Unreliable DSL

satchmo · 03 Nov 2009

I live in California and I have Verizon DSL.

Our DSL speed varies tremendously. Sometimes it's decent:

And sometimes it sucks:

And sometimes, we have no connection at all.

It's been going on for many years, and Verizon has sent someone over to check the problem on four different occasions, but they are unable to fix the problem.

Is DSL inherently unreliable? Does this happen to everyone with DSL? Am I among the few unlucky ones?

We don't have FiOS either. Verizon doesn't offer it in my area.

TechieJustin · 03 Nov 2009

Keep a log. Every hour test the speed. Let's see if we can narrow down when the connection goes bad.
My former boss had a lamp with a build in transformer that would knock out his DSL thanks to some sort of RF interference. Once he moved the lamp or shut it off - all was well in the world.
So, if you're the only one who uses the machine just keep a notepad next to the mouse. If your whole family uses it, set the speed test site to the default page and make them record the time.

The key to solving problems is gathering quantifiable data.

Think about it, if the speed starts dropping off at 5:30pm and eventually becomes unusable by 8pm - what is happening? People are turning their lights on, doing wash, downloading a bootleg copy of Professor Schlong & the Sorority Sisters.

and give your neighbor a call - see if they're having the same issue.

satchmo · 03 Nov 2009

We have been noting the pattern of speed variation and disconnection for the past three to four years.

And what we found is that there is no pattern. Sometimes the connection would be fast and stable for 3-4 months straight, and sometimes it goes out almost the entire day. Most of the times, it's somewhere in between.

We have changed the entire computer, changed the OS, changed the wireless router, changed the modem, upgraded drivers, plugged the DSL modem in different phone jacks -- to no avail. Nothing seems to matter or affect the connection.

It's completely erratic.

TechieJustin · 03 Nov 2009

satchmo said:

We have been noting the pattern of speed variation and disconnection for the past three to four years.

And what we found is that there is no pattern. Sometimes the connection would be fast and stable for 3-4 months straight, and sometimes it goes out almost the entire day. Most of the times, it's somewhere in between.

We have changed the entire computer, changed the OS, changed the wireless router, changed the modem, upgraded drivers, plugged the DSL modem in different phone jacks -- to no avail. Nothing seems to matter or affect the connection.

It's completely erratic.

Well, Hm.
I don't know. Call the provider and explain it to them, maybe they have equipment that can see how your signal is.
Maybe there's a bad line filter on one of the phone extensions.

satchmo · 04 Nov 2009

They checked all the filters. When they come to our place to check the signal quality, it's very good.

My question is whether this is a common issue for all DSL subscribers. I mean, does everyone experience this sort of intermittent service with DSL?

smarteyeball · 04 Nov 2009

satchmo said:

My question is whether this is a common issue for all DSL subscribers. I mean, does everyone experience this sort of intermittent service with DSL?

With bad ISP's they do. With good ISP's they don't.

We don't have Verizon here in Australia, but I have yet to hear anything that resembles praise (or even satisfaction) regarding Verizon.

It could be congestion at the exchange, dodgy phone lines somewhere, Verizon doing 'maintenance' - it could be anything.

A lot of the times ISP's lay the blame on the user, when in fact it's thier fault.

When I first signed up to my current ISP I had fantastic and consistent speed, but as more and more users were connected to my local DSLAM, the performance dropped by over half.

When I enquired why my service had become degraded, they claimed it was a fault at my end. When many others had a similar issue, it was thier fault too. Despite proof to the contrary, it was never, ever the fault of the ISP

patio · 04 Nov 2009

Tell Customer Service you are considering switching to a Cable service...
I'll bet those #'s not only go up but stay more consistent...

satchmo · 04 Nov 2009

I think it's time for me to make the switch to cable.

DSL with Verizon just sucks.

TechieJustin · 04 Nov 2009

satchmo said:

They checked all the filters. When they come to our place to check the signal quality, it's very good.

My question is whether this is a common issue for all DSL subscribers. I mean, does everyone experience this sort of intermittent service with DSL?

It was very good at the instant they checked. That's the problem with those guys. It always works when they arrive.

Dump Verizon - go with cable. But call Verizon first and tell them they have one month to fix the issue or you're going to cable.
Then call the cable company and see what deals they have for "switchers."