sync.
12) Only after i mentioned it, Afrihost started looking into it and it works now.
13) Speed between 18 and 20mb.

Thanks for everyone's advice
 
So once again for the umpteenth time we have had a demonstration of how poor Afrihost support is! The customer must tell them what to do!

Unbelievable!

The service has to be setup to match the modem you have and it is the ISPs responsibility to check ALL configurations. It is not for them to start speculating about what the problem could be they should diagnose what the issue is and then recommend or take appropriate action.

And BTW you have indirectly proved that modern modem/s routers will automatically re-configure to establish a connection.
 
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ipsum said:
Hi,

1) I was on 8mb ADSL from Afrihost.
2) Telkom said the only way to get faster internet in my area is VDSL.
3) Only 20mb VDSL is available in my area.
4) Afrihost informed me to change my modem to a VDSL Modem and then they will change my package to VDSL.
5) I bought a VDSL modem and requested the change.
6) Afrihost confirmed i am on a 20mb vdsl line and data.
7) Everything was connected on the VDSL MODEM, but my speed was between 10 and 12 mb.
8) I asked afrihost to check and they could not resolve the issues, they did however speculate what the problems could be.
9) Afrihost was informed about the modulation and they said it was not the problem.
10) In the meantime i tested it with my ADSL MODEM and received the same speed, thus concluding it did not make a difference whether it was ADSL or VDSL modem.
11) After consulting with an outside IT expert this afternoon, he informed me that the modulation must be changed and they "afrihost" must double check the sync.
12) Only after i mentioned it, Afrihost started looking into it and it works now.
13) Speed between 18 and 20mb.

Thanks for everyone's advice
Click to expand...

Heya ipsum. :) I'm glad to hear that you got your Modulation set to VDSL in the end. It will certainly have an effect on your sync rate. I just wish we could have sorted this out for you sooner. :( I'm sorry to hear about the miscommunication you had with our Support Team.

Just to clarify. Modulation is not something we actively look at, detect or set. Changes in modulation have to be requested to Openserve directly by our Lines Team and isn't something that an Afrihost Support agent can set at the click of a button. :( If a request to change modulation is put in by a client, we log it with Openserve and we have to wait for a response.

Modulation is often automatically detected and set when a line upgrade completes, but as mentioned, all changes have to be managed on a case by case basis. Feel free to drop me a PM right here if you need to have any future matters expedited. :)
 
But knowing that the process is automatic on initial setup and after that manual, and then taking into account that the initial setup may be with an existing modem in place, is it then not worth special attention when the expected transfer rates are not being achieved to trigger a check at least?

Speculation on the part of your support personnel is completely unacceptable.
 
I have just been bumped up to 20mb adsl - stats attached in the screenshot.

20mb.PNG

I'm on ordinary belkin modem I paid R300 for, mybb speed test to Joburg I get around 12mb, to Cape Town I get 14mb.

Should I get a vdsl router and ask Telkom to make the change etc?
 
You should be able to benefit from a shift to VDSL, provided VDSL is available in your area and you are connected to a vdsl capable node.

After checking the above, get the modem first and then get hold of your ISP to organise the move to vdsl.
 
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