synchronization and reset?

[akvaman]

Hi, I have a bit of problem with my ISP.I should have 10mbps instead I have 1.5.When I call them they say that synchronization is out (what ever that means) and that they need to reset the connection and even then I get only 5-6Mbps.They send a team which concluded that the problem is on their side not mine.
What is a synchronization and reset?

 

[Corazon]

You didn't ask them...?

I can't really find anything on Google to answer your Q...except that it seems to be nothing more than a restart of all network equipment and re-negotiation of all the connection details - kinda what you do when you cycle your modem/router off and back on.

 

[severedsolo]

Synchronisation is when the router negotiates with the DSLAM in the exchange to find the best possible speed for your line. Im guessing from the info you have given that you are on ADSL (upto 8Mb). Corazon is correct, although it isn't "kinda like" what happens, its EXACTLY what happens when you power cycle your router.

When your ISP "reset" the connection, they restart the "training period" where the exchange learns what is the best Signal to Noise ratio (and thus the best speed) for your line. Here in the UK at least, it can take up to 10 days for your line to settle down once the training period is restarted.

If you are in the UK (your description makes me think you probably are) and are on BT's network (not necessarily with BT, but on their network) the maximum attainable speed with ADSL 8Mb is 6.5Mb/s due to the way their IP Profile system works. Basically, you get locked to 7Mb/s and then from that, your overheads come out, leaving you with 6.5.

However BT are rolling out a new IP Profile system that will be 88.5% of your sync speed, so that may improve the situation. Hope it helps.

 

[akvaman]

Yeah, thats all probably true but why now? and why is it just me?All my neighbors have excellent Int. and I use to have too but since last year my speed has dropped and I use to have these constant disconnections, I'm speaking every 2-5 min, what changed?

 

[Layback Bear]

Your system specs would help. The place to do that is at the top of the page under User CP. Do you use a modem and a router?

 

[akvaman]

I have fairly fast computer and I use both modem and router yet...Their repair teams (my ISP's) say that its not the problem on my end its on theirs!

 

[severedsolo]

Yeah, thats all probably true but why now? and why is it just me?All my neighbors have excellent Int. and I use to have too but since last year my speed has dropped and I use to have these constant disconnections, I'm speaking every 2-5 min, what changed?

What may actually help, is a screenshot of your routers stats page. Specifically I'm interested in the sync speed, attenuation and SNR margin. Usually your router will have the details of how to connect to it on a sticker somewhere.

As for "what changed" it could be anything, it could be a part of your line has become exposed, or an engineer has changed the line pair out at the cabinet for a worse pair (BT's engineers in particular are bad for that) and it is introducing noise to your line.

From the sounds of it, either the router is dying, or your line is experiencing high amounts of noise. Usually a router resyncing is when the Signal to Noise Ratio becomes too noisy for it to "hear" the exchange properly. Especially on longer lines, ADSL is very susceptible to electronic interference.

 

[Corazon]

Thanks for the insightful explanation severedsolo

 

[akvaman]

I'm sorry that my respond is a bit late but thanking is never late.Thank you.