ADSL2+ vs VDSL upgrade? Looking for advice.

Forums › New Zealand Broadband › ADSL2+ vs VDSL upgrade? Looking for advice.

LinksNZ

16 posts

Geek

#175342 25-Jun-2015 16:33

Hi folks,

I've been searching google for answers to various questions regarding my current internet connection and the vast majority of top results lead to this very forum. Thankfully this managed to answer many of the questions I had but has also led to the necessity of me asking a few more. Before I go any further, these are my DSL stats:

DSL Status: Connected
DSL Modulation Mode: G.dmt
DSL Path Mode: Interleaved
Downstream Rate: 7616 kbps
Upstream Rate: 896 kbps
Downstream Margin: 13 db
Upstream Margin: 12 db
Downstream Line Attenuation: 10 db
Upstream Line Attenuation: 3.5 db
Downstream Transmit Power: 11 db
Upstream Transmit Power: 5 db

I'm currently with Telecom/Spark on their unlimited ADSL plan. The modem I use is a terribly old Linksys WAG200G, running on firmware version 1.01.09. An Ookla speedtest taken as I write this garners me the following results (Over a wireless connection):

Ping: 53ms, Download Speed: 6.56Mbps, Upload Speed: 0.75Mbps.

During peak hours however I've seen these test results cut in half. I live in a relatively rural area about 19km from the closest city. Hopefully with the above information, some of you may be able to answer some questions for me.

- The maximum speed at which I've been able to download for as long as I can remember is 800KB/s. Does this mean I'm limited to an ADSL1 connection?

- The filters on the various jackpoints I have all list ADSL but show no mention of ADSL2+. With the WAG200G being an ADSL2+ compatible modem, would installing ADSL2+ compatible filters allow me to have an ADSL2+ connection?

- Taking into account the above stats would VDSL be superior to an ADSL2+ connection? (I understand that internal wiring will be a significant variable.)

Slow internet has always plagued my household and we've put up with it until now. Is there anything I can do to make a difference? I would love to make greater use of various streaming and gaming services but even attempting to watch a Youtube video at 480p with anyone else making use of the connection is nearly impossible.

I've tried to provide as much info as I can, and any information at all in return would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Regards.

Edit: Wrong title + poor formatting.

1 | 2 | 3

6018 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#1331471 25-Jun-2015 16:33

Hello... Our robot found some keywords in your post, so here is an automated reply with some important things to note regarding broadband speeds.

If you are posting regarding DSL speeds please check that

- you have reset your modem and router

- your PC (or other PCs in your LAN) is not downloading large files when you are testing

- you are not being throttled by your ISP due to going over the monthly cap

- your tests are always done on an ethernet connection to the router - do not use wireless for testing

- you read this topic and follow the instructions there.

Make sure you provide information for other users to help you. If you have not already done it, please EDIT your post and add this now:

- Your ISP and plan

- Type of connection (ADSL, ADSL2, VDSL)

- Your modem DSL stats (do not worry about posting Speedtest, we need sync rate, attenuation and noise margin)

- Your general location (or street)

- If you are rural or urban

- If you know your connection is to an exchange, cabinet or conklin

- If your connection is to a ULL or wholesale service

- If you have done an isolation test as per the link above

Most of the problems with speed are likely to be related to internal wiring issues. Read this discussion to find out more about this. Your ISP is not intentionally slowing you down today (unless you are on a managed plan). Also if this is the school holidays it's likely you will notice slower than usual speed due to more users online.

A master splitter is required for VDSL2 and in most cases will improve speeds on DSL connections. Regular disconnections can be a monitored alarm or a set top box trying to connect. If there's an alarm connected to your line even if you don't have an alarm contract it may still try to connect so it's worth checking.

I recommend you read these two blog posts:

- Is your premises phone wiring impacting your broadband performance? (very technical)

- Are you receiving a substandard ULL ADSL2+ connection from your ISP?

I am the Geekzone Robot and I am here to help. I am from the Internet. I do not interact. Do not expect other replies from me.

These links are referral codes: Sharesies | Mighty Ape

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1331506 25-Jun-2015 16:48

Have you put your address into the Spark website (VDSL checker) and checked if VDSL is offered at your address? Just from reading your post it sounds like it's not,

Looks like the area you live in only has ADSL1 and you could be connected to a Conklin or ASAM cabinet

Downstream Rate: 7616 kbps <-- ADSL1 not ADSL2+

hio77

12999 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lizard Networks

#1331507 25-Jun-2015 16:51

Your syncing at ADSL1 right now...

Considering your speed drops, are you sure your not on a Conklin there...

As above, put your address into here https://www.chorus.co.nz/maps and copy what it states under broadband availability.

As for your testing, please do any test over Ethernet to count out any interference issues.

johnr:
Downstream Rate: 7616 kbps <-- ADSL1 not ADSL2+

I wouldnt base that just off a sync rate alone...

But..

DSL Modulation Mode: G.dmt

Thats certainly an ADSL1 sync.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1331535 25-Jun-2015 16:52

You can check your address here on the VodafoneNZ site as well

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/vdsl/

One question approx where do you live? (Don't post address)

LinksNZ

16 posts

Geek

#1331540 25-Jun-2015 16:57

Spark address checker, along with various other ISP address checkers show that VDSL is available at my address. Though I'm not entirely sure how accurate these checks are.

hio77

12999 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lizard Networks

#1331543 25-Jun-2015 16:59

LinksNZ: Spark address checker, along with various other ISP address checkers show that VDSL is available at my address. Though I'm not entirely sure how accurate these checks are.

