ISP DSL woes.

[coriolis]

Alright, here's my situation. I've been meaning to cancel Sympatico for the past year, but I was at my dorm then(and with Rogers, 90kb/sec max for torrents but a 400kb/sec+ for http) and since came back. Sympatico 'High Speed' has been giving me 40-60kb/sec max for http downloads, 20kb/sec max for IRC xdcc bots and 65kb/sec max for torrents. Upload hits a nice 35kb/sec. It's been this way for about a years now it seems, and after lots of BS'ing from the reps about how its not their fault, and how thats normal, I finally canceled it after coming home.

Now, Sympatico will be canceled on July 11th, and I had did my research before on who to switch to. TekSavvy sounds awesome, but not available in my area(Markham, Steeles/Warden). Neither is Velcom(They said it was, then they called me earlier and apologized, which I was disappointed, but glad they called me and didn't BS around).

I currently own a modem(The 2wire one from CC, it's been working great for the past few months after the 5200 broke, but same speeds) so I prefer to stick with DSL.

Is there really no other DSL company to choose from? Theres....3Web, Acanac, etc. but I've followed the comments here and, well, I don't think so.

Any suggestions on what I can do?

Thanks.

edit: As for price, I'd prefer under $35/month but anything is better then the $54 Sympatico was charging...

http://www.dslreports.com/im/31637274/9646.png

[Riflem@n]

If you can get Bell, you can get Teksavvy, Velcom, other DSL providers

Post your line stats to see how good your line is.

[coriolis]

I did the online test and called both TekSavvy and Velcom, they both said it wasn't available right now, it might be in a few months and to call them back then.

I'm not sure how to do a Line stats, I googled it up, but I'm still lost.

[Riflem@n]

If your Bell speeds are bad, then DSL is pretty much not an option for you.

[coriolis]

Ah, that'd make sense. Since DSL companies use Bell's lines anyways, don't they? I guess Cable would work as well...

Thanks for the reply.

[Dave98]

If your line isn't acceptable while using Bell, it'll be the same way with other DSL ISPs.

Try using the following software to retrieve stats from your line and we'll see what the deal is.

You'll need to connect the modem directly to your computer

http://dmt.mhilfe.de/

[coriolis]

Thanks, I tried that, but the language barrier is obviously hurting :p

I got the IP addy, but whats the port #?

[Riflem@n]

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/6622

[coriolis]

Thanks alot!

Details
DSL Connection Details
DSL Line (Wire Pair): Line 1 (inner pair)
Protocol: G.DMT Annex A
Downstream Rate: 1376 kbps
Upstream Rate: 640 kbps
Channel: Fast
Current Noise Margin: 7.0 dB (Downstream), 8.0 dB (Upstream)
Current Attenuation: 63.0 dB (Downstream), 31.5 dB (Upstream)
Current Output Power: 16.0 dBm (Downstream), 11.9 dBm (Upstream)
DSLAM Vendor Information: Country: {0x0F} Vendor: {ALCB} Specific: {0x00}
PVC Info: 0/35
Internet Connection Details
Connection Type: PPPoE
Username: b1uxei59
Internet Address: 74.13.113.182
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
Default Gateway: 64.230.197.158
Primary Domain Name Server: 206.47.244.107
Secondary Domain Name Server: 67.69.184.144
Domain:
Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU): 1492
Gateway Ping: Successful
DNS Communication: Successful
Configuration Server Post: Successful

I did another speedtest, the speed actually multiplied, though nowhere close to what it was advertised to be, though I have a feeling this is only temporary :p

I'm not sure what the line stats mean though, however, I'm googling it !

[Dave98]

Thanks alot!

Details
DSL Connection Details
DSL Line (Wire Pair): Line 1 (inner pair)
Protocol: G.DMT Annex A
Downstream Rate: 1376 kbps
Upstream Rate: 640 kbps
Channel: Fast
Current Noise Margin: 7.0 dB (Downstream), 8.0 dB (Upstream)
Current Attenuation: 63.0 dB (Downstream), 31.5 dB (Upstream)
Current Output Power: 16.0 dBm (Downstream), 11.9 dBm (Upstream)
DSLAM Vendor Information: Country: {0x0F} Vendor: {ALCB} Specific: {0x00}
PVC Info: 0/35
Internet Connection Details
Connection Type: PPPoE
Username: b1uxei59
Internet Address: 74.13.113.182
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
Default Gateway: 64.230.197.158
Primary Domain Name Server: 206.47.244.107
Secondary Domain Name Server: 67.69.184.144
Domain:
Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU): 1492
Gateway Ping: Successful
DNS Communication: Successful
Configuration Server Post: Successful

I did another speedtest, the speed actually multiplied, though nowhere close to what it was advertised to be, though I have a feeling this is only temporary :p

I'm not sure what the line stats mean though, however, I'm googling it !

