What sort of speeds to expect?

[n\rk]

Hi,

I'm currently with Tiscali, I know... I need to get my head checked. Stuck on overcrowded IP Stream at only 512kb/s because Tiscali either could not or would not migrate the service to MAX, which according to samknows.com is status green at my local exchange (Chesterfield SLCD).

I would like to know first if I migrate to ADSL24's MAX home 30 product, would I automatically be put on a MAX service, and what sort of speeds could I expect with the following line stats:

Exchange: Chesterfield SLCD
Distance: approx 4Km
Attenuation: 63.0-Downstream / 31.5 - Upstream
SNR: 15.7 - Downstream / 20.0 - Upstream
Output: 15.6 Downstream / 31.5 Upstream

These results are only rough, obtained by plugging the modem into the master test socket and taking an average of readings at hourly intervals.

In the process of obtaining a MAC, in the mean time...

Cheers

[Paul_ADSL24]

With those stats then personally I would probably opt for the 1MB fixed package. Max would give you the same speeds but would be subject to BTs profiling so you may end up on a lower profile hence back to the speed you are on now.

[James]

Thats of course if BT's checker says you can get a 1Mb fixed line. If not, we can offer you the upto 8Mbps as Paul says but you may not end up any better off.

James

[n\rk]

I'm confused... I had assumed your line syncs at the fastest supportable speeds on a MAX service, and that my line stats put me safely within the 1Mb range(2-3 according to some stat checkers), but I wasn't aware of BT's line profiling or how this affects your resulting speeds on MAX.

According to the BT checker the line can support a potential MAX line rate of 1Mb or greater, but if your saying I could still end up with 512Kb connection on MAXHome 30, then who's to say I can get 1Mb on Home 1000 which is more expensive?

[Paul_ADSL24]

Attenuation: 63.0-Downstream / 31.5 - Upstream
SNR: 15.7 - Downstream / 20.0 - Upstream


Your downstream attenuation is as high as most routers will show. Your downstream SNR at 15.7 has enough room left to go to 1MB (Higher speeds mean lower SNR). Lines become unstable below 6dB generally.

BTs profiling works in blocks of 576K so on max you have to sync at 1152 to get a 1MB profile. If you sync below this you will be on a 1/2 MB profile. It's possible that Max would give you 1MB or even higher but one low sync event and you would be dropped down to a lower profile. See http://www.dslzoneuk.net/adslmax_explained.php for an explanation

At the end of the day it's up to you. You can try Max and if it proves unstable or you are having profile problems we can regrade you to a fixed speed package.

Have you optimized your internal wiring as per http://www.dslzoneuk.net/socket.php

[James]

n\rk - we can also offer the capped packages (eg Home30) at fixed speed services, eg, 512k or 1mb. - The prices on the website are for unlimited :)

Fixed speed sevices do not have the "BT profile". So if you are on 1Mb fixed speed - you always get 1Mb, whereas on Max, if your router connects above 1152 - you'll get 1Mb, but if it drops to under 1152, the BT profile will put you on 512k - which is why I always recommend that users with long lines go for a fixed speed product...

[n\rk]

Thanks, now I understand abit more about BT's MAX profiling system.. it seems unfair to lock you into a lower MSR just because of one low sync event, instead of having a more dynamic MSR or taking an average sync rate over the 10 days. In this instance is it conceivable that someone a few doors up from you could have a 1Mb service, but even though you know the line is capable you could still end up on a 512Kb profile, because of one low sync event?.. I bring this up 'cus a mate on my street say's hes on 1Mb. Is there anything I can do besides installing an ADSL master faceplate to increase my chances?

[n\rk]

n\rk - we can also offer the capped packages (eg Home30) at fixed speed services, eg, 512k or 1mb. - The prices on the website are for unlimited :)


How can I opt for the fixed speed service on Home30, and how does it work?..

Could I opt for a 2Mb fixed data rate no matter what my line actually synchronises at, so I would be guaranteed the fastest possible data rate at any given time(upto 2Mb/s)... or is it limited to 1Mb?

[James]

It first of all depends on what the BT checker says your line can support. If it says you can get 1Mbps on the fixed speed and 1.5Mbps on the Max service then the max you can order on the fixed speed service is 1Mbps. It it says 512 Kbps, againm 512Kbps is all BT will let you order.

Baiscally, if you opt for a 1Mb service on the "Home 30" plan, you get 1Mbps fixed speed with a 30GB/300GB cap at the same price as Home 30, £19.99

[n\rk]

This is what the BT checker says:

Your exchange is ADSL enabled, and our initial test on your line indicates that your line should be able to have an ADSL broadband service that provides a line rate up to 1Mbps. However due to the length of your line the 1Mbps service may require an engineer visit who will, where possible, supply the broadband service.

Our test also indicates that your line should be able to support a potential ADSL Max broadband line rate of 1Mbps or greater.

The actual ADSL Max line rate supportable will be determined during the first 10 days of use, after which time the highest stable rate possible will be set.

If you decide to place an order, a further test will be performed to confirm if your line is suitable for the service you wish to purchase.

Thank you for your interest.

So I could order 1Mb/s Home30 service regardless of what speed my line can support (in between 576 & 1152K), so that if the BT MAX profile were to fall short of 1152 during the test phase, I would be better off. As it is unlikely from the feedback you've given me and the BT checker, that my line can support 1.5Mb/s anyway?

At what point during signing up can I opt for capped service?

[James]

Yes, that means the BT checker says your line can have either a 1Mb fixed service *or* an ADSL Max service "up to 8Mbps" but you're likely to get around 1Mbps.

In these cases, it's always best to choose a fixed speed service over Max as the fixed speed services are not bound by any profiles set by BT. It will permanently SYNC at 1152 as its a fixed service, not a Max ("best you can get") service.

On the signup page, after entering your phone number, it lets you choose the 1Mb speed and the the Home 30 plan. This will give you a fixed 1Mb connection with the 30/300 GB plan for 19.99

James

[n\rk]

Thanks for all the feedback it's been very helpful, looking forward to migrating just as soon as I get my MAC.

Cheers!

[James]

No problem :)

James

[tinyclanger]

Just my tuppence worth here....about a bad line and ASDL Max

I'm a new ADSL24 customer with a newly fixed 512 line. :) I'm over 6km from my exchange.

I was with Vodafone for a short and VERY problematic spell with their "up to 8Mbps" product. A disaster, as my profile dropped to 250k for several days after a sub-500 sync, and would come back up, only to drop again. The variation in my line quality was making the profile rubbish, and for the whole of the Easter holiday I was getting a throughput of 70kbps:eek: :eek:

I'm sitting happy now with my fixed line, which is very stable, amazingly, with a 63db attenuation and a 3db noise margin.

I love my Netgear DG834g..these routers have a reputation for holding on to lines with a very low SNR. I popped on the netgear DM111P (the free vodafone one) earlier today...and it wouldn't even sync at all...just sat there flashing at me evilly. Put my trusty DG834g back on, and all was well.

Good luck with your migration...and I hope you get your 1Mb