Upgrade to VDSL2 profile 35b?

[#1]

Dear community,

I am currently subscribed to the Unlimited Fibre Extra package, receiving download and upload speeds of 79.4 & 11.1 Mbps. This is achieved with VDSL2 profile 17a.

If possible, I would like to increase my upload speeds since I regularly upload large files (compressed archives >= 1GB) for work. Given than I live <150m from the local BT exchange, would there be any benefit in upgrading my router to support the 35b profile? Does Plusnet support VDSL2 profile 35b?

I have checked my local BT exchange (https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com), and it seems that the upload speed is capped at 20 Mbps. I'm unsure whether the DSLAM supports VDSL2 profile 35b, but the 20 Mbps cap would suggest not. In any case, my current upload speeds are 9 Mbps slower, possibly due to Plusnet throttling the connection.

I'd appreciate any advice you can give on how to maximise the upload speed.

Thank you kindly for your responses, Osian.

[#2]

@osian-dafydd  Openreach VDSL2 which Plusnet supply uses Profile 17a. There is no way that can be changed so upgrading your router will do nothing for you.

Your upload speed is lower than it should be but seems to be suffering from a lot of errors.  Perhaps you should get Plusnet to investigate this.  Plusnet are not throttling your connection but the Openreach Automated DLM (dynamic line management) system could have reduced the speed. If you don't get a staff response try raising a fault online at  faults.plus.net 

[#3]

@osian-dafydd 

Your upstream speed ab

nd SNR suggests that you have noise in an upstream band of frequencies.

Have you run any diagnostic tests like the quiet line test, testing from the test socket or using a different filter?

[#4]

@Baldrick1 

I have just performed a couple of tests. Changing the filter made no difference, however connecting to the test socket has solved the issue:

My modem is now showing 20 Mbps upload. I guess the telephone extension is faulty.

I'd rather not have my modem & router located near the master socket, but I suppose its only a small inconvenience. Thank you for your help.

[#5]

@osian-dafydd 

regarding your master socket, does it have a DSL and phone connection faceplate?

If so, how are you extending the DSL connection to where the modem/router is positioned? 

Dan

[#6]

@osian-dafydd 

Checking the extension wiring is always worth while. Simply moving the wires could cure a faulty connection.

If you have an old style Master Socket then it's just possible the extension has a "Bell" wire which is no longer used. Removing this can help. Look on the internet for both "uk phone wiring" and BT Master Sockets and you'll find a fair bit if information.

Brian

[#7]

@Dan_the_Van 

Hi Dan. The master socket only has a telephone line connection (no RJ11). I normally have nothing plugged into it. This is what it looks like inside:

The telephone extension connects through the back of the box. It runs ~ 6 metres into my office. From there, I connect the modem:

Thanks for your help, Osian.

[#8]

@osian-dafydd 

What you need to do is change the faceplate to one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-75114-VDSL2-Microfilter-Faceplate/dp/B014E4FIJK/ref=sr_1_7?crid=21A3D...

You then need to move the extension cable to the phone connectors on the faceplate. Leave the orange wire disconnected, this ring wire is not required. This should solve your problem but note that your extension will only work with your phone. Having done this you no longer need the filters.

[#9]

@osian-dafydd 

Replacing the faceplate is a good option but in your circumstances I must ask if you use a landline in your office. From what I can see the Lindy doesn't feed a phone line to your extension,

Note you also need a punch down tool rather than a screw driver.

Brian

PS A picture of the inside of the Master Socket might help with your wiring.

[#10]

@osian-dafydd 

these reason for asking you about your master socket I was checking to see if you were connecting your modem to a filtered phone connection, from what you say appears you're not.

Dan.

[#11]

@Baldrick1 Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try. I considered changing the faceplate some time ago, but I quite like having my telephone & networking equipment all located in my office.

@bmc Yes, I regularly use a landline in my office. Here is a photo of the wiring inside the master socket. I'm sorry for the rather dark image!

This wiring was done years ago. I guess the extension line is probably 20 years old!

[#12]

@bmc 

You are causing confusion. When all else fails refer to the instructions. See  https://stinriverstorageprod.blob.core.windows.net/images/Lindy/75114/606255.pdf

I agree you need a cheap punch down tool https://www.amazon.co.uk/Comms2Go-Punch-Cutter-Stripper-Network-Yellow/dp/B07SPFFB3Z/ref=sr_1_8?crid...

[#13]

@osian-dafydd 

It might be nice to run your hub off an extension but you can see that it can cause issues. The better option is to run an Ethernet cable from a hub located at the master socket and if required fit a cheap Ethernet switch or an Access Point on the end in your office.

[#14]

@Baldrick1 @osian-dafydd 

I had looked at the instructions believe it or not. I had already re-read them and was going to re-post. If you use the B & A terminals for the extension does this send a filtered signal only? If so, then there's no phone line. If it sends both then you still need a filter on the extension. Or have I got this completely wrong?

I agree it's not ideal to run the Router from the extension but given the incoming speed and the short distance (6m?) to the extension I don't think you'd lose much performance.

Finally, from looking at the last photo there could well be an orange "Bell" (or Ring) wire connected.

Brian

[#15]

@osian-dafydd 

I may be confused here but something like the following could be used to replace the faceplate on your master socket. As far as I can see it's unfiltered.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Master-connection-complete-backbox-compatible-White/dp/B006V1P39A/ref=sr_1_...

Then, if desired,replace your current extension with a new socket. If possible perhaps even replace the wiring with new high cable cable if accessable.

You'd still need to plug in a filter but simply replacing everything might well have the desired effect.

Any chance of a picture of the inside of the extension? I'd like to see if there are 2 or 3 wires attached. Removing the Bell wire has been proven to improve performance (it can cause interference).

Brian