Intermittent loss of connectivity

[StarPhoenix]

Over the past three weeks, I have enjoyed only sporadic internet access, and that only after rebooting my router repeatedly. My line speed has also been dipping below its usual 4mbps.

This happens even when all the appropriate leds on my adsl router are on.

I did contact my ISP about the problem, but they are unable to identify the cause of it.
The Telkom technician who came around to check my line could find nothing wrong with it.

Have any of you experienced a similar problem?
If so, what was the resolution?

[Synthesis]

Yes, I would say it's telkom. Firstly, give telkom a call and tell the support desk technician to reset your port. If he comes with excuses and what not. Tell him you do it regularly and he must just please reset your port. When my ping speed is higher than normal, this helps.

If someone you know is willing, swap ISP details for a few days. see what they say about yours and see if you notice a difference.
Same scenario with swapping routers or getting another router. I don't see it being your router though.
And maybe it's nothing to with your line or ISP. Could be your computer. Try another computer or laptop. Get someone to come over with another PC. If that's the case, format and reload.

[Stuart]

I'd try testing all your equipment, swapping it out if possible.

[StarPhoenix]

Having tried to connect while using Ubuntu or my Xbox, the same problem came up.
I think that means that we can eliminate it being a Windows or PC problem.

My friend came around with his router last night, only to have my internet connection
steadfastly refuse to fall over for the rest of the evening.

[SykomantiS]

The last time I heard the words intermittent connection problem, it was one of the switches that decided to go on pension.
But that was on a network, and had nothing to do with the net, IIRC. SO check your equipment?

My 2c.

[Stuart]

Having tried to connect while using Ubuntu or my Xbox, the same problem came up.
I think that means that we can eliminate it being a Windows or PC problem.

My friend came around with his router last night, only to have my internet connection
steadfastly refuse to fall over for the rest of the evening.

So invest in a new modem?

[StarPhoenix]

I didn't explain myself properly.

What I should have said is that my internet connection ran at full speed and did not drop
on Monday evening, even though I had my router [and not the one he brought] plugged in.

He is going to bring me a spare to try out sometime.

[Stuart]

I didn't explain myself properly.

What I should have said is that my internet connection ran at full speed and did not drop
on Monday evening, even though I had my router [and not the one he brought] plugged in.

He is going to bring me a spare to try out sometime.

Then perhaps you should invite him to live with you?

[lancelot]

We are experiencing problems with the DNS server.

[StarPhoenix]

Et tu, Lancelot?

I did mention that to Web Africa, as Windows 7 Network Diagnostics reported that it could not connect to a DNS server.
They gave me a pair of alternatives beginning with the number "200" to try, but those made no difference.

[lancelot]

hmmmm, the plot thickens, we have had this intermittent problem for some weeks now, however our ISP is Telkom. I only have this situation at work, not at home!

[StarPhoenix]

I wonder whether the source of the problem lies within the adsl infrastrucure......maybe a server misbehaving somewhere or a hiccup at the exchange?

[Anthro]

NOt to be the bearer of bad news - but you might be having a few errors on your line - check the sync rate and errors in your router
Oh - and are you not the same gu who 'suddenly experienced' 4mb even though you where on 384 ?
Kind of payback now.. methinks

[StarPhoenix]

Yes, that was me.
The jump to 4mbps happened around the same time that I switched to a WA Titan account

Here are my error rate stats:



My Sync Rate:





SpeedTest says download 3.46mbps, upload 0.42mbps, ping 52ms

As was the case on Monday evening, my line has not been stuttering tonight.
I was able to connect without multiple reboots of my router.

[Anthro]

Ask em to reset your port, make sure router is switched off - takes about 5 mins to do (depending on holding time for the crappy music)
I had VERY bad errors on my line, forcing myself to bear with it though - because even 3mb is frustrating

[StarPhoenix]

Thank you, Man

[StarPhoenix]

I think I am beginning to make some progress.

After not having had much success trying another router, I notified WA of this
and received the following response:

have investigated your service from our end and do see that the line is intermittently dropping your ADSL connection which is causing you these connection issues. I have reported the line to Telkom to further investigate....

Please contact us after 48 hours for a progress update on your fault if you have not received any updates from Telkom at that stage.

So Telkom has until Wednesday to get back to me.