Selected ISP Support → Earthlink DSL > [Speed Problem] Earthlink DSL speed slows to a crawl when adding

[Speed Problem] Earthlink DSL speed slows to a crawl when adding

I have had Earthlink for about eight years now and have have used a wireless router (LinkSys WRT54G) for about seven. When I first started using the wireless router, they weren't even charging for "home networking" yet, therefore I have never paid them their $8/month. Two weeks ago I noticed that my download/upload speed was ridiculously slow on all my devises, so I updated the router's firmware--no change! So I figured maybe it was time for a new one, so I bought a Linksys EA6300 and updated the firmware and the speed is not steady.

Also, last year I had an issue with my netopia modem where if the cord wasn't in just so, the internet would go out so they sent me a Zyxel. I couldn't get the Zyxel to work with my wireless router (I recently tried putting it into "bridge mode" now its a brick--I followed all of the directions on this website) so I'm back to using the netopia.

For example, I pay for 6mbps up/.4 mbps down. If the modem is hooked up right to the desktop computer, I get that speed. As I type this, I am using the desktop and the modem is hooked up through the router. Per a speakeasy speed test, I am getting .31 mbps down and .03 mbps up. Sometimes I do get the advertised speed, even wireless on my Mac Book Pro, but most times its slow. I have been combing the internet for the last two weeks on how to fix this problem.

Here's what I'm wondering (and this is going to sound paranoid!): Is Earthlink on to me? Have they finally figured out that I don't pay their ridiculous $8 extortion fee so they have done something to slow the speed down when using a router all of a sudden? Has anyone heard of this happening? I feel like I've tried everything else.

Re: [Speed Problem] Earthlink DSL speed slows to a crawl when ad

I have had Earthlink (Mindspring) ADSL for a dozen years. I have ALWAYS used a router of some kind (multihomed computer, hacked Speedstream 5260/5660, Linksys, etc.). I have NEVER had a problem because of the router.

Your problem sounds like modem problem. I currently use a Zyxel P-660 modem in bridge mode with no problems. I'm not sure how you can "brick" a P-660 modem by putting it in bridge mode. I am not familiar with the Netopia (what model?) modems, but I am sure that someone here can walk you through setup of your Zyxel (P660?)
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Thank you for your reply. I just did a speakeasy speed test and I got 6.91/.26 mbps (using my Mac Book Pro wirelessly!! I have made no changes)...but it probably won't last. I'm sure you are right about the modem and I will try again tomorrow.

What I am afraid that happened to the modem was that when I reset it (using a paperclip), it may have lost all of the earthlink settings as no lights lit up when I tried to connect it straight to the computer (but maybe I was supposed to hook it right up to the router?). Tomorrow when I get out of work I will try again from scratch and I will closely follow the directions! I would do it now, but the kids are celebrating the fast internet connection by watching a Netflix movie! I'll let you all know how it goes.

OK, I successfully installed and am using the Zyxel modem (I had to switch it to PPPOE, yes, I feel silly). I'm still not getting consistent speeds. Per a speakeasy test, currently I am getting .4 down and .1 up. About 5 minutes ago I was getting 6.96 down and .19 up. I am so frustrated!

Hey,
It sounds like we have the same problem. Where are you located? I'm in the Atlanta Area.
I've done a few speed tests and it can very from 2.88 to .1 (I have 3.0 speed).

If you find a solution, please let me know. I'm thinking about finding another service.

Try these test sites.

»www.speedtest.net/

»www.speakeasy.net/speedtest/

Then check the obvious like swapping out a Ethernet cable or a filter. Then test out at the NID.

»EarthLink DSL FAQ »How do I test at my NID? What does it look like?
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What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?

I swapped out the ethernet cable, no change

I'm not sure what/where a filter is
I can't get outside to even see a NID, so I guess I'm out of luck.

Thanks for your help and sharing your knowledge.

Call Earthlink and ask for a truck roll (they will first want you to replace the Modem if it is older than 12 months to eliminate a bad Modem [it's much cheaper than a truck roll]. Now if you agree to a new contract of 12 Months they will supply the Modem for free, but if you are in a current 12 Month contract renewal or don't want to be locked into another 12 Month contract then they will charge you for a new or refurbished Modem). It will not cost anything for a truck roll only if there is a problem from the NID back to the phone company, but if there is good connection on the side of your residence where the NID is then you will be charged for the repair of any wiring from the NID into the residence up to the Modem as that is considered the customers wiring and therefore your responsibility. You can also hire a telephone wiring contractor to come out and inspect or repair your wiring as you are not required to use Earthlink on your residential wiring repairs.

