Virgin XL Broadband

[baddog]

Hi there, can anyone tell me how I can ;)check I'm getting the full 20MB please?

And does anyone know how to 'dim' the lights on the V+ box when it is in standby?

[chickendippers]

Download 2 or more files from http://gamefiles.virginmedia.com You probably won't get the full 20Mb at peak time.

[baddog]

Dont understand really

[oliver1948uk]

To get a rough idea, use the Speed Test at the top of this page. This is what I just got:

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 21:21:17 UTC

Test 1: 1024K took 537 ms = 1906.9 KB/sec, approx 15713 Kbps, 15.34 Mbps
Test 2: 1024K took 497 ms = 2060.4 KB/sec, approx 16978 Kbps, 16.58 Mbps
Test 3: 1024K took 479 ms = 2137.8 KB/sec, approx 17615 Kbps, 17.2 Mbps
Test 4: 2048K took 939 ms = 2181 KB/sec, approx 17971 Kbps, 17.55 Mbps

Overall Average Speed = approx 17069 Kbps, 16.67 Mbps

[chickendippers]

Go to http://gamefiles.virginmedia.com (http://gamefiles.virginmedia.com/), choose two big files and watch the download speeds. Add them together and if you're getting the full 20Mb they should add up to about 2000KB/s.

However because the internet connection is shared between people in your local area when they're all using it (say between 4-9pm) you probably won't get full speed. This is called contention.

[Aragorn]

Downloading a large file is a more realistic test of speed than one of the 'speedtests'. Downloading two files reduces the possible throttling by the computer of an individual download. Add the two download rates (kb/s) together to get your speed. eg my 250KB/s is approx 2Mb bband.

[baddog]

When down loading two files at the same time, I'm getting about 250/300KB/s per file downloaded; is that good? Can't get the speed test to work.

---------- Post added at 07:38 ---------- Previous post was at 07:33 ----------

Success! At least the test worked

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 06:36:26 UTC

Test 1: 1024K took 2141 ms = 478.3 KB/sec, approx 3941 Kbps, 3.85 Mbps
Test 2: 1024K took 2140 ms = 478.5 KB/sec, approx 3943 Kbps, 3.85 Mbps
Test 3: 1024K took 2141 ms = 478.3 KB/sec, approx 3941 Kbps, 3.85 Mbps
Test 4: 2048K took 4297 ms = 476.6 KB/sec, approx 3927 Kbps, 3.83 Mbps

Overall Average Speed = approx 3938 Kbps, 3.85 Mbps

This doesn't seem right chaps, maybe they haven't switched me on?

[deed02392]

They haven't set you up as a 20Mb customer yet. How did you request the upgrade. Do it online at https://autoreg.autoregister.net/ and set yourself up.

[Aragorn]

I think in a couple of other threads Benmcr has pointed out that no 'ex-NTL' BBand upgrades are taking place this week due to a system upgrade. So if you've upgraded from L to XL, give it 'til Monday.

[baddog]

Thanks everso for the info, I actually upgraded on 15th of March. the engineer who installed the V+ said it would upgade the Broadband automatically.

[Joxer]

Can you find the bitrate on the config pages on NTL modems? It's possible on the Webstars on telewest and also the Surfboards, but it's harder.

[baddog]

Dont know Joxer. Virgin just tested my modem and said it is highspeed, but it is still under 4MB. They said it was my Router, but I've now unplugged it and there's no change.

[fatassmichael]

baddog, browse to http://192.168.100.1 , user and pass are both root. Look for a page called operation config (if you are using an ambit modem) and post your max downstream data rate and max upstream data rate.

[deed02392]

He is not on the 20Mb package, there is no way you get a test result at 3938Kbps and you're on a higher tier.

Did you try what I suggested? What was the result? After ****ing about with customer 'service', doing what I told you to do worked perfectly and I was upgraded in seconds.

[baddog]

Is this it Micheal?

Network Access : Enabled
Maximum Downstream Data Rate : 4096000 bps
Maximum Upstream Data Rate : 400000 bps
Maximum Number of CPEs : 1
Software Upgrade File Name : ntlhm120_ntl0002.cpr
Software Upgrade AdminStatus : allowProvisioningUpgrade
Software Upgrade OperStatus : completeFromProvisioning

---------- Post added at 19:00 ---------- Previous post was at 18:57 ----------

Deed The weblink isnt working until 6 April.

[deed02392]

Ah I see that now buddy, sorry! To be frank though my friend, I would not hold out for getting your 20Mb other than via the autoreg website, as VM are useless. Absolutely god forsaken useless at upgrading people. By the way, your configuration there does show that you are on the 4Mb package still.

Maximum Downstream Data Rate : 4096000 bps = Max download speed, 4Mbps

[fatassmichael]

deed, AFAIK, there can be no changes to packages this week in ex ntl regions, as the billing systems are being migrated in some areas. It will be at least monday before any changes go through.

As a side note baddog, you may want to ask about getting that old 120 modem changed to a more recent one, eg a 255 or 256,

[deed02392]

Oh right I understand. Well there you go then baddog. Worth a try at least though I suppose!

[baddog]

Thanks to you all for your help. Least I know its not the Router! Will have a go when I can get in touch with VM by email. I'll let you know how I get on. Out for now and thanks again all.

[baddog]

Finally got Virgin to admit the NTL 120 modem is not up to the job {seems fatassmicheal had the answer vefore Virgin, well done mate}, they are posting me a new one! My main difficulty was getting past the automated reply email which I got three times with the same advice and basically blamed my computer, apart from that, all three people I spoke to also said it was the computer. Finally resolved by making a copmplaint on-line! Will the new one arrive, I will let you know? Should I ask them for compensation for all the time I wasted, anyone been succesful on that count?

[baddog]

New Modem, now sorted at 19.8 mbps! Wicked!

[Zain]

sweet, nice to know it worked out fine.

[baddog]

All things come to those who...and all that, Zain!

[fatassmichael]

Glad you got it sorted baddog :o)