By the looks of those, it's no surprise you're speeds are the way they are. You're just too far from the CO

[silva95teg]

What connection rate do you pay for ? it does look like you are pretty far but you should still manage an attainable above 2meg at that attenuation.

[coriolis]

It's high speed with Sympatico, so its about $54 after taxes and everything at the end of the month. I'm trying to find another DSL company, I don't really mind the speeds, but I just can't justify the current pricetag.

What does MTU stand for? And what does it do?

Apparently, I changed it from default 14xx to 1500 and only 4-5 websites worked, I changed it to 1400 and now its working better.

[Digital_Domain]

What does MTU stand for? And what does it do?

Apparently, I changed it from default 14xx to 1500 and only 4-5 websites worked, I changed it to 1400 and now its working better.
In computer networking, the term Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) refers to the size (in bytes) of the largest packet that a given layer of a communications protocol can pass onwards. MTU parameters usually appear in association with a communications interface (NIC, serial port, etc.). The MTU may be fixed by standards (as is the case with Ethernet) or decided at connect time (as is usually the case with point-to-point serial links). A higher MTU brings higher bandwidth efficiency. However large packets can block up a slow interface for some time, increasing the lag on other packets. For example a 1500 byte packet, the largest allowed by Ethernet at the network layer (and hence most of the Internet), would block up a 14.4k modem for about one second.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximum_transmission_unit

[Dave98]

It's high speed with Sympatico, so its about $54 after taxes and everything at the end of the month. I'm trying to find another DSL company, I don't really mind the speeds, but I just can't justify the current pricetag.

What does MTU stand for? And what does it do?

Apparently, I changed it from default 14xx to 1500 and only 4-5 websites worked, I changed it to 1400 and now its working better.

Speeds should essentially be the same but there's always a chance that the tech's over at Teksavvy, for example, may be able to help you with improving the line conditions if possible.

the MTU value for DSL for Sympatico is usually 1492

[coriolis]

Thanks, I read that and I'll set the MTU back to 1492.

I really want to go to TekSavvy but they won't be available here for a few months at least.

Edit: Well, this sucks, it seems no other DSL service is avaliable in my area besides Bell

Cable it is...what to do with this ADSL modem...

edit2: http://www.dslreports.com/im/31648074/87055.png

It's somewhat faster, but what now. I already canceled with Bell, or should I call them up and say, 'Oops', my "annoyed" brother did it, and hope I don't get hit by a re-activation fee or sign a contract...? Looking at my stats for the modem, Jeez I live far away from the CO.

edit3: Ok, after consulting with friends and family, it looks like I have a few choices.

A. Switch to Cable temporaririly(4-5 months) until TekSavvy offers DSL in my area, and hopefully Bell places a remote nearby so I can get a better connnection in that time period.
B. 'Un-cancel' Bell and stay with them(is that even possible? Will I need to sign a new contract?) and bug them to put a remote nearby, then switch to TekSavvy at the end of the year.
C. Screw it all, borrow the neighbours wireless(I told them, they don't care), it's all good until end of year?
D. Put on a hat and dance.

[Gee]

If you call up TekSavvy and tell them that you already have Sympatico, they should be able to hook you up right away.

Other than that, your only real option is Rogers. I suggest you find one of those deals where you get it for free for 6 months. Usually offered by MDG or Future Shop when you purchase a computer. Just find someone that bought one and is not going to use the offer.

You can use the neighbours wireless, but that is going to be limited and he may not be happy when you contribute to his cap.

You didn't post your profile. But I would call Bell and verify that you have the 5 / 6 Meg Profile set at the CO.

[Riflem@n]

If you can get Bell, you can get Teksavvy.

Just call them and ask.

