[WXC/VFX] Need a new router - or just a line check?

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freitasm

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#27959 12-Nov-2008 14:46

It's becoming something constant - every second day or so the DSL router in my parents-in-law's place needs to be reset. It's an aging Dlink DSL-G604T Wireless router, from the times they used Telecom NZ services but now connected to WorldxChange.

It only happens at night, and they find out in the morning when the phone (VFX) is deaf. Unplug and plug the power on the Dlink seems to fix the problem - through the next morning a couple of days later.

The DSL status for this router:

ADSL Firmware Version: 5.00.04.00 - 5.00.03.00 - 5.00.03.00 Annex A - 01.07.2b - 0.52
ADSL Software Version: V3.00B01T01.TX.20060516
Line State Connected
Modulation ADSL_2plus
Annex Mode ANNEX_A
Max Tx Power -38 dBm/Hz

Item Downstream Upstream Unit
SNR Margin 11 12 dB
Line Attenuation 47 30 dB
Data Rate 4307 847 kbps

The log reads like this:

Jan 1 12:00:12> NTP Polling Timer for DHCP Started succesfully.
Jan 1 12:00:12> DSL Polling Timer Started succesfully.
Jan 1 12:00:12> Firewall NAT service started
Jan 1 12:00:12> starting on port 80
Jan 1 12:00:12> routing cache hash table of 512 buckets, 4Kbytes
Jan 1 12:00:12> Hash tables configured (established 1024 bind 1024)
Jan 1 12:00:12> ip_conntrack version 2.0 (128 buckets, 4096 max) - 364 bytes per conntrack
Jan 1 12:00:12> (c)2000 Netfilter core team
Jan 1 12:00:12> netfilter PSD loaded - (c) astaro AG
Jan 1 12:00:12> Initializing the WAN Bridge.
Jan 1 12:00:12> Please set the MAC Address for the WAN Bridge.
Jan 1 12:00:12> Set the Environment variable 'wan_br_mac'.
Jan 1 12:00:12> xx.xx.xx.xx.xx.xx
Jan 1 12:00:12> Mounted root (squashfs filesystem) readonly.
Jan 1 12:00:12> Mounted devfs on /dev
Jan 1 12:00:12> 64k freed
Jan 1 12:00:12> Algorithmics/MIPS FPU Emulator v1.5
Jan 1 12:00:12> registered device TI Avalanche SAR
Jan 1 12:00:12> Sangam detected
Jan 1 12:00:12> DSP binary filesize = 361898 bytes
Jan 1 12:00:12> Setting mode to 0xffff
Jan 1 12:00:12> version:[5.00.04.00]
Jan 1 12:00:12> Setting mode to 0xffff
Jan 1 12:00:12> Default Asymmetric MTU for br0 1500
Jan 1 12:00:13> Bridge Created: br0
Jan 1 12:00:13> WPA Authenticator Started
Jan 1 12:00:13> Bridge Created: br1
Jan 1 12:00:14> Bridge Interface Added: eth0
Jan 1 12:00:15> 2
Jan 1 12:00:15> Default Asymmetric MTU for br1 1500
Jan 1 12:00:15> 2
Jan 1 12:00:18> Default Asymmetric MTU for wlan0 1500
Jan 1 12:00:18> AP Driver configuration successful
Jan 1 12:00:23> AP IS UP
Jan 1 12:00:23>
Jan 1 12:00:23> disabled.
Jan 1 12:00:23> 802.11h is 198: disabled.
Jan 1 12:00:23> Configuration succeeded !!!
Jan 1 12:00:23> WLAN driver database is up
Jan 1 12:00:23> Preparing for vlynq tearing down....
Jan 1 12:00:23> Resetting the remote device.
Jan 1 12:00:23> Un-resetting the remote device.
Jan 1 12:00:23> Preparing the VLYNQ, now the Link is up.
Jan 1 12:00:23> AcxRegAddr = 0xA4040000, AcxMemAddr = 0xA4000000
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_acxProcInitiate: found DEVICE_VENDOR ID = 0x9066104c
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_acxProcInitiate: Cpu halt -} download code
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_acxProcLoadFwImage: 0xa4000000, 0x0
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_acxProcLoadFwImage() -- Loading FW image199: Compiled for RADIA (bg) radio
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_acxProcLoadFwImage: 1, pBuf=0xc00a4000, len=0x15564. Extra pBuf=0x0, len=0x3
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_acxProcLoadFwImage: 2, pBuf=0xc00a4000, len=0x15564. Extra pBuf=0x0, len=0x3
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_acxProcLoadFwImage: 3, pBuf=0xc00a4000, len=0x15564, DataLen=0x1555c
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_acxProcLoadFwImage: 4, pBuf=0xc00a4000, len=0x15564
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_acxProcLoadFwImage: Checksum, calc=0x71e76f, file=0x71e76f
Jan 1 12:00:23> BssBridge is up
Jan 1 12:00:23> Mgmt is up
Jan 1 12:00:23> Bridge Interface Added: wlan0
Jan 1 12:00:23> Rx is up
Jan 1 12:00:23> Tx is up
Jan 1 12:00:23> MemMngr is up
Jan 1 12:00:23> main state machine is up
Jan 1 12:00:23> WDRV_MAINSM: WLAN Driver initialized successfully
Jan 1 12:00:23>
Jan 1 12:00:23> WDRV_4X: 4x Disabled
Jan 1 12:00:23> WDRV_4X: Concatenation Disabled
Jan 1 12:00:23> WDRV_4X: Ack Emulation Disabled
Jan 1 12:00:23> whal_apiStartBss: Enable Tx, Rx and Start the Bss
Jan 1 12:00:23> ----------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1 12:00:23> DSL Carrier is down
Jan 1 12:00:23> ----------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1 12:00:23>   START BSS, SSID=ARAWA, BSSID=00-17-9A-12-56-62
Jan 1 12:00:23> ----------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1 12:00:23> ----------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1 12:00:23> AP Power Level = 1
Jan 1 12:00:23> Regulatory Domain = ETSI
Jan 1 12:00:23>           Net[0] : Channel=6
Jan 1 12:00:23> ----------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 1 12:00:23> FW Watchdog is Enabled
Jan 1 12:01:00> DSL in Sync
Jan 1 12:01:03> DSL Carrier is up
Jan 1 12:01:03> sar read trained mode (5)(ADSL_2plus)
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 230 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 200 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 280 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 240 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 260 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 600 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 230 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 800230 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 2B0 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 330 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 3B0 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 8002B0 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 800330 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pingStat 2, oamHdr 8003B0 result 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> pppd 2.4.1 started by root, uid 0
Jan 1 12:01:03> Connect: ppp0 {--}
Jan 1 12:01:04> ppp0
Jan 1 12:01:05> WAN IP address 118.90.24.89
Jan 1 12:01:05> WAN gateway 58.28.15.31
Jan 1 12:01:05> primary   DNS address 58.28.4.2
Jan 1 12:01:05> secondary DNS address 58.28.6.2
Jan 1 12:01:05> PPPoA Connect with IP Address 118.90.24.89
Jan 1 12:01:05> PPPoA Connection Successfully Established
Jan 1 12:01:05> PPPoA Connect with Gateway IP Address: 58.28.15.31

