Will a new DSL modem help my DSL connection?

Question

I have a DSL modem that has been in use for a few years. I haven't noticed any problems with the actual modem, but there have been some problems with my connection. I've had many technicians come out to look at the problem. The main problem is that I'm too far away from the DSLAM (Right near the edge of their service). Because of this I cannot get the full sync rate that I am paying for (They will only allow me to have half). I've had at least two of the DSL technicians tell me in person that I should get a new DSL modem saying that it would help my connection, but each were unable to explain how it would help other than giving "better numbers". Would a new DSL modem actually help me reach the full speed even with the distance?

Answer 1

Well that's what they would say. If you are at the very end of the pipe, changing taps won't really affect the water pressure. But if a techie has come, he/she has to say or do something right?

Answer 2

There is nothing you can do.  The reason why you are running at half speed is because you are too far away.  Reducing the speed reduces the errors.  It is the same as where you ask someone talking fast to you to slow down so you understand them better.  If the ISP speeds up the connection you will get more errors.

Simply put, a slow reliable connection is better than a fast unreliable connection.

A new DSL router will not bring you any closer to the DSLAM so it will not make a difference.  Even if it can support a higher speed you won't be able to use it because you would get too many errors.

ISP's have to standardize on service packages and cannot make a new package for every customer.  It sounds like you are on the least expensive package they offer and their business model does not permit them to go lower.

Here are some possible alternatives:

Cable Internet from your cable TV provider.  Cable has much greater ranges than DSL and typically a much higher connection speed.

Cellular Internet from a Cellular Service Provider.  Verizon's cellular data speeds are over 800kbps and work just about anywhere.  Just call Verizon Wireless and ask them about it.  I think is around $45 a month.

Fiber Internet from Verizon.  This is very new and not in all locations.  It has a much higher speed than cable and a greater range than cable and DSL.

Satellite Internet.  I have a client that is far away from all phone wires and cables that uses satellite Internet service from HughesNet.  The speed is similar to DSL (1.5Mbps) in good weather and in really poor weather it can go down to 512Mbps.

I recommend that you visit this website: www.dslreports.com

There are reviews of service providers and a tool for your to find alternative services in your area.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

They may be suggesting (without really knowing what they're saying) that a newer modem is better capable of handling the extreme range. And they may be right. What would concern me is your statement that they will only ALLOW you to have half speed. If they are limiting you deliberately in order to make the service work, there's no guarantee a new modem will do anything other than profit whoever you bought it from.

You should at least try to hold them accountable for not being able to deliver the speeds they promised when you signed up for service. If a new modem would fix, or at least reduce, the problem, why don't they let you try a new modem for a month, free of charge?

Answer 4

No, your old DSL modem is working fine. You are getting ripped off having to pay the full price for half the speed.

Answer 5

This is the stock b***sh*t answer from ISPs. They're trying to get you to buy newer "better" equipment with no real justification.

Your maximum line speed is based on a number of variables including distance from the exchange, line attenuation and contention ratio. Those three won't change regardless of the equipment you're connecting. (You can change contention ratio by moving to another ISP.)

I had a complete voice and ADSL disconnection. British Telecom behaved so badly that I ended up sending an email to their CEO to complain (my line was reconnected within 24 hours and they refunded £50 for the inconvenience). Don't stand for this stuff from your ISP, complain to the CEO - threaten to move to another service provider.