Kitz Forum

Broadband Related => ADSL Issues => Topic started by: magicone on February 24, 2011, 11:10:34 AM

Title: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 24, 2011, 11:10:34 AM
Hi All,

I upgraded my connection from ADSL2+ to FTTC last November and everything had been running smoothly until the past month.

I happened to be working from home one day in January and noticed that the connection was really slow, buffering Iplayer/Youtube etc. I ran a BT speedtest and noticed that the I.P profile had dropped signifantly from 38717Kbps down to 22617Kbps. The pings had also increased from around 12ms to 30-40ms. DLM had kicked in at this point and remained on the line for 2 weeks.

As I had no idea why DLM was still active on the line I asked my ISP to arrange for a BT Engineer to come and take a look. The BT Engineer came and tested by line with his JDSU and confirmed that the line was able to support 40 Meg Up/10 Meg down . He reset my line and also ran a speedtest at both the cab and the exchange and there were no issues with the tests. He left and asked me to keep an eye on I.P profile which had now been reset back to 38717Kbps. All was running fine until around 4pm later that afternoon when I noticed the connection had dropped and the DSL light was flashing on the Openreach modem. This happened for around 3hours and then everything had gone back to normal. However the next day this happened again and not only had the connection dropped but my I.P profile had dropped as well.

As I had feared the reason for DLM kicking in was because the line was dropping at certain times during the day. I had a second engineer round who did the same tests as the engineer above but also provided a new Openreach modem. He also tested the line with his JDSU and the connection box coming into our property. He said the stats were fine but what he did say is that when he plugged the modem into our mains socket, his colleagues at Openreach noticed errors on the line. He said this could possibly indicate a REIN issue. He said that Openreach would arrange a REIN Engineer.

I contacted my ISP this week and they have informed me that BT have located the issue as being caused by a problem with the 'Access Network'. Does anyone know what they are referring to?

As I can't extract line stats from the Openreach modem I have been using the TBB monitor and ass you can see below, where there is packet loss is when my line drops/slows down.

Could this be a REIN issue or is it possible there is an issue on the port I am connected to at the DSLAM?

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2F8243fcb1e26a58ea02a286f5c930a1e6-24-02-2011.png&hash=8071c343abddb324e56259ac6ea9034799b50a16) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/8243fcb1e26a58ea02a286f5c930a1e6-24-02-2011.html)

Thanks in advance for your help!
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: UncleUB on February 24, 2011, 02:25:54 PM
Can't help with your problem but..38717kbps  :silly:.....I shall now retire to turn green with envy  ;D
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: Oranged on February 24, 2011, 04:35:43 PM
This is going to be a good thread to watch as it's the first, that I'm aware of, concerning a vDSL connection fault, so perhaps we're all on a learning curve.

I'm not sure if REIN affects vDSL in the same way as ADSL.

Does this problem occur at the same times every day ?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: Azzaka on February 24, 2011, 05:43:06 PM
Magicone, who is your provider?

The access-network is the BTW network. It means the fibre itself is the source of the REIN. This coule be the line card termination or Cross-talk.

~azz
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 24, 2011, 06:26:13 PM
This is going to be a good thread to watch as it's the first, that I'm aware of, concerning a vDSL connection fault, so perhaps we're all on a learning curve.

I'm not sure if REIN affects vDSL in the same way as ADSL.

Does this problem occur at the same times every day ?

Monday:

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2Fb7c8699dac8b9245d328a1c6913cadb1-21-02-2011.png&hash=79a5749f7ab1f28f50de3eae3c3480ebdb987bfd) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/b7c8699dac8b9245d328a1c6913cadb1-21-02-2011.html)

Tuesday:

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2Fda8454d62587fd35ff94993422dad3c2-22-02-2011.png&hash=123d82a94ec12cd624ef07c312997ef1147851b5) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/da8454d62587fd35ff94993422dad3c2-22-02-2011.html)

Wednesday:

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2Fab9175fc84462be4f4a0b2d0b1ab5043-23-02-2011.png&hash=15bbcb59edf44714d45d14596f7673646d371da1) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/ab9175fc84462be4f4a0b2d0b1ab5043-23-02-2011.html)

Thursday:

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2F8243fcb1e26a58ea02a286f5c930a1e6-24-02-2011.png&hash=8071c343abddb324e56259ac6ea9034799b50a16) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/8243fcb1e26a58ea02a286f5c930a1e6-24-02-2011.html)

Friday:

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2F0f4fe64c791bafdbd3c1d4b838fcae69-25-02-2011.png&hash=2b1355d93070c9d202d05778ba900cc86cc60161) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/0f4fe64c791bafdbd3c1d4b838fcae69-25-02-2011.html)

Saturday:

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2F3e2d4eb84d56b513fb4ce8c30451c0df-26-02-2011.png&hash=09548c97ee27ae8a62abcc529447d0bff3f96738) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/3e2d4eb84d56b513fb4ce8c30451c0df-26-02-2011.html)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 24, 2011, 06:27:57 PM
Magicone, who is your provider?

The access-network is the BTW network. It means the fibre itself is the source of the REIN. This coule be the line card termination or Cross-talk.

~azz

Aquiss is my provider, when you say line card termination do you mean at the cab or exchange? Thanks
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 24, 2011, 06:59:10 PM
Hi

Firstly: 'The Access Network' is indeed the cabling/wiring from the exchange, through to your premises. Doesn't matter if it's Fibre,Copper,Aliminium or Lead, it's all 'The Access Network'.

Secondly: Fibre cannot be affected by REIN. It will only affect the metallic cables that makes up your circuit. You say you are on FTTC ? if so, then REIN will only affect your circuit from the Cabinet onwards to your premises.

Thirdly: I'm in total agreement with Oranged, this is going to be a great learning curve for all. I've only recently (in the last 2 months) had my FTTC and associated EU Installation course and am therefore not au-fait with trouble-shooting these circuits. Having said that, the only real problems are going to still be with the Cabinet onwards and as such, it's business as usual.

Fourth: The REIN engineers are very good. The hard part is getting them there. We have to prove we have done various 'fixes', and tested the circuit to hell and back before they will even entertain raising a job for the REIN team.

Good luck pal.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 24, 2011, 07:09:44 PM
Hi

Firstly: 'The Access Network' is indeed the cabling/wiring from the exchange, through to your premises. Doesn't matter if it's Fibre,Copper,Aliminium or Lead, it's all 'The Access Network'.

Secondly: Fibre cannot be affected by REIN. It will only affect the metallic cables that makes up your circuit. You say you are on FTTC ? if so, then REIN will only affect your circuit from the Cabinet onwards to your premises.

Thirdly: I'm in total agreement with Oranged, this is going to be a great learning curve for all. I've only recently (in the last 2 months) had my FTTC and associated EU Installation course and am therefore not au-fait with trouble-shooting these circuits. Having said that, the only real problems are going to still be with the Cabinet onwards and as such, it's business as usual.

Fourth: The REIN engineers are very good. The hard part is getting them there. We have to prove we have done various 'fixes', and tested the circuit to hell and back before they will even entertain raising a job for the REIN team.

Good luck pal.


Thanks razpag.

During the last visit Openreach said they would send out a REIN engineer , but then a few days later they changed their mind as apparently they found an issue with the Access Network. What do you think I should expect when the engineer comes again tomorrow?

I am 300metres away from the cabinet which as you say is all copper so could be effected by REIN?

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 24, 2011, 07:23:41 PM
 ;D Like I say, getting a REIN engineer out is quite a task in itself.

I've not been on your job, so have no idea what has gone on previously. It seems that the other engineer commented you should be able to get 40Meg Downstream and 10Meg Upstream (not the other way round as in your OP ...  ;D). He then says there's lots of errors which could be REIN ?

I work on conventional ADSL every day, and a large percentage of my jobs are 'High error counts'. An extremely low percentage (prob about 2%) of these, are due to REIN.