Use the chorus checker. If vdsl is popping up as available however, seems like the logical move to make.

I would question why your syncing at ADSL1 if that is the case however. have a check the modulation isnt fixed to ADSL1 in your modem.

Based off your stats, you would be at the far end for vdsl, but be in the range of about 20~30/10 on vdsl 8b considering its a less urban connection there should be a bit less crosstalk.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

LinksNZ

16 posts

Geek

#1331544 25-Jun-2015 17:01

johnr: You can check your address here on the VodafoneNZ site as well

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/vdsl/

One question approx where do you live? (Don't post address)

Just checked and it shows VDSL as available at my address. I live about a 15 minute drive out of Blenheim in a relatively busy neighborhood. Though I think it is technically a rural address.

Equinox IT

Cloud spending continues to surge globally, but most organisations haven’t made the changes necessary to maximise the value and cost-efficiency benefits of their cloud investments. Download the whitepaper From Overspend to Advantage now.

LinksNZ

16 posts

Geek

#1331549 25-Jun-2015 17:05

hio77: Your syncing at ADSL1 right now...

Considering your speed drops, are you sure your not on a Conklin there...

As above, put your address into here https://www.chorus.co.nz/maps and copy what it states under broadband availability.

As for your testing, please do any test over Ethernet to count out any interference issues.

johnr:
Downstream Rate: 7616 kbps <-- ADSL1 not ADSL2+

I wouldnt base that just off a sync rate alone...

But..
DSL Modulation Mode: G.dmt

Thats certainly an ADSL1 sync.

Interestingly enough this map puts me in a >5Mbps zone. A few hundred metres outside of a >20Mbps zone. Perhaps my close vicinity to this area is what is confusing these address checkers? Maybe I am just limited to ADSL1? I'd certainly hope not but it's quite possible.

hio77

12999 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lizard Networks

#1331554 25-Jun-2015 17:07

As i pointed out, Your on the edge so im not surprised that is the case.

No your not stuck with ADSL1, you should be atlest doing ADSL2+ there, at about the 15+~mbit mark.

Check your modulation setting in your modem, if you have another modem around might be worth a try.

After this would ild recommend is calling Spark, ask for a Prequal for VDSL. Make your choice based on how that comes out, Could be simply (although rather unlikely) your migration to ADSL2+ got stuck somewhere too...

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

LinksNZ

16 posts

Geek

#1331556 25-Jun-2015 17:11

hio77: As i pointed out, Your on the edge so im not surprised that is the case.

No your not stuck with ADSL1, you should be atlest doing ADSL2+ there, at about the 15+~mbit mark.

Check your modulation setting in your modem, if you have another modem around might be worth a try.

The modulation setting on my modem is currently set to Multimode. ADSL2+ is however an available setting. Perhaps getting Spark in to have a look is the best option. 15+mbit would certainly be nice after the snails pace we've had over last 7 odd years.

hio77

12999 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lizard Networks

#1331558 25-Jun-2015 17:13

LinksNZ:
hio77: As i pointed out, Your on the edge so im not surprised that is the case.

No your not stuck with ADSL1, you should be atlest doing ADSL2+ there, at about the 15+~mbit mark.

Check your modulation setting in your modem, if you have another modem around might be worth a try.

The modulation setting on my modem is currently set to Multimode. ADSL2+ is however an available setting.

You could try forcing it, see what comes of it. if it doesnt sync.. you can always put it back.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1331561 25-Jun-2015 17:14

Force it to ASDL2+ and roll it back if it fails

Edt: As above

LinksNZ

16 posts

Geek

#1331564 25-Jun-2015 17:15

hio77:
LinksNZ:
hio77: As i pointed out, Your on the edge so im not surprised that is the case.

No your not stuck with ADSL1, you should be atlest doing ADSL2+ there, at about the 15+~mbit mark.

Check your modulation setting in your modem, if you have another modem around might be worth a try.

The modulation setting on my modem is currently set to Multimode. ADSL2+ is however an available setting.

You could try forcing it, see what comes of it. if it doesnt sync.. you can always put it back.

I think it's probably worth a try, though likely too good to be true haha. I'll give it a jam regardless.

LinksNZ

16 posts

Geek

#1331583 25-Jun-2015 17:26

No luck unfortunately! Wasn't able to sync. Will definitely contact Spark and find an alternative. If VDSL is unavailable surely there is some way to get ADSL2+. Thanks a bunch for the help you two! Will try to remember to update this thread in the future if I manage to improve my connection.

Regards.

hio77

12999 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lizard Networks

#1331586 25-Jun-2015 17:31

LinksNZ: No luck unfortunately! Wasn't able to sync. Will definitely contact Spark and find an alternative. If VDSL is unavailable surely there is some way to get ADSL2+. Thanks a bunch for the help you two! Will try to remember to update this thread in the future if I manage to improve my connection.

Regards.

sounds like something odd up with your profile or your modem on that case. if VDSL is available on your cabinet, you should be good for ADSL2+ aswell.

follow through with Spark, they should sort things out.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

1 | 2 | 3