powertowerpr
join:2009-02-03
4 edits | Slowdown in Walnut Creek
I want to start off saying that I have been an Astound / Wave customer for 3 + years. During this time I have been extremely happy with the service to the point where I have raved about their speed and reliability to my friends and family. This all changed about 15 days ago.
I used to be able to max out my 10Mbps connection on a regular basis, specifically while using these services:
1. Apple HD Movie Trailers (Apple's HD trailers are streamed using the Akamai server network- arguably the best electronic distribution method on the planet.)
2. Easy News (usnet)
3. Friends Wired server on FIOS (»zankasoftware.com/wired/client/)
These online activities maxed out my connection every time for 3 + years. It was clockwork. Until about 15 days ago.
I am not sure what changes Astound/Wave have made but here is what I am seeing:
I now get 300-500K/sec downloading Apples HD Trailers.
The Wired Servers that I use went from 1.2MB/sec to 100K/sec - unacceptable and I think traffic shaping may be the culprit.
What have I done to troubleshoot?
Tested all 5 of my computers
Bypassed the router
Changed MAC address to obtain new IP address from ISP
Tried both windows XP and OS X
Called Tech support 8 times
Tested Modem Power Levels all are Green and better than avg.
All speed tests max out my connection but they are not representative of what I am seeing as they don't sustain speeds long enough to get an accurate picture.
In short I have no idea what has happened. The node I am on has plenty of capacity according to the CSR. I decided to reset my modem with a paper clip and briefly got Apple HD Trailer speeds back at 1.2MB/sec, but that was temporary, and the wired servers I frequent hosted on FIOS lines never got above 100k/sec. I spoke with network admin of the wired server and there is absolutely no issue on their end. I have talked with other friends who use that server locally and they pull their max connection from it. I consider my self fairly experienced when it comes to technical troubleshooting. This has me stumped and Astound won't help though after I told them I was going to cancel they decided to send someone out Thurs. I am hoping that someone else might have some insight onto what might be causing these issues. |
|
drew
Reformation
Premium
join:2002-07-10
Port Orchard, WA
clubs: | Just for kicks, spoof one of your computer's MAC addresses on the router and reset the modem (normal powercycle) |
|
powertowerpr
join:2009-02-03 | Good suggestion...I should have included that in my troubleshooting section...It had no affect. |
|
drew
Reformation
Premium
join:2002-07-10
Port Orchard, WA
clubs:
 ·wavebroadband
| You mentioned you use USENET. I believe EasyNews supports SSL.
Yep -- they do. »support.easynews.com/faq/#72
Setup a download using SSL through EasyNews and see if it has any effect. |
|
powertowerpr
join:2009-02-03
| reply to powertowerpr
Yes, connecting and downloading from Easynews on SSL does max my connection which supports my argument for traffic shaping which I just really don't want to believe. I really don't want to have to switch ISPs. But i just tried to watch another apple HD trailer and I was getting 120k/sec.
...and I was so looking forward to 18Mbps. |
|
powertowerpr
join:2009-02-03
1 edit | Just wanted to provide an update for those that care...
Astound tech came out and replaced my modem, I explained the symptoms showed him the slow speeds at Apple.com/trailers etc. Basically said there might be some issues outside of their network and that he will pass on my report to the powers that be. I told him I am giving Astound 1 month till I move to another ISP and thanked him for his help.
Here is the thing...back to the wired server on FIOS that I used to be able to max my connection out on. Now I get about 70k/sec...but when I add multiple downloads it scales. So i can download 5 files at 70k/sec (for a total of 350k/sec) just fine. This has me thinking some sort of individual transfer cap is going on at some level or on some ports??? |
|
powertowerpr
join:2009-02-03
| Last update:
I canceled on Astound and switched to Comcast. This was a hard decision because I believe strongly in an open internet without throttling and caps. However the decision was made easier when Astound (Wave) announced their new monthly caps.
Comcast speeds have been nothing less than stellar. I pull 2.1MB/sec at will and the boost puts it past 2.6MB/sec. Now my only concern is going past 250GB/month. I encourage any Astound Walnut Creek, CA customers with poor performance to make the move to Comcast....never thought I would say that. |
|
