Note: It might be important to read all the information first before attempting a test.




Q: Why or what is the purpose of a NID or SNI test (network interface test)?

A: The purpose of this test is to determine if the problem is external of your location or internal to your location. Depending on your agreement with your ISP, if there is a problem inside that is making your DSL not work properly and you have/request a technician dispatched, and they determine it was a fault on the wiring in your home, they can bill you for the trip at that point. This test would eliminate this possiblity, or give you a good idea if you would be billed or not. Also having a spare modem to do this test also helps. If you have a defective modem that is out of warranty that can be a billable trip as well.




Q: What is an NID or SNI test, and how do I do one..

Preparation for the NI test

Tools needed:

•Screwdriver-> a Phillips, or regular
•DSL modem
•DSL cable
• Power cable for modem
• spare dsl modem (eg. 5100b, 4100, 2210)

*note*: if you have a 2wire, 5100b, cayman/netopia, efficient 5600, 5260, 5861, you can get the readings from the modem from their respective interfaces. Please see the forums for efficient, 2wire and cayman/netopia if needing to retrieve these.






when you open it you should see this






unplug the little connector in the jack and plug your modem in the "test module"(green test jack) and see if you have a signal here, and if possible determine if it is stronger





One method of testing some customers do is run the electric to the nid through a window and do the test that way and run a Cat 5e cable to their computers/laptops. You can go up to approx. 320 ftwith Category 5e cable. You atypically want to avoid using a long phone cord for this because you can make your testing problem worse than better. The shorter the phone cable the better, some people take their dsl modems, and a wireless router out there and access their readings that way via the wireless router. You can also contact us to do this test as well.



Additional note for apartment renters: in some cases the kitchen jack might be your nid so the best you can do is test to that location. Apartments represent a 3rd party(landlord)that could be responsible for wiring concerns. Please contact your landlord for repairs or if the landlord/management company will pay for part or all of the repairs if deemed necessary for your line.



Q: If I do a NID test with you does it cost me anything?

A: no, you lose nothing financially, the test you do here will determine if you have internal or modem problems that might not be under warranty or might not be covered by wire repair protection.




Q: Ok so the NI test shows I have a better signal outside than inside what does this mean??

A: This means that if tech were dispatched to your premise he would determine that the problem is inside. In which this case your ISP might decide to bill you at this point. Some IW issues might be just a bad filter or no filter on a phone. Some people even have guests come over like grandma or an aunt or uncle and plug up a phone for them but then try to use their DSL and it no longer works. When they go back they find the unfiltered phone, and like magic as soon as they take it off their DSL works again. This is where the forums would be a good place to do more research. Some issues that are more complex deal with possibly people plugging in devices without filters, loose NID/SNI wiring, bad or improper cabling. Some people can test sync and surf at the NID and notice it improved greatly, but when they go back inside they notice it diminished. Some sattelite tv and/or cable installers might also just plug in their equipment to the wrong side of the filter. If they happen to do this that would degrade your signal as well.





Q: My modem is bad or appears to be, how or where can I get a replacement?

Well, if it is still within the one year warranty, and you proved it to be a bad modem I would call up to the 877-722-3755 number and verify with them that the modem no longer works. You can even tell them how you came to determine that (say with a friend's modem, or a spare you had left over). Main thing to keep in mind here is be sure you confirm that it is the modem doing it. It does you no good waiting on hold to get a replacement sent to you if that is not the problem. You will have wasted your time for nothing.

For over one year replacements (or you have had your modem as least a year or longer). There are many places to get new ones.

www.sbcdslstore.com
www.ebay.com
www.amazon.com (saw some 4100's over there, and some 5260's)
www.geeks.com (see 2wires that are refurbs for a time or two that pop up here)

Locations you can potentially get other modems:

• wal-mart: Saw them in stores on 08/31/09 a self install kit containing a 2210-02 model modem

• AT&T mobility stores: Have heard that the 2wire 2701's might be able to be purchased. Since this is unconfirmed, please check into this.

Types or models of modems that can be suitable for replacements
• efficient/siemens: 4100, 4100b, 5100b
• motorola: 2210-02
• 2wire: 1701, 1800, 2701
• westell: F90, 6100

You can also call the 877-722-3755 number and order new equipment as well. With this you would be charged for the modem, any state/local taxes, and shipping and handling ($13 typically).



Q: what is the best way to set this up for testing properly?


A: See post below this article, drawings would not upload to topic.




Q: How can I tell with this test if it can go faster, or I have a better signal? Is there anything the modem can tell me? if so how?


A: First things first

1.) Most newer modems now a days have a test interface inside them
such as a GUI interface you use internet explorer or firefox to access

You might go to

http://homeportal or http://192.168.0.1
For the efficient networks modems it will be located in the technician
readout. There is even a site link where you can plug in your
bit readings from the modem and pretty much see what your bandwidth
looks like on a graphical scale.

»Speedstream 5100b/4100 Users: beta test DMT grapher

For 2wire, it should be located at, you can see the maxes, provisioning, can
even see the signal strength, and what your max bit rates and all kinds of stuff


http://homeportal/management
I would copy exactly what they ask for in that thread and get a screen
shot good enough for uploading.


Here is some other information on testing and line readings from the NID/SNI/MPOE is located here..

»AT&T Southeast Forum FAQ »How to check modem stats, synch rates & speeds from test jack at the INI.

»AT&T Southeast Forum FAQ »How to check modem stats, synch rates & speeds from test jack at the NID.