As I say, I've never installed/faulted VDSL and am unsure as to what tests the original engineer did, but I would be asking the next engineer to test at the cabinet to see if there are extremes of errors there, and if there aren't, then fault the rst of the line like they would ANY type of broadband circuit. If 'they' say they've found a fault with the Access Network, I assume they've performed a 'remote low end line test' as they do with any fault, and found electrical fault conditions ? IE- Batt/Earth contact, Short circuit or 'Dis' type faults. 'They' cannot test remotely for REIN.

I've said this before a few times now, what you get told and what really should happen are not always the same.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 24, 2011, 07:49:36 PM
;D Like I say, getting a REIN engineer out is quite a task in itself.

I've not been on your job, so have no idea what has gone on previously. It seems that the other engineer commented you should be able to get 40Meg Downstream and 10Meg Upstream (not the other way round as in your OP ...  ;D). He then says there's lots of errors which could be REIN ?

I work on conventional ADSL every day, and a large percentage of my jobs are 'High error counts'. An extremely low percentage (prob about 2%) of these, are due to REIN.

As I say, I've never installed/faulted VDSL and am unsure as to what tests the original engineer did, but I would be asking the next engineer to test at the cabinet to see if there are extremes of errors there, and if there aren't, then fault the rst of the line like they would ANY type of broadband circuit. If 'they' say they've found a fault with the Access Network, I assume they've performed a 'remote low end line test' as they do with any fault, and found electrical fault conditions ? IE- Batt/Earth contact, Short circuit or 'Dis' type faults. 'They' cannot test remotely for REIN.


I've said this before a few times now, what you get told and what really should happen are not always the same.

The first engineer tested the line with his JDSU and it was syncing at 40 Meg down and 10 Meg up, he also tested at the point of entry and the cab and exchange as well. He didn't detect any problems. He had the line reset but a few hours later the connection dropped again.

The second engineer came and this time tested his own Openreach modem at the point of entry, he said when he powered the modem through our mains , his Openreach colleagues at the other end of the line detected some noise on the line, that is why he suggested a REIN engineer.

I am hoping they try something different tomorrow.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 24, 2011, 08:11:16 PM
As always, I stand to be corrected, but by "Detecting noise on the line" I'm pretty sure they mean SNR and not REIN. I'm not saying REIN isn't the cause of your fault, I'm saying i've never known anybody be able to detect it remotely.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 24, 2011, 08:23:15 PM
As always, I stand to be corrected, but by "Detecting noise on the line" I'm pretty sure they mean SNR and not REIN. I'm not saying REIN isn't the cause of your fault, I'm saying i've never known anybody be able to detect it remotely.

I am hoping to god it isn't REIN as I can imagine it's going to be an absolute nightmare to find, hope it gets sorted soon though as the connection is dropping more frequently and can only be used after 8pm/9pm until it drops again the next morning.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 24, 2011, 08:27:31 PM
How well do you get on with your neighbours ?? As in, have you asked them if they too are experiencing similar problems ???. REIN tends to affect more than one circuit at a time. 
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 24, 2011, 08:36:54 PM
How well do you get on with your neighbours ?? As in, have you asked them if they too are experiencing similar problems ???. REIN tends to affect more than one circuit at a time. 

Good point, if the engineer doesn't fix the fault tomorrow I will ask my neighbours if they have had similar issues.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 24, 2011, 09:06:12 PM
Nice one. Bear in mind your neighbours may be on Virgin Media (if its available in your area) and REIN wont affect them. If they are on Openreach wiring, then those are the ones who may be affected. No harm in enquiring. :)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 25, 2011, 12:32:00 PM
Had two more BT Openreach engineers round today and explained to them the problems I have been having and what the previous engineers have done so far. They said my only two options now are to do a 'lift and shift' or change the port at the cabinet.

We have however now seen a pattern emerging, the connection is dropping off at around 10am every day and the engineers were actually here when it dropped again at 10.15am. They told me that their colleagues at the office were also seeing the same thing. The engineer has recommended getting a REIN tester to the property now. He has gone back to the office and is now waiting to here back from them.

I am waiting for my neighbour to get back home so I can ask him if he is having the same issues.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 25, 2011, 04:17:06 PM
Good. Sounds like you're getting nearer mate.

'Timed' drop-outs really can only be 1 of 2 things as the engineers have said. Either faulty DSL equipment in the exchange/ Fibre Cabinet (Lift & Shift), or REIN.

Don't know if you've read other threads on REIN, but you could use a portable radio set on the AM/MW range and tuned into 612Khz frequency. Then, at about 10am have a walk around your house and see if there's any evidence of REIN. You'll know it when you hear it, as in a REIN-free zone its relatively quiet on the radio, just background 'hissing', but when its prevalent the noise level goes up a lot. Put the radio next to your electrical meter and you should get an idea what it will sound like.

I'll be honest and say, I'd be surprised if the engineers get a REIN visit before a Lift and Shift is attempted. Its part of the protocol we have to adhere to on the crib sheet. REIN engineers will only usually attend if we have done a L&S,D-side change,E-side change,Fitted new NTE5,Fitted a RF3 filter, Fitted a NTE2000. I've not had call to get them out recently, so not sure if the process is still the same.

Anyhows, best of luck with it. :)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 25, 2011, 04:41:31 PM
Good. Sounds like you're getting nearer mate.

'Timed' drop-outs really can only be 1 of 2 things as the engineers have said. Either faulty DSL equipment in the exchange/ Fibre Cabinet (Lift & Shift), or REIN.

Don't know if you've read other threads on REIN, but you could use a portable radio set on the AM/MW range and tuned into 612Khz frequency. Then, at about 10am have a walk around your house and see if there's any evidence of REIN. You'll know it when you hear it, as in a REIN-free zone its relatively quiet on the radio, just background 'hissing', but when its prevalent the noise level goes up a lot. Put the radio next to your electrical meter and you should get an idea what it will sound like.

I'll be honest and say, I'd be surprised if the engineers get a REIN visit before a Lift and Shift is attempted. Its part of the protocol we have to adhere to on the crib sheet. REIN engineers will only usually attend if we have done a L&S,D-side change,E-side change,Fitted new NTE5,Fitted a RF3 filter, Fitted a NTE2000. I've not had call to get them out recently, so not sure if the process is still the same.

Anyhows, best of luck with it. :)

Yesterday one by one I switched off everything in the house and the problem was still there, I have been round the house with a portable radio tuned into 612Khz frequency and I cannot hear anything out of the ordinary.

I am still waiting for my neighbours to get back home now so I can ask them if they have had any similar problems.

The engineer didn't sound very confident that Openreach could get the REIN engineer out , presumably because of what you say that they have to rule out the other issues first. I hope this gets sorted soon as I tend to work from home in the evenings, it wasn't so much of an issue before because the connection used to be stable enough after I got back from work, however now pretty much from 10am-10pm its almost dial-up speeds.

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 25, 2011, 04:54:13 PM
The only sure-fire way to know, would be to completely switch off all breakers in your electrical fuse board, apart from the ring-main running your PC/Hub.
Unplug any other items connected to that particular ring-main, so in effect, you only have your PC and Hub working in the entire house. I assume that your speeds are extremely low now as you comment it happens between 10am-10pm ?

I would then power-cycle the Hub and see what your connection speed is. If it's back to full whack, It looks likely the offending electrical item is in your house, if the speeds are still slow, then the REIN is probably external, or the L&S is needed. :)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 25, 2011, 05:38:57 PM
The only sure-fire way to know, would be to completely switch off all breakers in your electrical fuse board, apart from the ring-main running your PC/Hub.
Unplug any other items connected to that particular ring-main, so in effect, you only have your PC and Hub working in the entire house. I assume that your speeds are extremely low now as you comment it happens between 10am-10pm ?

