Fios download slow during the day

Question

We've been having problems that were difficult to diagnose---basically just remote desktop dropping during the workday. We have the gigabit plan. So I ran a million speed checks this weekend at every possible point on the internal network. Starting wired directly to the ONT, to wired off the router with no other traffic, to with traffic, to the wifi, wifi upstairs, etc. All was still a usable speed---I think the worst I got upstairs with normal LAN traffic was 441/267.

We're probably a big work-from-home zip code, so I'm guessing the traffic is highest then.

The key data point is that on Sunday, a single computer wired to the ONT is 750/880. Today at 5:00 p.m . that same setup is 356/838.

I chatted with the first line person for the usual try rebooting and all the speed tests, and she put me through to back line. After an hour, that guy ignores the fact that I've done the tests connected directly to the ONT and goes into the hard sell on a Verizon router and upgrading the plan. (Which I can't?) And then he calls me twice, and the connection is so staticky that I can't understand him. which is symbolic, perhaps, of the whole thing.

To be honest, I need a new router and I'd be happy with the Verizon one and a range extender. But not if we're oversubscribed at the  DSLAM and it's not going to help! Like, if I just need to go to Comcast and be done with it, now's the time to do it.

Is there anyway to confirm an upstream issues? Or to connect to someone who can? And/or am I missing something in the setup or diagnosis here?

Thanks in advance.

smith6612 · Accepted Answer

It's worth mentioning that Fios doesn't use DSLAMs. That is for DSL Service. Instead, Fios uses OLTs.

I think I saw a thread on Reddit from you about this: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fios/comments/1d1b61x/fios_download_slow_during_the_day/

Are you getting packet loss on the connection when the speeds drop or when Microsoft RDP disconnects? There could be a bunch of things such as dirty fiber or bad PON cards which are causing this. It's unlikely for the OLT or PON, or even the upstream router at the CO you're going through to be that congested but, it's not entirely out of the question either. If Verizon can't find a problem locally and moving you to another splitter doesn't help, maybe check with your neighbors with Fios to see if they are experiencing a similar behavior. If they are, then it's possible there is a larger problem at the central office that needs to be squared away.