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Hi all, I got my internet through the P.O and I frequently lose dsl connection and think it may be down to the router modem thingy . So my question is can I buy a better one and will it work with the P.O internet that is coming via B.T phone line ? Many thanks Dilly.

To answer your question yes you can.
But you dont want to. . .

The reason you do not want to is that you have to configure the new router with the P.O. settings and passwords. Ive not dealt with them, but some company's like sky you have have to hack the passwords out of them, and they always say which is fair enough we can not support any other routers only the one we supplied you with.

Factors for Loosing Connection.

Noise on the line. Which becomes your phone providers problem.
Micro filter has failed, you need this to prevent the connection dropping if your using voice calls while on the internet at the same time.

You should have a micro filter connected to each phone that connects to your BT Line including extensions in other rooms.

Micro filters start from about £3

Hope that helps.

Cheers Mark, They sent me a new router out when the problem first started and this worked for a month or so then gave up all together so I am now back on the original. I have spare filters that they supplied and changing them seems to make no difference. I only have one phone line which is in the spare room on which I have a wired desktop. I use a tablet through wireless connection anywhere else. I will have to get back on to them to see if they can sort it but their customer service is a nightmare, II was put on hold one time for over an hour and when you finally get to speak to somebody they are not very helpful.Thanks again you have saved me the expense of a new router which I probably would not be able to connect. Cheers Dilly.

Make a log of of when its disconnecting, i know you wont be watching for all the disconnections, but log the ones you can.

Noise on the Line.
If there is excess noise on the line, this can cause the router to disconnect and try again due to the poor quality, just like you and I saying let me call you back its a poor line / signal.

Environment.
Look out side and see where your BT line Runs ?
Does i go through trees to the pole.
Does it go underground.

So if its in the trees when its windy could be causing the cable to be disturbed and Noise on the line.

Wet if its been raining and your cable goes underground it could be in water and degrading the signal.

In these situations being the Sherlock homes can get you the results over time. You will in time be able to second guess when it will be at its worst.

Your router will have a built in log, but can be difficult to understand and most times its hidden anyway.

Mark

Thanks Mark. The lines are overhead and do look to be in poor condition.When an engineer from openreach last came out he actually said that and it was due to BT investing in new lines. Thanks again to your help. Dilly

Had similar problem for 4 years on and off. Really got bad again last autumn. new router sent but not the problem. BT engineer said it kept disconnecting because the download speeds were so a low around 1mbps. Seemed to have fixed the regular disconnection--maybe only twice a night instead of 10 or 20 times. Line speeds not improved that much. Got t to 7mps which lasted a week. Lucky to get 3mbps. Virgin help line now say that's normal. Cant help feeling fobbed off --so looking to see if satellite internet is possible.
Does seem to worsen with windy wet weather which suggests to me fault is in an external cable.

Wondering if the type of phone I have could be a factor--might try an ordinary phone rather than digital hands free german one.
Good luck Dilly. Do post your findings if you get it sorted..Causes so much aggro in our house with the kids moaning

Hi Fish, I just checked and mine is reading 72 Mbps and signal very strong but having said that it reads that when I have no connection. Not that I understand a word of it

@ DIlly.
Your readings are telling us what your Wifi connection is not your broadband speed connection speed.

You have told us at 74mbs is the speed between you and your router, that's why when the connection drops your connection to your router and your device is still connected and still the same speed.

If you want me to remote connect to your computer and look at your settings drop me a pm, it only takes 5 mins to set up a remote connection.

If you want to know what speed your broad band is doing that's from the connection on the wall to the big internet world try this broad band speed tester .

http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk/

Click on Begin Speed Test.

Its normal for it to say its downloading as that is what the test is all about.

You will then get the correct results.


* Interference with Wifi Signals (Near the aerials)
* Digital Phone Reciever (move it seen this lots of times).
* Microwave oven when on.
* Baby Monitors

There on the same radio waves as your wifi connection and thats why a Wifi can drop out but not your router to the outside world.

Hi Mark, just done the download speed check as you recommended and it came back with 3Mbps.Cheers

You must be a fair distance from the exchange, but its acceptable 3mb as you will not be on the latest fibre lines at that speed.

Do that test a few times a week, it should be fairly constant.

Will do. Thanks again Mark.

One thing Mark mentioned was noisey line. With all filters and ext. phones pulled out, the line should absolutely silent. You can do the BT test by dialling 17070. After the line I.D. you have a menu. Press 2 for "Quiet Line".

It's important to verify that the fault is on the line to your house and nothing inside, otherwise BT will bill you for £130.00p !!! They are good like that. Bless them !

Hope this helps. Apologies if I'm teaching my Granny to suck eggs.

Formerly with Tiscali, which is now Talk Talk, I had no end of problems with my BB connection. For months I was phoning them for help. I asked for a visit from an engineer and was told that it would be very expnsive. Even their email replies were hard faced. In the end I called BT, and was easily able to transfer my business to them. The problem persisted and BT sent out an engineer who quickly recognised the problem. It was a bad connection on the telephone pole. He got up on the pole and gave me a different connection. He even went to the exchange at Upton and made sure everything was running right. Problem was sorted. Insist on an engineer's visit. I too had the noise on line and constant disconnection. Good luck.

Cheers guys, I think an engineer visit is the only solution to my problem as I am no way Internet or computer savvy. Thanks again.

if your out of contract normally after 12 months but check, as it can be 18 or 24 months.
call and threaten to leave.

when you get through to the cancellation team eventually, you will find they will move mountains for free to keep you.

just another way to get the service you should be getting anyway.