I would then power-cycle the Hub and see what your connection speed is. If it's back to full whack, It looks likely the offending electrical item is in your house, if the speeds are still slow, then the REIN is probably external, or the L&S is needed. :)

Already tried that, we switched off all the fuses apart from the the ring-main the modem was connected to, then the only thing that was connected was the BT Openreach modem and it was still disconnecting.

Speeds are low yes now as I type, this is now happening from 10am -10pm most nights, it used to only happen before 5pm before so it has got worse.

I have not been called back by Openreach which means I will have to chase my ISP again .  :thumbdown:

Just enquired about Virgin cable, £30 for 50 Down/5 Up, may not have a choice if things don't improve :-(.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 25, 2011, 10:59:12 PM
Right I am going out with my radio tomorrow, there is now a very clear pattern emerging now, the interference starts at 10am and stops dead at 10pm later that evening.

Luckily there is only 300metres between my property and the exchange so should be fairly easy to find.

What I would like to know is what sort of sound should I be looking out for? Will it be obvious?

Thanks
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: Oranged on February 26, 2011, 12:16:08 AM
What I would like to know is what sort of sound should I be looking out for? Will it be obvious?

Eliminate the obvious.

What is the environment around you ?

Industrial estate ?

Farms ?

City centre ?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 26, 2011, 06:55:43 AM
What I would like to know is what sort of sound should I be looking out for? Will it be obvious?

Eliminate the obvious.

What is the environment around you ?

Industrial estate ?

Farms ?

City centre ?

I live in a terraced house at the end of a road in a small town. There are only 2 routes that the cable can take to get to the cabinet. On the route there are the following:

- Residential properties
- A number of street lights
- Telegraph poles
- A pub
- A housed electrical sub-station(only a few metres from the cab)
- Two small businesses(directly behind the cab)

Which of the above should I be looking at more closely? Just be aware that according to the last engineer I am the only person connected to that fibre cab. I am not sure if the copper for ADSL runs through the same route as fibre.

Thanks
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 26, 2011, 07:25:10 AM
Honestly ?, could be any one of the items you mention.

We had a whole village knocked out by a street light that was approx 4Km from the actual village. The most common culprits are a certain make of set-top viewing box, white goods brought in by our East European cousins, street lighting.

You really need to ask if your neighbours are experiencing the same issues though. If not, it could well be down to the mains power that feeds the Fibre Cabinet. Seeing as you believe you are the only one on it, then if you are the only one getting constant drop-outs it could be linked to that.

However, it sounds more like a residential type dwelling/ The pub that could be responsible emitting REIN. Especially with those timings 10-10. Pubs open at 11ish, is it something being switched on in there ??? If it is REIN, it's not the easiest of problems to find.

PS ....... re-read my post above regarding noise when using a radio.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 26, 2011, 08:25:50 AM
Thanks, just as a matter of interest do you know if it is possible to hire a REIN engineer that isn't employed through BT/Ofcom? I am going to try my best to locate the source myself but as you say it is not going to be easy,especially as I only have limited equipment.

I will speak to my neighbours today, I am waiting for the interference to kick in and then I will speak to them so they can see the issue for themselves first hand.





Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on February 26, 2011, 08:25:55 AM
I like RazPag's idea of a long term detailed study of the activities within the Pub !

I would also add faulty home plugs and particularly the WiFi ones to the list of culprits. We had a unit which took out 18 services.
Apart from finding the fault, one of the most challenging parts was convincing several white-van loads that they ought to be talking to each other !

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 26, 2011, 10:15:35 AM
The problem has just started again, so I went out armed with my portable radio.

I thought it was best to follow the BT manhole covers as the problem may be around the surrounding area.

First manhole cover no noise at all, however just past the second manhole I found the radio was getting louder and louder as I approached a telegraph pole. It was sort of the same noise I got as I got closer to my fusebox. Just to double and triple check I moved back and forwards towards the pole and it was getting louder and louder.

So,

1. Is this normal for a telegraph pole? Picture below.
2. How do I get Openreach interested so they can check out the telegraph pole?
(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fe9JDXl.jpg%2F&hash=0fbaf613514cb6bd10fbc80b3f25601f137f2ea9)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: jeffbb on February 26, 2011, 11:16:21 AM
Hi

To confirm your suspicions you will need to show that when you have NO noise there is NO noise by this same pole .

Regards Jeff
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 26, 2011, 11:26:15 AM
Hi

To confirm your suspicions you will need to show that when you have NO noise there is NO noise by this same pole .

Regards Jeff

Good thinking! I will have to wait until after 10pm to do this test, I will report back with my findings!
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 26, 2011, 12:18:22 PM
Walter  ;D ;D

Magicone ....... it's great you've heard the noise (we can only assume it's REIN at the moment) at the DP (Telegraph pole). However, it wont be the pole itself, or any of the wires coming off it that will be the cause of the noise.

Wherever the suspected REIN is originating from, it will induct into the dropwire feeding that premises and in effect, work it's way back to the DP and that's when it begins to affect other Dropwires. Is it possible for you to follow each individual wire off the DP to localise the one thats giving the 'Noise' ???

PS .... you will look like a right daft git doing this, I know as I've had to do it myself a couple of times. But, with my bright yellow Hi-Vis jacket, I at least look like I'm there in some sort of officious capacity. You are just gonna look like you've lost the plot. I admire your cajones mate. ;D ;D
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 26, 2011, 02:23:10 PM
Walter  ;D ;D

Magicone ....... it's great you've heard the noise (we can only assume it's REIN at the moment) at the DP (Telegraph pole). However, it wont be the pole itself, or any of the wires coming off it that will be the cause of the noise.

Wherever the suspected REIN is originating from, it will induct into the dropwire feeding that premises and in effect, work it's way back to the DP and that's when it begins to affect other Dropwires. Is it possible for you to follow each individual wire off the DP to localise the one thats giving the 'Noise' ???

PS .... you will look like a right daft git doing this, I know as I've had to do it myself a couple of times. But, with my bright yellow Hi-Vis jacket, I at least look like I'm there in some sort of officious capacity. You are just gonna look like you've lost the plot. I admire your cajones mate. ;D ;D

Thanks razpag, I have just been out and had a listen and the sound at the DP is louder than ever and my broadband is slower than ever < 1Meg . I have just been out armed with my radio but I have seen that the DP feeds into 3 other small DPs and then distributes this out to several other properties!

This is not going to be easy! :thumbdown:

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 26, 2011, 06:42:17 PM
Just been round again, unfortunately I think I am getting false readings. The properties on this estate all have a similar layout, which means that the boilers are located at the front of the houses. As I am passing some of these houses the radio is going off, which isn't making my job easy.

HOWEVER I have just spoken to my next door neighbour and he is having the same issues, he is with BT retail and he said his broadband keeps cutting out and thought it was just the hub. I have asked him to contact BT retail and tell him to say I am having similar issues and ask for a REIN engineer. I will pop along to some more houses as I expect them to be having similar problems. The more people I get to contact their ISPs the more chance of getting a REIN engineer quickly. I hope!
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 27, 2011, 09:21:05 AM
Told you is wasn't easy locating this type of noise magic. The REIN team can be at it for weeks localising faulty equipment. Keep the faith though. ;D
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 27, 2011, 09:55:17 AM
Told you is wasn't easy locating this type of noise magic. The REIN team can be at it for weeks localising faulty equipment. Keep the faith though. ;D

I am posting letters out to everyone in street, do you think if enough people raise a fault through their ISPs mentioning REIN that Openreach will send an engineer out quicker?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: jeffbb on February 27, 2011, 10:54:35 AM
Hi

Did you try the check when all was quiet ?
Regards Jeff
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 27, 2011, 10:56:52 AM
Hi

Did you try the check when all was quiet ?
Regards Jeff

Unfortunately no it was absolutely belting it down yesterday evening, I will do it tonight.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on February 27, 2011, 11:12:43 AM
Unfortunately magic, I can't speak on behalf of the SP's and their protocol regarding this kind of issue.