Any comments, ideas? Worth looking for a new more resilient wireless router (I really don't like Dlink), or asking for the line provider (TNZ) to check the copper?

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#177598 12-Nov-2008 17:00

The place where I shifted to are using the exact same router for our net, we hooked up my 2 PCs to it and thru the network file sharing is absolutely slow....

I have another modem at my old residence that im picking up tomorrow to see if it will make a difference...

The ADSL2 modem i used to use was great, we had 5 PCs, coneected and no network slowdowns, yet here with the Dlink modem with 3 PC I do, so yeah im thinking its old and time for a change (just like voting national really, time for a change yet dont really know why or for what factual reason :P)

It could be the modem, you would need to try another modem to see if it still does that problem tho...

Just out of curiosity why is your modulation set to ADSL 2 if your on Xnet?

cyril7

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#177609 12-Nov-2008 17:57

Hi Mauricio, I would be incline to give the Dlinks (or any othe TI AR7 based modem) a biff, this comment indicates issues with AR7 chips on longer lines, which I would say your inlaws situation 47dB attenuation is.

Personally I would go for any modem with a Broadcom Chipset in it, all the lattest DSE modems have these chips and they seem most stable on long lines and also seems to be the chipset of choice according to internation opinion. The basic XH9949 can be had for around $70 and seems to be SIP friendly. I have installed quite a number with no returns or issues so far. Broadcom is also concidered the best match for the ISAMs, my guess is they use Broadcom at that end, but not too sure.

Other brands that use Broadcom and TPLink, Dynalink, SMC, Thompson, and there are plenty more.

Also because of your line condition you may be better to force the modem back to G.DMT (ADSL1) which may result in a more stable connection, because you are past the 35dB attenuation point there is no speed advantage in ADSL2+ to be had.

Cyril

Edit: it seems its late 2010 before that part of the country gets cabnetised.

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#177612 12-Nov-2008 17:59

I've got a brand new boxed Belkin 54G unit here if you're wanting one..

freitasm

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#177616 12-Nov-2008 18:29

cyril7: Also because of your line condition you may be better to force the modem back to G.DMT (ADSL1) which may result in a more stable connection, because you are past the 35dB attenuation point there is no speed advantage in ADSL2+ to be had.

