Slow Broadband - check your cable!!!

rodeoraymond · 25-04-2007, 11:54

Hi

Had only been getting just below 2mb speed on 10mb connection since install. Tried test using cable supplied with stand alone cable modem as opposed to cable that was originally put up around skirting board with first STB was installed. Guess what - new cable works a treat - can nearly get the full 10mb speed.

Always thought there was something strange with original cable - our first Pace STB needed a cable with a cross-over adaptor fitted between PC and box, fitting the cross-over adapter at back of computer did not work but fitting it at back of PC did!!!

Had an engineer around last Saturday, he replaced previous modem which made no difference, had an engineer to call back today (so have cancelled as no need).

Could be good advice therefore to anybody who has never had anything like the speed they are paying for to check the cable from the modem to the computer.

Hope this helps!!

arcamalpha2004 · 25-04-2007, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodeoraymond

Hi

Had only been getting just below 2mb speed on 10mb connection since install. Tried test using cable supplied with stand alone cable modem as opposed to cable that was originally put up around skirting board with first STB was installed. Guess what - new cable works a treat - can nearly get the full 10mb speed.

Always thought there was something strange with original cable - our first Pace STB needed a cable with a cross-over adaptor fitted between PC and box, fitting the cross-over adapter at back of computer did not work but fitting it at back of PC did!!!

Had an engineer around last Saturday, he replaced previous modem which made no difference, had an engineer to call back today (so have cancelled as no need).

Could be good advice therefore to anybody who has never had anything like the speed they are paying for to check the cable from the modem to the computer.

Hope this helps!!

Glad you sorted your problem, but should customers be doing this?
Just a thought, given that we're brainwashed into the idea that cable is the dogs bollards.

**Rob** · 25-04-2007, 12:21

When you say cable, are you referring to the ethernet lead on the customer side of the modem to the PC, or the coaxial lead on the street side of the modem? The former can be changed or whatever by the customer, the latter should only be messed with by Virgin Media.

arcamalpha2004 · 25-04-2007, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

When you say cable, are you referring to the ethernet lead on the customer side of the modem to the PC, or the coaxial lead on the street side of the modem? The former can be changed or whatever by the customer, the latter should only be messed with by Virgin Media.

Rob, even if it is the cable from the modem to the computer should a customer need to go through that to get the right speed? surely the cable vm provide should be upto the job.
I suspect the op is talking about the cable from the modem to the pc.

**Rob** · 25-04-2007, 12:27

In an ideal world a customer shouldn't have to worry about the ethernet lead, but in practice they are vulnerable, especially to a dodgy connection into the socket either on the PC or modem.

arcamalpha2004 · 25-04-2007, 12:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

In an ideal world a customer shouldn't have to worry about the ethernet lead, but in practice they are vulnerable, especially to a dodgy connection into the socket either on the PC or modem.

Agree

rodeoraymond · 25-04-2007, 13:20

Hi

I was referring to ethernet cable from modem to PC.

Does anyone know if these cables are prone to interference i.e. from close proximity to light switches, electrical cables?? Could this be what the problem might be or is the quality of the original cable poor (the old cable does seem quite thin)?

Thanks