For example, your neighbours could all be with different SP's, which means there would be no 'common point' if they were to all report their DSL as faulty. By that I mean each 'fault report' would be classed as unique, and not commonly related to another circuit off the same PCP/DP. Therefore by trying to request a REIN engineer on what would probably be the first fault raised by your neighbours, I would imagine a bog-standard SFI task would be created.

However, lets say your neighbours each have a task built by their different SP's, once they drop into Openreaches local data-base a 'wizard' will identify that there are 'Common faults' fed from the same DP/Cab and make one of the faults a 'Lead task'. The engineer then rings the 'Common Faults' helpdesk and acquires the info about the other faults which obviously adds weight to the faulting process that it could indeed be REIN.

What you and your neighbours should be aware of though is, if it isn't REIN and the circuit passes all the tests we have to do, the SP may well pass the charge onto yourselves. Again, by that I mean REIN could well be affecting your circuit, but if it isn't affecting Mr Smith down the road who feels he should help you by raising a fault, he may well be the recipient of a £160 bill.

I would carry on with your investigation work, I know there's an arguement there that says you shouldn't have to, but if you present your findings to your next Broadband engineer, it may well ease the process of getting the REIN engineers out. Like I've always said, I,we don't know for absolute sure it is REIN, thats why asking neighbours is always a good way of collating evidence, especially if you can nail it down to times with your neighbours when their DSL goes slow.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 27, 2011, 12:21:54 PM
Unfortunately magic, I can't speak on behalf of the SP's and their protocol regarding this kind of issue.

For example, your neighbours could all be with different SP's, which means there would be no 'common point' if they were to all report their DSL as faulty. By that I mean each 'fault report' would be classed as unique, and not commonly related to another circuit off the same PCP/DP. Therefore by trying to request a REIN engineer on what would probably be the first fault raised by your neighbours, I would imagine a bog-standard SFI task would be created.

However, lets say your neighbours each have a task built by their different SP's, once they drop into Openreaches local data-base a 'wizard' will identify that there are 'Common faults' fed from the same DP/Cab and make one of the faults a 'Lead task'. The engineer then rings the 'Common Faults' helpdesk and acquires the info about the other faults which obviously adds weight to the faulting process that it could indeed be REIN.

What you and your neighbours should be aware of though is, if it isn't REIN and the circuit passes all the tests we have to do, the SP may well pass the charge onto yourselves. Again, by that I mean REIN could well be affecting your circuit, but if it isn't affecting Mr Smith down the road who feels he should help you by raising a fault, he may well be the recipient of a £160 bill.

I would carry on with your investigation work, I know there's an arguement there that says you shouldn't have to, but if you present your findings to your next Broadband engineer, it may well ease the process of getting the REIN engineers out. Like I've always said, I,we don't know for absolute sure it is REIN, thats why asking neighbours is always a good way of collating evidence, especially if you can nail it down to times with your neighbours when their DSL goes slow.

I have spoken to a few neighbours now and they are having the same issues, I have posted a few letters to my neighbours as some of them are away just to make them aware of my findings, I have given them my contact details to pass onto their ISP as I already have a case open with Openreach.

I have already spent quite a sum on new equipment, taken off 1 weeks holiday just to get this resolved. The last engineer told me that Openreach wouldn't even consider a REIN engineer if just one individual has made a complaint as REIN usually affects a number of residents. I don't really want to keep taking time off work when it's very unlikely that a lift and shift and a change to on the E/D side most likely will not resolve anything. It's been dragging on for a few months now I am even willing to pay BT £160 to get this REIN engineer out!
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: Oranged on February 27, 2011, 12:24:31 PM
especially if you can nail it down to times with your neighbours when their DSL goes slow.

This is the key.

If all your neighbours with broadband, experience the same problem at the same time each day, then that is strong evidence of a localised fault and it's the various ISPs responsibility to resolve it with BTO.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 27, 2011, 12:29:22 PM
especially if you can nail it down to times with your neighbours when their DSL goes slow.

This is the key.

If all your neighbours with broadband, experience the same problem at the same time each day, then that is strong evidence of a localised fault and it's the various ISPs responsibility to resolve it with BTO.

The pattern is very clear, it's happening every single day now between 10am and 10pm on the dot(look at first page), I have let them know this on the letter I have posted, and if their problems are occurring at the same time to at least make their ISP aware.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 27, 2011, 07:57:21 PM
especially if you can nail it down to times with your neighbours when their DSL goes slow.

This is the key.

If all your neighbours with broadband, experience the same problem at the same time each day, then that is strong evidence of a localised fault and it's the various ISPs responsibility to resolve it with BTO.

The pattern is very clear, it's happening every single day now between 10am and 10pm on the dot(look at first page), I have let them know this on the letter I have posted, and if their problems are occurring at the same time to at least make their ISP aware.



Not had a response from any other neighbours yet but a lot of them are using Virgin's cable service so won't be affected.

I am just trying to get an idea of what sort of building the interference could be coming from and what sort of device could be causing it:

First of all anything above 40% packet loss is when I get disconnected and the DSL switches off.

- I don't think it's a street light just because the larger areas of packet loss do not occur at the same time every day(i.e when the street light switches on at the same time every day.

- Looking at the packet loss it occurs from 10am-10pm most days.

- I don't think it's a household appliance like a monitor, Sky Box as I would expect for the interference  to occur outside the hours 10am-10pm.

- Possibly could be someone's central heating, which is on a timer from 10am - 10pm, the peaks occurring when the central heating is turned up? There are no large peaks this weekend so it could be either a business(open Mon-Fri) or someone in a residential property who is away this weekend.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on February 27, 2011, 09:56:59 PM
Might I suggest you could possibly be more gainfully employed burying your own flexible hose duct to the nearest Virgin Media inspection pit ?
Failing that, would one of your neighbours be prepared to install a second broadband service say into a shed or garage with power so you could run a point-to point wireless link such as this rather expensive one:-

http://www.fvs-cctv.com/index.php/Pro-Wireless-Transmission/CAM-5816H-5.8GHz-Pro-External-Wireless-Transmitter-Receiver.htm

Others here might know of a more suitable solution but using one of the newer 5.8 Ghz links would avoid problems with standard WiFi services.
Although costs and complications are involved you would probably obtain a faster and more reliable service than your current arrangement.

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on February 27, 2011, 10:14:21 PM
I have now received a few responses to my leaflets, some from the next street of people suffering from problems at the same time, just trying to collate the evidence.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: houseparty on February 28, 2011, 06:08:31 PM
just wanted to wish u go luck, i have a rein issue, its been going on now for over 9 months, and its still on going.

Ive tested 4 peoples broadband, all effected, but still BT say there is no problem
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 01, 2011, 12:22:17 PM
just wanted to wish u go luck, i have a rein issue, its been going on now for over 9 months, and its still on going.

Ive tested 4 peoples broadband, all effected, but still BT say there is no problem

Well well well, I posted the second batch of leaflets down to the adjacent street, 30 mins after I had done that I noticed my download speed had shot right up to 37Meg! It's possible that whomever has read my leaflet has noticed the pattern of disconnections I stated on the leaflet and has realised that it's a particular electrical device in their house and unplugged it.

I did another speedtest and got 38 Down this morning, the only slight issue is my upload speed looks to have been capped at 1.5Meg as I cannot get anything above this on all the speed tests that I do.


(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2F87ce2c3ebf0897bc3e78e208859200db-01-03-2011.png&hash=dce3e6aa37c272591ef6515a7df4522e8da2a3ce) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/87ce2c3ebf0897bc3e78e208859200db-01-03-2011.html)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on March 01, 2011, 02:39:42 PM
Excellent news provided they don't plug the device back in again !

It would be nice if you could find out who it was.