The above information is why it is a good thing to test at the NID yourself to make sure you don't have any internal wiring faults or defective DSL filters before having expensive truck rolls or contractors come to your location. If you don't have a whole house splitter/filter in your NID then every phone connection except for the Modem is requited to have a DSL Filter installed before the phone is plugged in.

»DSL FAQ »DSL Availability & Troubleshooting

quote:

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Slow Speed / Low Sync
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Possible causes:

1) telephone(s) not filtered

- filter telephone(s) or disconnect them

2) faulty linecard / dslam port at CO

- contact your ISP and they will have Bell Nexxia investigate

3) distance from CO exceeds maximum guaranteed distance

- contact your ISP and they will have Bell Nexxia investigate

4) outside line issue (loaded coils, bridged taps, wear & tear)

- contact your ISP and they will have Bell Nexxia investigate

5) defective filter(s)

- replace defective filter(s)
- contact ISP if filter(s) were provided with service

6) faulty inside wiring / phone jack(s)

- call 611 (note, this is at your own expense)
- repair your inside wiring

7) interference from AM radio

- place modem away from AM radio
- use shielded twisted pair cabling from modem to walljack

8) interference from halogen lights

- place modem away from halogen lights
- use shielded twisted pair cabling from modem to walljack

9) congestion on route to destination

-check to see if anyone else with your ISP has started a thread about congestion
-run a traceroute to dslreports.com and post your results along with speedtest and tweak test results

10) incorrect MTU / RWIN settings

- the correct MTU for PPPoE is 1492 (unless otherwise indicated by your ISP)
- for help with RWIN check »/tweaks
- for more assistance post the results of your tweaktest along with information about the type of connection you have

»A few more things to consider as interference in "Slow Speed / Low Sync"

11) interference from poorly shielded speakers
- place modem away from speakers or purchase new ones

12) interference from poorly shielded computer power supplies (PSUs)
- place modem away from PSU or purchase new one for PC

13) using cheap "dollar store" RJ-11 phone wire between phonejack and modem
- use standard "flat wire" RJ-11 wire included with modem, or, if missing, purchase high quality phone cable. Do not use phone extension cable if you can.

14) overclocked the FSB, causing problems with PCI network card
- if you are overclocking the front-side bus multiplier, return it to the default multiplier. Or try experimenting with another brand of network card.

15) setting PCI latency = 64 in BIOS causing problems with PCI network card
- go to BIOS and set PCI Latency back to default of 32. Or try experimenting with another brand of network card.

16) more than 5 devices connected to phone line

17) Excessive loop length/distance from the DSLAM

- disconnect enough devices so that you are at a maximum of 5 devices (including answering machines, modems, etc.)
»» This will also cause intermittent connectivity and no synch.

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HI, it's me the original poster. I am on the phone with earthlink now. I went so far as to even remove all of my phones to eliminate possible interference.

So I got off the phone, and she had me reset the modem...so guess what the problem is? Why the router of course! The brand new $150 (?I cant even remember right now, i'm so mad) Linksys EA6300 is the meanie who is hogging the internet. Not their 2005 version you pay $8 a month for. Seriously, let me know if that is really the problem then I'm going to call Cisco and give them a rash of heck.

But in the mean time, I'm going to sit here and wait for the internet to drop again. Then I'm going to do that testing from the NID--like I have nothing else to do today....

Thanks guys for all your help. Sorry to be so snotty, its just so frustrating!

It would help to see (post them in your reply) and for you to start tracking (in a text log file) your DSL Sync Rates that are seen in the DSL Modem. That way when you have a drop out you can see if the DSL Signal is affected or not which is something you need to know to start pinpointing your drops and the possible cause...
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What’s the point of owning a supercar if you can’t scare yourself stupid from time to time?

Is there an easy way to see my DSL Sync Rates on my Zyxel modem while it's in bridge mode? I found a walk-through on this website, but it looks like I need to basically take it out of bridge mode.