Modem settings

bogart99

After having trouble with dire speeds on Plusnet, not their fault, was asked to mess around with a few things one of which was to connect their modem/router. I have until now been using a Netgear DM200 with a Netgear Orbi.  With this setup I get an average download of around 2.82Mbps and an upload of 0.57Mbps, not great I know but best available. Now out of interest with the Plusnet modem/router connected download is same but upload averages 1.32Mbps.
Am at a total loss as to why the DM200 is so poor on upload. Any ideas?

psychopomp1

Most likely due to the DM200 using a Lantiq modem chipset whilst the DSLAM in your exchange (if on adsl) or in the FTTC cabinet (if on vdsl) is using a Huawei/Broadcom/other manufacturer chipset. It may be that the Plusnet router is using a Broadcom chipset, often (but not always) you get the best (highest) sync rate by matching the router modem chipset with the DSLAM kit.

bogart99

Very interesting, too technical for me but interesting nevertheless.So basically is nothing settings wise re DM200 that can be adjusted. So can I use the Plusnet item in conjunction with my Orbi?
I only got the Orbi so as to get good whole house coverage which the supplied Plusnet unit
cannot manage.

psychopomp1

Yes use the modem/router which gives you the highest sync rate. Out of curiosity are you on adsl or vdsl (fttc)? Can you also post line stats from the plusnet router?
Cheers

bogart99

ADSL. We are end of the phone line hence the poor figures. Not sure what you mean by stats from the Plusnet router.

mickevh

Some routers/modems provide a page of statistics and diagnostics about the line conditions. It includes things like signal to noise ratio (SNR) "headroom," whether "interleaving" is on or off, sync rate, data rate, and so forth. Have a look around you modem's UI - maybe there's some "advanced" or "diagnostic" pages or something in the ADSL settings.

psychopomp1

In any web browser, type 192.168.1.254 and once inside the router firmware page, go to troubleshooting>helpdesk for line stats (you may need your Plusnet Hub password). Copy and paste them here, removing any personal info. Being on adsl, there's a small chance you may be able to squeeze more speed out of your line by lowering your SNR margin (by using an el cheapo Billion router) but need to see line stats first.

bogart99

Okay thanks will try when things are quiet here and internet not needed.

bogart99

Right hope this is what you meant.                                                                       

psychopomp1

Thanks, those are indeed modem line stats.

If you look at '7 - Data rate' you are connected at 576/2816 Kbps (upstream/downstream). So there's no way your upload speedtest will be 1.3 Mbps, it should be around 0.4-0.5 based on your upload sync rate being 0.576 Mbps. Unless you're confusing uploaded data (line 12) with upstream speed? Can you try another speedtest, using speedtest.net and post results?

Also if you look at line 9, your downstream SNR is 12.8. That is quite high, if that was lowered to 6, your downstream sync rate would increase to 3500-4000 Kbps. Your Plusnet router won't allow you to manually adjust your Downstream SNR, however if you bought something like the Billion 7800N router, it would allow you to choose & set any SNR. Not worth going below SNR 6 d/t your long line length and its a doddle to change the SNR on the 7800N - you simple drag the SNR slider to any number. Though if you're happy with your current download speed then probably not worth the hassle.