Kind regards,
Walter

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 01, 2011, 05:49:02 PM
I spoke too bloody soon, 5pm on the dot the connection dropped, one of my neighbours actually rang me and asked if my connection had dropped at 5pm as well. At least we know it's definitely REIN, now the hard part is to find out where its coming from :-(.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: jeffbb on March 01, 2011, 07:04:31 PM
Hi
quote : I did another speedtest and got 38 Down this morning, the only slight issue is my upload speed looks to have been capped at 1.5Meg as I cannot get anything above this on all the speed tests that I do.

What do your stats say about your US connection?
Regards Jeff
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 01, 2011, 07:07:38 PM
I spoke too bloody soon, 5pm on the dot the connection dropped, one of my neighbours actually rang me and asked if my connection had dropped at 5pm as well. At least we know it's definitely REIN, now the hard part is to find out where its coming from :-(.

REIN ...... a pain in the arse, but a way of meeting new friends.  ;D
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 01, 2011, 08:00:47 PM
Hi
quote : I did another speedtest and got 38 Down this morning, the only slight issue is my upload speed looks to have been capped at 1.5Meg as I cannot get anything above this on all the speed tests that I do.

What do your stats say about your US connection?
Regards Jeff

You can't get stats off BT's Openreach modem, sadly.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 01, 2011, 08:02:26 PM
I spoke too bloody soon, 5pm on the dot the connection dropped, one of my neighbours actually rang me and asked if my connection had dropped at 5pm as well. At least we know it's definitely REIN, now the hard part is to find out where its coming from :-(.

REIN ...... a pain in the arse, but a way of meeting new friends.  ;D

Haha, there are 5 confirmed cases now, but BTOR are point blank refusing to deploy their REIN engineers, not sure what further evidence I can give to them. I have already mapped out all the properties that have been affected.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 01, 2011, 08:10:31 PM
As I've said mate .... we organise the REIN engineers via a normal Broadband Engineering Visit, if all the criteria has been met. I think I explained the criteria above, in a post on this thread ??

If we think it's REIN (not your goodselves), then we ring the REIN helpdesk and spend around 15-20 mins reporting our findings, and sometimes e-mailing the results of the PQT over, and they in turn will raise a seperate job for their engineers to attend site.

 This is the only way I've ever known the system to be, and it has worked for me on various occassions.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 01, 2011, 08:29:35 PM
As I've said mate .... we organise the REIN engineers via a normal Broadband Engineering Visit, if all the criteria has been met. I think I explained the criteria above, in a post on this thread ??

If we think it's REIN (not your goodselves), then we ring the REIN helpdesk and spend around 15-20 mins reporting our findings, and sometimes e-mailing the results of the PQT over, and they in turn will raise a seperate job for their engineers to attend site.

 This is the only way I've ever known the system to be, and it has worked for me on various occassions.

This is the problem, the last two engineers that came over both believed it was REIN when I showed them the evidence that I had, however they never reported this back to BTOR so the notes against my case don't mention it.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 01, 2011, 08:35:54 PM
Lap of the gods mate.

Maybe the previous engineers didn't inform the REIN team ?, Maybe they did but didn't meet the relevant criteria for the REIN team to raise a fault ? Maybe a fault was raised and there has been a visit by a team without your knowledge ?

Like I say, lap of the gods pal.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 01, 2011, 08:47:24 PM
My honest advice ? Raise yet another broadband fault via your SP. Insist that the SP mentions possible REIN in the notes.

When the engineer arrives, he will have to perform various tests, and they will undoubtedly all pass. He is well within his rights to just close the job at this point.

If you explain your utter frustration with the problem, and relay your evidence to him regarding REIN and the effects on your neighbours etc etc, hopefully he will progress the fault onto the REIN team, if the relevant criteria they need has been met.

As I continue to drill home, as OR engineers, we only have to ensure that 'our' MPF is fault free and capable of carrying DSL. We DO NOT (as yet) guarantee speeds, so unless you have a 'No synch' issue, or a 'Dropping connection' issue that is prevalent when we are on site, or a high-error count issue ..................... then I'm afraid it is down to how the engineer proceeds if everything is testing OK.

I truly hope you get resolution on this soon. :)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 01, 2011, 09:25:05 PM
My honest advice ? Raise yet another broadband fault via your SP. Insist that the SP mentions possible REIN in the notes.

When the engineer arrives, he will have to perform various tests, and they will undoubtedly all pass. He is well within his rights to just close the job at this point.

If you explain your utter frustration with the problem, and relay your evidence to him regarding REIN and the effects on your neighbours etc etc, hopefully he will progress the fault onto the REIN team, if the relevant criteria they need has been met.

As I continue to drill home, as OR engineers, we only have to ensure that 'our' MPF is fault free and capable of carrying DSL. We DO NOT (as yet) guarantee speeds, so unless you have a 'No synch' issue, or a 'Dropping connection' issue that is prevalent when we are on site, or a high-error count issue ..................... then I'm afraid it is down to how the engineer proceeds if everything is testing OK.

I truly hope you get resolution on this soon. :)

Cheers razpag,

The second engineer got a high error count and the third set of engineers saw the connection drop bang on 10am when I told them it would, that is why I was a bit confused as to why nothing had been fed back on the notes.

I am thinking of posting out a second round of leaflets to show the exact time of the interference every day for the last week just incase it jogs someone's memory.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 01, 2011, 09:33:19 PM
Can't do any harm collating more evidence. As an aside (and apologies if I've asked this before), where r u based geographically ??
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 01, 2011, 09:40:57 PM
Can't do any harm collating more evidence. As an aside (and apologies if I've asked this before), where r u based geographically ??

Didsbury,Manchester.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 01, 2011, 09:49:09 PM
Oooh !! In the words of Roy Walker, "It's close .... but not good enough".

Another 20 miles further North, and I could possibly have helped. Ah well, methinks you have this covered as it is, just need the co-op now. <Fingers crossed icon>.  ;D
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 01, 2011, 10:01:39 PM
Oooh !! In the words of Roy Walker, "It's close .... but not good enough".

Another 20 miles further North, and I could possibly have helped. Ah well, methinks you have this covered as it is, just need the co-op now. <Fingers crossed icon>.  ;D

Damn!  ;D . Just having a look on ebay now actually to see if I can get hold of an ADF.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 05, 2011, 07:22:46 AM
Just to update the thread, I have had no REIN issues since Tuesday which means my download speeds have improved and there have been no disconnections. ;D

The only issue now is after the second engineer came, my upload speeds have dropped down to around 1.5Meg and have stayed like that now for the last 2 weeks.
My upload I.P profile is set to 10000Kbps so I am not sure why its dropped from 8Meg to 1.5Meg. Hmmm


(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FjRCTt.png&hash=7f32d482b8c684f6bcd0823d229f861bcaf67a3f)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 05, 2011, 07:36:01 AM
TBH, if you've got your full DS bandwidth back, the US issue is really with your SP. Give them a ring and ask them to give you the 8Meg back. There's nothing the engineer could have done to downgrade your US. :)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 05, 2011, 08:00:36 AM
TBH, if you've got your full DS bandwidth back, the US issue is really with your SP. Give them a ring and ask them to give you the 8Meg back. There's nothing the engineer could have done to downgrade your US. :)

SP have confirmed they have made no adjustments to my US, both them and BTOR have confirmed that no change has been made to my profile. The second engineer did remove the master socket and did something with the cabling, not sure if that has got something to do with it?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: roseway on March 05, 2011, 08:17:34 AM
What's your upstream noise margin? If it's around 6 dB, then your upstream speed is being limited by technical factors (e.g. noise) but if it's quite a lot higher, then it looks as though you're being capped.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 05, 2011, 08:25:43 AM
What's your upstream noise margin? If it's around 6 dB, then your upstream speed is being limited by technical factors (e.g. noise) but if it's quite a lot higher, then it looks as though you're being capped.


