Zonealarm restricting speed + modem maybe!

[Web-Junkie]

Upgraded to the VIP pack yesterday which includes 20mbps BB, but never got above 10mbps, between 7-10mbps on speedtest.net

So, I did the 20mbps Speed Optimisations last night and ran the TCP Optimizer as per this page:

http://www.virginmedia.com/help/20mb...timisation.php

but still <10mbps speed?

So today I removed my router and plugged the modem (SB4100) into the PC, rebooted modem then the PC but still the same <10mbps speed.

Then I uninstalled all my net software, AdSubtract pop up blocker, AVG Free Anti-Virus and Zonealarm Free. Rebooted PC and speedtest.net shows speed as 15mbps!!

Reinstalled Adbsubtract and speedtest still shows 15mbps, reinstalled AVG Free and speedtest still 15mbps, reinstalled ZA Free and rebooted, as it needs to, and speed is <10mbps again! Uninstalled ZA Free and rebooted and speed is back to 15mbps!! Connected the router back up and re-ran the speedtest and got 15mbps again which shows the router is OK!

So ZA is definitely restricting my speed, but why? Have run ZA for years and never seen this issue!!

I also read on this forum that some SB4100's can't do more than 16mbps as its a firmware issue, seems to be plausible as I can only hit about 15mbps doing a test download of this file:

http://gamefiles.virginmedia.com/blu...h/ifhsetup.exe

shows 2.02MB/Sec speed which is about 15mbps, and downloading a test file from Virgins Newsgroups shows 1.9MB/Sec so about 15mbps again.

So it looks like I need a new modem but who do I contact if I do? As for Zonealarm looks like a trip to their forums

[darthlinux]

if ur using a router that has a firewall on it so no need for a software firewall and call customer service and they cna order you a new modem 150 between 8am and midnight

[Web-Junkie]

I don't think the Routers Firewall asks you each time a program wants net access like ZA does.

I just rang up CS and they don't deal with modems and said they won't replace it anyway as the speed is 'up to' and unless it's faulty it won't be replaced so was told to ring TS @ 25p/min and speak to them!

My modem was bought when NTL offered to rent or buy, so I bought mine. Now VM don't 'sell' modems only rent I would have thought I should now be using only VM approved modems, but obviously not!

[Flange]

I stopped using Zonealarm (free version) because it was eating my bandwidth as well.

[crushednutts]

Maybe you should try getting an older version of ZA I use ZoneAlarm 3.7 and never had any speed loss with it. And I find it less confusing than the newer versions.

And like you say the router firewall only stops inbound traffic..

[r00t]

SB4100 HW0 Fail
SB4100 HW1 Fail

Will not do 20Mbits, you need a modem swap.

This is a known problem with ZoneAlarm, it has been brought up many times before i believe.

[Web-Junkie]

I tried ZA Pro 7.0.462.000 and that restricts speed too, also tried an older 4.5.594.000 version but that BSOD's windows with a Stop Code 0x0000008E

Also, seeing as the modem is MY PROPERTY, as I bought it, and I'm using it on VM's network then I can't see any reason why I should have to use it if i'm paying to rent a modem that VM haven't sent me.

So is there any other way to get VM to send me a new modem? Any VM employee have any suggestions?

[darthlinux]

cs and book a sro to send a new modem

[Web-Junkie]

CS have already told me they won't swap it unless it's faulty and to ring 25p/min TS

[darthlinux]

it is faulty as it wont support 20 mb

[Web-Junkie]

Sorted darth, check yer PM!