Thanks cyril. Which Modulation Type? ADSL G992.1, ADSL G992.2?

I could try the old Belkin F5D7230-4 I have here to see if it works. It worked for me on TCL cable for about six years with no lockups - even during the ARP Storm times...

sbiddle

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#177619 12-Nov-2008 18:54

freitasm:
cyril7: Also because of your line condition you may be better to force the modem back to G.DMT (ADSL1) which may result in a more stable connection, because you are past the 35dB attenuation point there is no speed advantage in ADSL2+ to be had.

Thanks cyril. Which Modulation Type? ADSL G992.1, ADSL G992.2?

I could try the old Belkin F5D7230-4 I have here to see if it works. It worked for me on TCL cable for about six years with no lockups - even during the ARP Storm times...

That is just a router rather than a modem isn't it?

freitasm

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#177622 12-Nov-2008 19:06

sbiddle: That is just a router rather than a modem isn't it?

Hmmm. It got all the configurations and nowhere it says it requires a modem... But good point. It's the old model, not the new one, so apparently more reliable.

cyril7

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#177640 12-Nov-2008 20:31

G.922.1 = G.DMT = ADSL1
G.922.2 = G.Lite = normally not used here.
G.922.3 = ADSL2 (uses same 1.1MHz spectrum as ADSL1 can achieve 12Mb/s max D/L)
G.922.5 = ADSL2+ (uses 2.2MHz spectrum can achieve 24Mb/s max D/L)

Within that are various annexs but for this conversation limit to G.922.1 rather than G.922.3 or .5

Cyril

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freitasm

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#177642 12-Nov-2008 20:39

Cool. And are you sure this is safe to change from remote access to their router? If I am not there it will work ok (otherwise I will have to scramble to fix it)...

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#177653 12-Nov-2008 21:59

cyril7: all the lattest DSE modems have these chips and they seem most stable on long lines and also seems to be the chipset of choice according to internation opinion. The basic XH9949 can be had for around $70 and seems to be SIP friendly.

Phil from WxC has seen a lot of issues with these DSE ADSL routers messing with SIP. The newer ones maybe fine, but just something to be aware of.

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#177686 13-Nov-2008 06:40

Hi CB, thats good to know, mine seems to deal with the 2talk service I use ok, but its a recent one. I used to have an older DSE modem, completely different hardware platform, different product all together, used to lock itself solid as soon as a SIP device did a NAT traversal check.

Mauricio, I cannot see why you should not be able to remotely limit connection type (and reboot) but make sure you leave G.992.1 as the minimum, but I would never say never.

Cyril

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#177697 13-Nov-2008 08:39

RE-ADSL2 is another good option to lock router into on longer lines: however, some routers don't have this option and some don't achieve a very good upstream in this mode - like less than 200k. Worth trying though.

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#177703 13-Nov-2008 08:49

Yep RE-ADSL2 (aka G.922.3 annexL) is a good option and supported by Telecoms ISAMs (ie if your on a ADSL2/2+ capable line) however its of little benefit unless you are over 4.5km and in theory can run out to 7km or more. I think at 47dB (3.4km) you would get better performance out of ADSL1.

Cyril

freitasm

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#186063 25-Dec-2008 12:16

It seems this problem is ongoing... Not good when one loses the Internet connection on Christmas day - no phone calls!

I will get a modem/router from sbiddle to test. If it continues then I will ask for a line check. Last resort will be to have their ISP changed back to Xtra...

Niel

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#186065 25-Dec-2008 12:41

I've got a couple of older Dlinks which will probably get binned even though one is virtually brand new. A couple of years ago I gave my inlaws a Billion Bipac 7100 (no wireless) and had absolutely no problems at all. Also worked well with VFX. I'm about to install it at my home to replace my Dynalink RTA3120 which is a good fast modem but needs rebooting once a week or two because the modem itself locks up. It starts with no being able to access the setup page (but internet working fine and fast) and eventually locking up requiring a reboot.

So based on my somewhat limited experience I would go with Billion. I can send you the Dynalink (or old Dlink 302 or 502) once my Billion is setup, if you are interested in trying that.

It is only the past week or two that we had these XNet outages so I suspect they are not the problem.

The only time I've had problem with VFX not working was when my VFX box was set to dynamic IP which would not be renewed if only the modem is restarted. No probelms since I've changed the VFX box to static IP, VFX comes back up as soon as the modem reconnects.

You can never have enough Volvos!

freitasm

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#186066 25-Dec-2008 12:57

Thanks for the offer Niel - I will be trying sbiddle's router first if you don't mind.

VFX works fine - yes it's set to a static IP address because before it wouldn't reconnect after these outages. So if Internet is up, then voice is ok. The problem is really finding out why the connection is down - router, line, card, etc...

We will get there...

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