Unfortunately there is no way I can get the stats, the BTOR active modem does not allow you to access  the line stats.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on March 05, 2011, 10:33:43 AM
Hi Magicone,

There are ways and means described starting here:-

http://community.bt.com/t5/BB-in-Home/BT-INFINITY-HUB2/m-p/13699

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 05, 2011, 11:10:42 AM
Hi Magicone,

There are ways and means described starting here:-

http://community.bt.com/t5/BB-in-Home/BT-INFINITY-HUB2/m-p/13699

Kind regards,
Walter

My ISP isn't BT so I don't have a BT Homehub. I am using a D-Link DIR-655 along with the BT modem. The modem is a rebadged Huawei Echolife HG612, but there is no way to access the line stats.

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 05, 2011, 11:41:58 AM
Stats or not, if you have the full Downstream Speed that you expect it to be, the issue is with your SP. As Roseway has mooted, it will be capped. :)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on March 05, 2011, 03:47:33 PM
Hi again Magicone,

I'm sorry I didn't have sufficient time to research the topic earlier.

What I was suggesting is to exchange (but N.B. retain the original for BT use) the almost totally locked down BT Huawei Echolife HG612 modem for another VDSL2+ compatible one.
Firstly obtain the username (no password required) in the advanced settings of the home hub (bthomehub@btbroadband.com).
Then substitute a different VDSL2 modem using the IP address from the WAN side.
Hopefully you will be presented with a screen then of 'BT Wholesale Service Information' such as (http://194.74.65.98/index.html) in a browser window.

The settings for the Draytek 2820VN are suggested as:

WAN 2 : PPPOE - Enable

ISP Access Setup Username: bthomehub@btbroadband.com

WAN Connection Mode Detection - ARP Detect

MTU - 1442 or possibly 1492 or 1500

PPP/MP Setup - Ensure No (Dynamic IP) is selected

All other settings are as they are out of the box.

There is a useful thread here:-

http://forums.thinkbroadband.com/btsupplier/3820290-the-bt-fttc-line-stats-thread.html?fpart=all

and

http://community.bt.com/t5/BB-in-Home/MTU-setting-for-BT-Infinity/td-p/29863

N.B. I have edited and extrapolated the above notes from the links mentioned as a first draft and without access to any BT Infinity service.
I hope others here might provide further ideas or better instructions as it's obviously going to become important.

IMHO it is quite disgraceful that end users with an understanding of modem technology are prevented from examining the modem statistics to assist in line improvement.
It seems as if the expected "solution" is to prohibit the use of a VDSL2+ service if it can't achieve the minimum specification **, rather than attempt proper repairs.
Given the condition of many of the longer lines, a genuine attempt must be made to improve them or else others must provide full FTTP instead.
** Furthermore many BT O Engineers will be familiarising themselves with the real-world effects of this new technology and I'm disappointed that other sources of help seem to be deliberately excluded.

Perhaps the situation will improve once a few more solutions such as those from Vtesse Networks and Rutland Telecom are commissioned?

Kind regards,
Walter

(P.S. If any in Cotton Park Rugby are fed up waiting for the twice times delayed Infinity product, there is probably a readily available substitute for them !)


Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 06, 2011, 11:42:57 AM
Thanks, there are a few alternative VDSL2 modems on the market, however looking at what is out there currently they are quite expensive. I can see the advantage of extracting the line stats and will probably buy a VDSL modem/router in the future once the price drops. I will chase up my ISP to see what the issue is, I am sure that a cap was put on the line by OR as my upload speed dropped from 8 Meg to 1.5Meg straight after the engineer left.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 06, 2011, 11:45:03 AM
OR can't apply 'caps' magic, just your SP or BTw.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 06, 2011, 12:58:47 PM
OR can't apply 'caps' magic, just your SP or BTw.

My ISP have said that no such 'cap' has been put on the line, as I have said this only occurred straight after a profile/line reset was done by OR. I just presumed it would take a while to increase but has been like that ever since. Will just wait and see what my ISP comes back with.

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FCczl5l.jpg&hash=315db756184e0e3fcf88434bb631480318cf1074)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: roseway on March 06, 2011, 01:09:44 PM
Quote
a profile/line reset was done by OR

I'm open to correction, but I don't think OR does that either. OR is responsible for the physical connection, not the services running on it.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 06, 2011, 01:20:57 PM
I have had my profile reset 3 times, the engineers all rang their mobiles and spoke to someone( I presumed OR?) and asked for the line reset to be done, I remember on the first visit my I.P profile (down) was 22676Kbps and after the reset on over the phone was done it was back up to 38717Kbps. I am not sure who the engineers spoke to though.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 06, 2011, 01:46:44 PM
roseway is again 100% correct. We only 'deal' with the physical connection from HDF (SP's equipment termination point) through to EU's premises. The engineers perform co-op calls with either BTw, or whatever SP's number is on the job given to the engineer, to have the capping removed. This process has actually just undergone a change, and we cannot now ask for 'capping removal' unless the circuit is running at under 1meg speed, or if the line is over 5.5Km.
I reiterate ..... your Upstream WILL be capped. only your SP can remove it.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 08, 2011, 01:37:15 PM
My ISP is waiting to hear back from BTOR at the moment as it's still with their FTTC diagnostics team. Incidentally the engineer actually re-wired the master socket as there was no explanation at the time as to why the connection kept dropping out. May just be coincidental but the drop in speed was after the rewiring was done, is it possible that a loose wire behind the socket is causing the drop in upload speed? My ISP have confirmed they have not capped my upload speed down to 2 Meg, if this was the case my I.P profile should be set to 2000Kbps. Hopefully this will get resolved soon.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 08, 2011, 04:13:16 PM
If any wiring faults were causing an 'issue', they would be noticeable on the DS speed first, not the US.

A few posts ago I asked if the DS speeds you were getting were what you expect to get, ie- the most you can achieve from your circuit. If the answer to this is 'Yes', then the only thing wrong with  the poor US speeds (especailly the extreme drop from 8Meg to 1.6Meg that you are getting)  is down to 'Capping'. BTOR can't do anything at all about this, BTw can. I think thats what you mean when you say your ISP is speaking to BTOR ??
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 08, 2011, 05:03:03 PM
Hi razpag,

Yes you are probably right, my ISP just specified that BT would not send out an SFI engineer until the FTTC team had finished their diagnostics, just not sure why its taking so long as it's almost been 3 weeks since the drop in upload speed. Surely it can't take BTw this long to lift the cap!

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 08, 2011, 06:39:48 PM
I couldn't possibly comment. ;) ;D
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 09, 2011, 09:12:19 PM
This is all very strange, at around 6.10pm DLM has kicked in and reduced my downstream I.P profile down to 22898Kbps. My upload is now back up to 7 Meg

Very confused  ???

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fc03fel.jpg&hash=70a8569343d42612f9d8629673cae4687779ec99)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: coolsnakeman on March 14, 2011, 12:55:27 PM
Did you manage to get the bottom of the REIN? If this is still hanging about then you may experience alot of fluctuation. Seems to be having an impact of both DS and US which is a little unusual however it is FTTC after all and i am sure it is affected in different ways from ADSL.

Regards
Gary
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 14, 2011, 07:16:31 PM
Did you manage to get the bottom of the REIN? If this is still hanging about then you may experience alot of fluctuation. Seems to be having an impact of both DS and US which is a little unusual however it is FTTC after all and i am sure it is affected in different ways from ADSL.

Regards
Gary

Unfortunately no, on Friday I was getting a lot of packet loss and my download speeds dropped down to 2 Meg. DLM is still active on the line, which I presume has kicked in because of the REIN. I have another BT engineer coming this week, I think they may reset the line, however I think if the REIN starts again then DLM will start again. I have tried locating the REIN myself but its becoming more difficult as its happening at random times, where as before it occurred on a daily basis. :'(
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: lemzip on March 14, 2011, 10:46:04 PM
I take it REIN can affect the line at any point to the exchange or is it more common locally ie your line to the green cabinet?

