Modem losing sync, speed too high?

[eternalx123]

I'm currently trying to get my speed down to 5 or 6 Mbps, since it's been pretty unstable ever since they recently set me to a full 7 (syncs at 7645 Kbps all the time time now, which is very high, but randomly loses sync).  I regret requesting that and would like to switch back since it's been disconnecting randomly.  I'm on interleave already too.

The problem is, when I call tech support and billing (I've tried both) they both just say there are only 1.1 - 3 Mbps and 3.1 - 7 Mbps plans.  I know that I used to be set to around 5-6 Mbps on the same plan that I'm on now, so I'm confused now.  I don't want to go as low as 3 Mbps, and I'd prefer to keep the same plan.

I know there can be other issues involved when it loses sync, but it was working fine before at 5-6, so I'm thinking me wanting the speed higher was the problem, since my downstream margin is now usually at 6.6 or even lower.

Who should I talk to that can help with this?  Thanks in advance. 🙂

[jmw1950]

The first thing to do is go into your modem/router and get the transceiver statistics and post them here so we can have a look at what your line looks like. That will give us an idea of what speed your line should be able to support. and what speed you are really ending up with.

Verizon sells only nominal speed. IN reality it is a tiered system. 1.1-3mbps is the 3mbps tier, 3.1-7.1 is the 7mbps tier. Your actual speed will depend on the speed Verizon has provisioned you (probably 7646 kbs), and the actual quality of the copper pair connecting you to the central Office. The speed of the connection is negotiated between the modem and the Central Office equipment each time the modem synchs up. Your modem will operate at the highest speed it can synch up at, up to the provisioned limit.

The other thing to do is capture the log from the modem when it loses synch to see why it is losing synch.

The speed you get on a DSL connection is the lower of the highest speed the modem can negotiate with the Central Office or the provisioned speed. Your problem could be either a copper pair that isn't as good as Verizon thinks it is, or some sort of interference, or not so great telephone wiring inside the house.

See if you can have Verizon check the performance of the circuit at the Network Interface box. If it looks good at the box, the problem may be with the wiring in the house.  This can sometimes be fixed by having Verizon install a 'whole house; filter at the Network Interface Box, and then running a wire directly from the Network Interface Box to the jack you will use for the DSL modem.

Good luck

[eternalx123]

Thanks for the reply.  These are my transceiver stats right now:

(It shows as FastPath for some reason on my Westell 7500, but I know for a fact I'm on Interleave because of pings).

Transceiver Statistics

Transceiver Revision A2pB020b3.d20h Vendor ID Code 4D54 Line Mode ADSL_2plus Data Path FAST

Transceiver Information Down Stream Path Up Stream Path DSL Speed (Kbits/Sec) 7645 863 Margin (dB) 6.9 12.1 Line Attenuation (dB) 46.5 24.8 Transmit Power (dBm) 20.4 12.4

6.9 is actually better than usual for my downstream, it usually stays between 6.4-6.6, but guessing that's because it's cooler outside lately.

I don't have any of the other info right now, and can't test much else, but what speed do you think I could get it set down to so that it's stable?  And who would I talk to about getting changed? (Not changing plans, just lowering actual speed a little).  I know I used to be consistantly at 9.0 - 10.0 margin rather than 6~, and the speed if I remember right was around 6550 Kbs.

[smith6612]

Your line does seem to be a little long for 7.1Mbps service but there are improvements we could try doing before bumping the speed down to 5Mbps + FastPath. It is a good idea to take your modem out to your NID and checking your statistics out at the NID, as that will at least eliminate any potential wiring or device in your home that is possibly adding noise to the line.

The modems showing FastPath when they're Interleaved is a bug between what the modem obtains from ADSL2+ DSLAMs and what it really is. If it's Interleaved already, then that is some good info to know.

[eternalx123]

I'll try and test from the NID tomorrow, since it's raining here tonight.  

One thing I didn't mention; I used to be on 5 Mbps + FastPath and it wasn't very stable that way either.  That's why I switched up to the full 7Mbps + Interleaved, not realizing speed had that much of an impact on margin.  So I'd probably want to go down to 5Mbps + interleaved.  (I probably shouldn't be switching this much, I think I'll leave it alone once I get it stable again).

It's definitely on interleaved though, I play online games a lot and have always gotten 35 ms compared to 52 ms on the same server while I was on FastPath, it's never below 52 ms right now.

Edit: I'm actually thinking just going down to the 3Mbps plan with FastPath might be best for me, since the games I play don't use much bandwidth, and it should be pretty reliable like that.  But where would I request FastPath right now with the Verizon Direct forums down (I think)?

[eternalx123]

I feel stupid for saying this, but I can't find the NID anywhere. 😞 

I'll look for it more (not sure what it even looks like), but until then, is there anyone on these forums who could help me switch to 3Mbps + FastPath? Normally I'd ask on the Verizon Direct forums, but they're down right now.  Just wanting to see how this would work for me.

[smith6612]

Check by your electrical service enterance. The NID is often located nearby as it needs to be bound to some sort of ground. If you're in an older home, the NID may be in fact be nothing more than a grounded protector based on tubes or simply nuts and bolts rather than a modern plastic box.

Otherwise, go with 5Mbps + FastPath first. If that doesn't work out you can shoot to 3Mbps but I'd prefer to try to keep the line running as quick as possible.

Also, the Verizon Direct forum at DSLReports is down (due to obv. reasons, the site is never down for more than a few hours! First time I've seen it down for over a week) but the employees who staff that I believe also take care of things at this forum. Maybe I can get someone for you.