[smuncky]

if you get teksavvy, they might be able to switch you to a closer CO or a stinger.

so ur best bet would be to call teksavvy and talk to a tech there.

[coriolis]

Thanks, I called them and they said they'll talk to their Bell rep to see whats going on.

[coriolis]

UPDATE: Wow, I'm upset. It seems that, since Sympatico was signed up in 2002, I've only been getting 3mb service as that's whats available in my area, nothing faster then 5mb. They never told us and has been charging that since, every time I called in, they have confirmed it was 5mb and said I was too far away from CO or 'they'll send someone to look at it', none of which has improved my constantly fluctuating speeds.

I've emailed the TS CSR back, I'll see if I can still get the 3mb service from TSI until 5mb is available.


I'm pretty pissed right now.

[Dave98]

UPDATE: Wow, I'm upset. It seems that, since Sympatico was signed up in 2002, I've only been getting 3mb service as that's whats available in my area, nothing faster then 5mb. They never told us and has been charging that since, every time I called in, they have confirmed it was 5mb and said I was too far away from CO or 'they'll send someone to look at it', none of which has improved my constantly fluctuating speeds.

I've emailed the TS CSR back, I'll see if I can still get the 3mb service from TSI until 5mb is available.

I'm pretty pissed right now.

In a way, that sounds normal because the default profile is 3mb. Regardless, your line is barely capable of 3mb, let alone the 5mb profile so it wouldn't have made a difference.

With your stats and maybe if your line was put on interleave, then MAYBE, you could reach a 3mb profile. However, it looks as if unless you a stinger in your area, your line won't improve much if at all.

[glennaxl]

Thanks alot!

Details
DSL Connection Details
DSL Line (Wire Pair): Line 1 (inner pair)
Protocol: G.DMT Annex A
Downstream Rate: 1376 kbps
Upstream Rate: 640 kbps
Channel: Fast
Current Noise Margin: 7.0 dB (Downstream), 8.0 dB (Upstream)
Current Attenuation: 63.0 dB (Downstream), 31.5 dB (Upstream)Current Output Power: 16.0 dBm (Downstream), 11.9 dBm (Upstream)
DSLAM Vendor Information: Country: {0x0F} Vendor: {ALCB} Specific: {0x00}
PVC Info: 0/35
Internet Connection Details
Connection Type: PPPoE
Username: b1uxei59
Internet Address: 74.13.113.182
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.255
Default Gateway: 64.230.197.158
Primary Domain Name Server: 206.47.244.107
Secondary Domain Name Server: 67.69.184.144
Domain:
Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU): 1492
Gateway Ping: Successful
DNS Communication: Successful
Configuration Server Post: Successful

I did another speedtest, the speed actually multiplied, though nowhere close to what it was advertised to be, though I have a feeling this is only temporary :p

I'm not sure what the line stats mean though, however, I'm googling it !

SN Margin (AKA Signal to Noise Margin or Signal to Noise Ratio)
Relative strength of the DSL signal to Noise ratio. 6dB is the lowest dB manufactures specify for modem to be able to synch. In some instances interleaving can help raise the noise margin to an acceptable level. The higher the number the better for this measurement.
6dB or below is bad and will experience no synch or intermittent synch problems
7dB-10dB is fair but does not leave much room for variances in conditions
11dB-20dB is good with no synch problems
20dB-28dB is excellent
29dB or above is outstanding

Line Attenuation
Measure of how much the signal has degraded between the DSLAM and the modem. Maximum signal loss recommendation is usually about 60dB. The lower the dB the better for this measurement.
20dB and below is outstanding
20dB-30dB is excellent
30dB-40dB is very good
40dB-50dB is good
50dB-60dB is poor and may experience connectivity issues
60dB or above is bad and will experience connectivity issues

[coriolis]

Thanks guys.

Well, I called TS back and they'd said the Bell rep was looking into it, so they should get back to me tomorrow. Hopefully they could get a stinger or remote closer to where I am.

[Noohspam]

I think Acanac was offering a free trial for their service. Not sure if it's still available, but you might want to check it out. It just required that you have a dsl modem and an active phone connection.

I know you ruled out Acanac, but at this point it wouldn't hurt if it was free.

[coriolis]

Unfortunately they stopped offering free DSL a week ago, so I'm out of luck there :(