Is the cable better protected from noise from the cabinet to the exchange?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: roseway on March 14, 2011, 10:51:21 PM
The downstream signal leaves the exchange at a much higher level than when it reaches you (that's what's meant by attenuation). Because the wanted signal is higher nearer to the exchange, any interference will have correspondingly less effect at that end of the line.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 14, 2011, 11:05:11 PM
I take it REIN can affect the line at any point to the exchange or is it more common locally ie your line to the green cabinet?

Is the cable better protected from noise from the cabinet to the exchange?

I think as its fibre from the cab to the exchange, the REIN won't be coming from the exchange side, it's more likely to be coming from the cab side, which is 300 metres away. Having said that I am not sure what radius the REIN can affect, I know for sure that a few people in the next street are having similar issues at similar times to myself.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on March 14, 2011, 11:06:23 PM
@ Lemsip,

At a practical level, many E side cables are underground whereas D side cables are a mixture of underground and overhead without screening.
It follows that overhead cables are more susceptible to all sorts of RFI.

EDIT re FTTC cables, note that the phone lines on BT cabinets are Shared (Metallic Path Facility) connections, so it's possible, although less likely, that noise is still being injected from E side phone line cables.

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 14, 2011, 11:09:17 PM
@ Lemsip,

At a practical level, many E side cables are underground whereas D side cables are a mixture of underground and overhead without screening.
It follows that overhead cables are more susceptible to all sorts of RFI.

Kind regards,
Walter

In my area, according to the last engineer a majority of the cables are fed underground from the exchange, however there are a small number of properties that are supplied by overhead cables.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: lemzip on March 14, 2011, 11:39:59 PM
The downstream signal leaves the exchange at a much higher level than when it reaches you (that's what's meant by attenuation). Because the wanted signal is higher nearer to the exchange, any interference will have correspondingly less effect at that end of the line.


thanks, so its always certain it will be close to your location.

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: coolsnakeman on March 16, 2011, 05:51:26 PM
Its more likely to be from the d-side onwards because fibre being "glass" and high speed it is less likely to be affected by REIN. Worse thing about REIN is it can be anything at all that is electrical right down to someones hair dryer but i doubt anyone is drying there hair from 10am till 10pm unless they go OTT on washing there hair lol. I would maybe go back to looking around the pub area as workers will be in the pub from 10am and usually pubs start there closer procedures at 10pm to give them a chance to get everyone out by 11pm. They could have a faulty router or something along those lines which is causing all this hassle. Try speaking with the owner of the pub and asking him nicely if you can take a walk around with your radio to see if you can pick up any interference. Also do you live out in the sticks? Is your copper line on route to any electrical gates that farmers use to keep there sheep in that is another common one for REIN. Check online and see if you can get a list of common pieces of equipment that cause REIN and that might help you break it down a bit cause to be honest with you waiting around for BT to get someone to send a specialist REIN engineer out is going to take you longer than you expect if the SFI's are not calling it through to the REIN team. If you really want to get somewhere then ask for a manager when calling your SP and apply pressure to them to apply pressure to BTW to get another SFI out to call through to the REIN team to get the ball rolling. What your SP can do is use an escalation process in BTW which raises an escalation case if they are not satisfied with how long it has taken to get this resolved which means they would need to speak to a team coach at BTW to get the case raised.

Regards
Gary
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 16, 2011, 08:12:46 PM
Its more likely to be from the d-side onwards because fibre being "glass" and high speed it is less likely to be affected by REIN. Worse thing about REIN is it can be anything at all that is electrical right down to someones hair dryer but i doubt anyone is drying there hair from 10am till 10pm unless they go OTT on washing there hair lol. I would maybe go back to looking around the pub area as workers will be in the pub from 10am and usually pubs start there closer procedures at 10pm to give them a chance to get everyone out by 11pm. They could have a faulty router or something along those lines which is causing all this hassle. Try speaking with the owner of the pub and asking him nicely if you can take a walk around with your radio to see if you can pick up any interference. Also do you live out in the sticks? Is your copper line on route to any electrical gates that farmers use to keep there sheep in that is another common one for REIN. Check online and see if you can get a list of common pieces of equipment that cause REIN and that might help you break it down a bit cause to be honest with you waiting around for BT to get someone to send a specialist REIN engineer out is going to take you longer than you expect if the SFI's are not calling it through to the REIN team. If you really want to get somewhere then ask for a manager when calling your SP and apply pressure to them to apply pressure to BTW to get another SFI out to call through to the REIN team to get the ball rolling. What your SP can do is use an escalation process in BTW which raises an escalation case if they are not satisfied with how long it has taken to get this resolved which means they would need to speak to a team coach at BTW to get the case raised.

Regards
Gary

Thanks Gary,

I will definitely check out the pub, I am not sure if it's a business as the REIN doesn't occur at the weekend. My problem is now, the REIN is not occurring at frequent intervals. When the REIN kicks in, DLM also kicks in on the line which drops my I.P profile by at least half and my pings increase to anything from 30ms-70ms. My ISP is a smallish company so I have been dealing with the manager of the company, he has been onto BTw constantly but they have been slow to feedback.

I have an engineer coming tomorrow, hopefully should be able to reset the I.P profile, however if the REIN kicks in DLM will be right back so I am in a catch 22 situation at the moment. When the REIN kicks in it cripples my connection, sometimes I get 1Meg or less. Can't really wait much longer to wait for this to be fixed as I work from home 2-3 days a week. I may have to get Virgin cable alongside my FTTC connection. :no:
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 17, 2011, 05:53:34 PM
Engineer came round today, based on what I told him he also believes the issue is to do with REIN. Today a lift and shift and change at E-side was done, these are the last two steps before they will consider a REIN engineer. He said he is going to try and escalate the issue to his manager so a case can be made to the REIN team incase the problem comes back.

Speeds are looking excellent now, just hope it stays like this.



(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedtest.net%2Fresult%2F1206869312.png&hash=7e8416fb24d4e6a1856520efef13223279354ffd)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 18, 2011, 05:30:04 PM
That didn't last long  :( REIN is back and has screwed my speeds up, my connection keeps connecting and reconnecting all the time.

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedtest.net%2Fresult%2F1208545842.png&hash=595ce7b30b560fdae39113c52a59c307d8de7e43)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: Ezzer on March 18, 2011, 06:36:01 PM
When looking for REIN with a MW radio Its also worth looking at other frequencys beyond 612 KHz, try the next harmonics, that is 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2 times the 612 KHz range. Sometimes the REIN may show itself at higher frequencys more easly. the main problem with this is that you may start chasing all sorts of other noises which may not have any affect on your DSL.

I never had the chance to work on vDSL so I wouldn't know about any querks there. the problem with REIN which I would think is still the case. Is that this wasn't something realised when the whole system of how a dsl fault is processed when this was organised between offcom,isp's,bt wholesale, openreach. So who pays for a REIN fault and how is it accounted for. never mind finding some poor mug to become a REIN engineer.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 18, 2011, 08:30:51 PM
When looking for REIN with a MW radio Its also worth looking at other frequencys beyond 612 KHz, try the next harmonics, that is 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2 times the 612 KHz range. Sometimes the REIN may show itself at higher frequencys more easly. the main problem with this is that you may start chasing all sorts of other noises which may not have any affect on your DSL.

I never had the chance to work on vDSL so I wouldn't know about any querks there. the problem with REIN which I would think is still the case. Is that this wasn't something realised when the whole system of how a dsl fault is processed when this was organised between offcom,isp's,bt wholesale, openreach. So who pays for a REIN fault and how is it accounted for. never mind finding some poor mug to become a REIN engineer.

