Traffic Shaping Affecting All Tiers - Page 108

Gary L · 04-10-2008, 00:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stabhappy

I can confirm that Cisco systems (one of the largest networking companies in the world) have patched the flaw in their software, so it's nothing to do with virgin media, they just have to implement it.

I don't get this part? so it's nothing to do with virgin media, they just have to implement it.

Stabhappy · 04-10-2008, 00:22

Virgin media may not have introduced the updated software onto their systems fixing this issue yet. It's quite a big job to update the entire infastructure, and I assume they would do some testing of the software prior to rolling it out.

Sirius · 04-10-2008, 09:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary L

I don't get this part? so it's nothing to do with virgin media, they just have to implement it.

Gary

May i ask if you hate VM that much, why do you still use them ????

Gary L · 04-10-2008, 13:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirius

Gary

May i ask if you hate VM that much, why do you still use them ????

Yes you may.

Sirius · 04-10-2008, 13:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary L

Yes you may.

Very funny

Ignitionnet · 04-10-2008, 15:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stabhappy

Virgin media may not have introduced the updated software onto their systems fixing this issue yet. It's quite a big job to update the entire infastructure, and I assume they would do some testing of the software prior to rolling it out.

I would hope it's not a big job rolling the software to all the CMTS and should be done centrally with a software push . They certainly had no trouble rolling out STM to all the CMTS in pretty quick time which also needed IOS changes.

joglynne · 04-10-2008, 15:36

Can anyone enlighten a non-techie please. I have had a Google and read about Cisco systems being the leading supplier of networking equipment and network management for the Internet. If they needed to fix a flaw in the software for the bits they supply why would Virgin Media delay applying the patch. Surely it's in VM's interest to apply it as soon as possible?

brundles · 04-10-2008, 16:00

I can't speak for VM specifically, but large organisations (especially telecoms) tend to be cautious about applying fixes across the board. If the bug isn't critical (and let's face it, a bug that kicks in STM early won't be that high up VMs priority list anyway) then it might be a while going through internal testing, soaking and then have to wait for a suitable maintenance period. Even then, you'd be amazed at the reasons a company can find for not applying a patch - I've had one in the states where the urgency of the patch requirement from the customer was overruled as it was American Idol night. Apparently they had a full network freeze every night that was on.

joglynne · 04-10-2008, 16:18

Thanks brundles. Seems a shame that something that could improve VM's reputation wouldn't be of more apparent interest to them.

Stabhappy · 04-10-2008, 17:36

to be honest, I have very limited knowledge about networking so i don't know the steps that have to be undertaken in order to roll out software upgrades. i'm merely speculating as to why it's taking so long.

luckily I'm one of the unaffected.

khamtran · 04-10-2008, 20:06

I spoke to VM today regarding my unwarranted traffic shaping yesterday and I was advised it was indeed a system fault and that I did not exceed the set limits. Somehow, my 4.5 meg upload of WordPress via FTP trigged the STM system to activate. They apologised and said that they have escalated the issue for the technicians to rectify. They also offered me 50% off my broadband bill for this month which doesn't mean much to me but at least it was something. I'd be a lot happier when this kind of this doesn't happen again.

Gary L · 04-10-2008, 22:33

What if you are not being STMd and they are just saying they will fix it and saying have it for half price until your cooling off period expires and then tied to a 12 month contract?
what if it's probably more to do with an over subscribed UBR and that's why your speed dropped so much, and them saying you were STMd incorrectly was better than saying they have too many people sharing the connection at once?

khamtran · 04-10-2008, 23:34

I sure hope that's not the case. I do notice significant drops in download speed tests during peak periods though so they are probably over subscribed.

However, I'm pretty sure I was STMd yesterday though since my numerous speed tests were all very consistent in both the download and upload.

I still have another 2 weeks left in the 28 day guarantee period so I'll keep a close eye on performance.

And thanks for the useful info guys. It's much appreciated.

Stabhappy · 05-10-2008, 00:31

Gary, find the number for customer care, explain the situation and ask them to 'modify' your bill to reflect on your current service level, normally they will.