Internet connection

[BTB 500]

Things like filters do degrade over time, affecting both the speed and reliability of your connection. I was sceptical until a colleague at work lent me a 'good' filter to try.

I spent £20 on a filtered faceplate for my master socket (less than 5 mins to fit) and a better modem cable, and the service has been transformed. I can't remember the last time we lost the connection - previously it was dropping half a dozen times a day.

See this thread for more details

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/pc-i-t-support-advice-posts/105815-increase-your-broadband-speed.html

 

[AANDYY]

Tests

Have you asked BT to do their 'tests'?
My connection used to be pants, about 3-5 Mbps, so changed to BE Value 12Mbps package, the connection was the same, I changed my master socket face plate, the old one was corroded, I now get a steady 10Mbps, exchange is about 1 mile away , downloading from Torrents at a steady 1.2MB/s, well pleased .

Also try this Anomalous Aperture

 

[jepho]

I would say that for 95% of people, 95% of the time, the Virgin cable broadband is really good

It's their network from end to end so everything is their responsibility. Tech support is poor but, in my experience, you will need it very infrequently

I would recommend you connect via Ethernet, not WiFi. Wireless is just another variable and using a wired connection, at least at the outset, enables you to get setup & working at full speed

Nick Froome

I was surprised at the low level of tech support (a cost centre that has been pared to the bone, no doubt) but eventually, I spoke with someone who had some proper knowledge. Thank you for the ethernet recommendation. I use WiFi so that I have don't have to cable the whole house and I am reluctant to give up the advantages inherent in using a laptop, desktop machine or phone from any location in the house.

I have not yet found the wireless connection to be an issue (IEEE 802.11n here) and I have several computers and devices on the local network. The only machine which seems to have occasional issues with connecting immediately or cleanly to the network is the Dell laptop belonging to my wife and that may well be due to any one of numerous factors. Everything else on the network is produced by Apple and performs as expected.

 

[artyman]

I bought ADSLNation faceplates a couple of years ago, but may be worth swapping for some other filters I've got.