Router is a Netgear dg834g 

fuzzythinker:

 

Router is a Netgear dg834g 

 

Is that the 2004 model?  How long have you had it?

fuzzythinker: Pretty sure I don't have a master filter as I didn't even know what one was till I Googled it a minute ago.

Very possible the router is the 2004 model, it was inherited from a mate so I've not had it since new.

To quote noroad, "Your trust in your router is quite possibly misplaced".

Consumer routers are are not built to last 10+ years. 

Ask Slingshot for a new router saying yours isn't even ADSL2+ - they'll likely contract you in for another 12mo however it is possibly the cheapest option. Otherwise, move to an ISP like Spark who offer a pretty decent router for nilch + 1mo free for moving over. You've got endless options but yes like others said best to get that router replaced first and if that doesn't improve things much spend the $150 for @coffeebaron to install a master filter for you.

Feel free also to flick me your address in a direct message (click the Email link above my post on the right) and I can check if it is worth you going towards VDSL.

I've actually been having a similar problem, since the 27th of Jan. Since then my speed has been maxing out at about 5-6Mb instead of the usual 10Mb, and my router is saying my connection is ADSL1 instead of ADSL2+. Having frequent disconnections too. I have an ASUS N12E router and a master filter installed. I've been in contact with Slingshot via email and they've told me to try the usual things (can't really do an isolation test due to the master filter, and haven't gotten a chance to borrow another router yet to test).

Right so apologies and thanks due to those suggesting a new router would fix the problem, it did.

Am now the new owner of an D Link ASDL2 router - No Roads top suggestion from PBtech.

Lesson has to be always keep an open mind. Just because something wasn't the cause of the problem last time doesn't mean it isn't this time.

With my issue now solved I have 2 further questions

2) I'm genuinely grateful for the help of the GZ community - would be glad to make a 5$ donation to a charity by way of thanks. Does the GZ  community have a preferred cause?

fuzzythinker:<snip> 1) Given that speed wise my old router was still working fine up till it broke does anyone know if switching a router off whilst out / overnight might prolong its life? ...

The short answer is no - these devices are designed to be left on, and they draw very little power.

With normal usage I would expect a consumer router to last about 5 years - lasting 10 years is very unusual, and by that time the device is completely superseded anyway.

I'm pleased to hear that your problem is sorted