I think I have tried every frequency under the sun, but I don't think I am going to be able to find it using just the radio as there are all sorts of different noises I am hearing and I have no idea which one is the cause of the REIN. The good thing is the engineer did report it to his manager and the notes mention the issue as possibly being REIN. I contacted my ISP who informed BT today that my connection had gone again, not heard anything back yet.

Here is my TBB monitor at the moment:

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2Feea849334b9af91a4d1f7d7a4e5a2f69-18-03-2011.png&hash=ecc0e21a8a0d02030d09e98146e8a9cac8fbc465) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/eea849334b9af91a4d1f7d7a4e5a2f69-18-03-2011.html)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: coolsnakeman on March 21, 2011, 01:30:37 PM
Hey,

Looks like we are getting that 1 step closer to a REIN engineer. Why don't you ask the manager from your ISP that is dealing with the case to escalate the case within BTW that way it might get things moving a little faster. Thing about this is all tasks have been completed by an SFI engineer but it needs to be an SFI engineer that calls in to the REIN team to have a case raised with them. You have done a good job trying to locate this yourself but don't waste anymore of your time on trying to locate the REIN cause your not paid to do it.  If the manager in your ISP raises an escalation make sure you obtain a reference number from him which you are entitled to. Have them also put urgent on the case and make sure they are well aware of the troubleshooting you have carried out and that you are fed up with the length of time this is going on. This is about the right time you start to bite back and let your voice be heard cause you don't get anywhere if your quiet!

Regards
Gary
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 21, 2011, 05:00:17 PM
Hey,

Looks like we are getting that 1 step closer to a REIN engineer. Why don't you ask the manager from your ISP that is dealing with the case to escalate the case within BTW that way it might get things moving a little faster. Thing about this is all tasks have been completed by an SFI engineer but it needs to be an SFI engineer that calls in to the REIN team to have a case raised with them. You have done a good job trying to locate this yourself but don't waste anymore of your time on trying to locate the REIN cause your not paid to do it.  If the manager in your ISP raises an escalation make sure you obtain a reference number from him which you are entitled to. Have them also put urgent on the case and make sure they are well aware of the troubleshooting you have carried out and that you are fed up with the length of time this is going on. This is about the right time you start to bite back and let your voice be heard cause you don't get anywhere if your quiet!

Regards
Gary

Hi Gary,

I am not sure if BT sent out a SFI engineer, he was here for over 2 hours and did a change at E-side and D-side as well as a special test with his laptop and JDSU. My ISP are contacting BT 3 times a day to get an update and are pushing for a REIN engineer to come out. On Friday I had no connection from 10am-10pm, Saturday 6pm-10pm and Sunday 8am-12pm, I am really hoping this gets sorted soon!
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: coolsnakeman on March 22, 2011, 02:57:43 PM
Hey,

Yeah it was an SFI engineer. He run what is called an APTS test with his laptop he can do this from the exchange or your premises normally they plug in a voyager 105 then connect the laptop into it to do this test. As long as pressure is being applied the right engineer should hopefully come out to resolve this for you.

Regards
Gary
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 22, 2011, 05:04:16 PM
Hi Gary,

I had another engineer around today, they didn't bother telling my ISP so turned up when no one was at home. The engineer left me an openreach modem as he had been told there was a fault with the modem, even though I have had 2 replacements already. Going around in circles!  :no:
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 22, 2011, 06:57:36 PM
Hi Gary,

I had another engineer around today, they didn't bother telling my ISP so turned up when no one was at home. The engineer left me an openreach modem as he had been told there was a fault with the modem, even though I have had 2 replacements already. Going around in circles!  :no:

coolsnakeman .... I don't think the engineer could have run an 'Appts test' (Laptop and Voyager 105), as this is only for ADSL, and the poster has VDSL (FTTC). Plus the engineer had his JDSU with him according to the poster, so wouldn't need to even if it was an ADSL circuit.

magicone ..... been here many times now in the thread and others, you need an SFI visit raising. You need to get the call-advisor to put notes on the job regarding REIN. You have to hope you get an engineer who knows how to get a REIN task raised by speaking to our REIN team direct. Barring massive influence from the upper echelon in Openreach, this is the ONLY way you will get a REIN engineer out.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: coolsnakeman on March 23, 2011, 02:00:59 PM
Hey Razpag,

Good point i completely forgot this was FTTC lol. My bad thanks for the correction :).

Regards
gary
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 23, 2011, 06:26:25 PM
No worries Gary ..... there's only ever been one man that didn't make a mistake, and they put that poor bloke on a cross.  :)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 24, 2011, 04:55:01 PM
BT have now responded to my ISP saying they need to do a line test, they will then send out an SFI engineer along with the REIN team. I hope this is the case otherwise I will be cancelling my contract!
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 24, 2011, 07:32:21 PM
I have to laugh, why are they having to perform another 'Low end' line test for ??? If the engineers 'High-end' PQT passes with flying colours (which it obviously has), then no ammount of remote testing is going to help anyone, let alone show anything of any interest.  ;D
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 24, 2011, 09:43:53 PM
I have to laugh, why are they having to perform another 'Low end' line test for ??? If the engineers 'High-end' PQT passes with flying colours (which it obviously has), then no ammount of remote testing is going to help anyone, let alone show anything of any interest.  ;D

God knows razpag  :no: , I just want it to be over !
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: lemzip on March 24, 2011, 10:16:19 PM
I think its the most frustrating issue to have. I know it killed me and even today i still monitor my router 24/7 just incase lol.

I do hope you get it sorted, it looks like you keep getting closer so keep pushing mate and hopefully it will get there. There is probably alot of users affected, just only yourself who notices, most just turn the pc on and it works (slower but they dont know)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 25, 2011, 04:04:28 PM
Another engineer has just been round and has told me that he has been contacted by email from the REIN team and have asked for an RF filter to be fitted which is now done. The engineer has stated that after this there is absolutely nothing else that can be physically done by the engineers so if there is still an issue with the line due to the REIN its down to the REIN engineers to sort out.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 25, 2011, 07:06:30 PM
Don't wanna say I told you so, but I posted this very early on in this thread ..............

I'll be honest and say, I'd be surprised if the engineers get a REIN visit before a Lift and Shift is attempted. Its part of the protocol we have to adhere to on the crib sheet. REIN engineers will only usually attend if we have done a L&S,D-side change,E-side change,Fitted new NTE5,Fitted a RF3 filter, Fitted a NTE2000. I've not had call to get them out recently, so not sure if the process is still the same.

 ;)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 28, 2011, 04:48:25 PM
Good news, finally after 3 months my case has been handed over to the REIN team, their initial report will be released tomorrow! ;D
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 28, 2011, 07:37:40 PM
Good news, finally after 3 months my case has been handed over to the REIN team, their initial report will be released tomorrow! ;D

Thats the hard bit done !!! Just the fault to find now. ;)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on March 31, 2011, 05:30:09 PM
An SFI trained REIN engineer has turned up today with an RF 444b tester, unfortunately they didn't manage to find the location of the REIN as they think the device has been switched off. They will be returning tomorrow to have a look, hopefully they will have more luck!
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: coolsnakeman on March 31, 2011, 05:31:51 PM
Now the fun starts! Hopefully the device will be turned on this time around.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 31, 2011, 07:39:09 PM
An SFI trained REIN engineer has turned up today with an RF 444b tester, unfortunately they didn't manage to find the location of the REIN as they think the device has been switched off. They will be returning tomorrow to have a look, hopefully they will have more luck!

Get his autograph magicone ..... it's worth more than the Queens. ;)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: burakkucat on March 31, 2011, 08:01:31 PM
I am wondering if it is possible to purchase an RF444B ? I suppose it depends upon whether it is made to spec solely for BTO use . . .   :-\

Mr. RP, please, are you able to clarify?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on March 31, 2011, 08:11:58 PM
I am wondering if it is possible to purchase an RF444B ? I suppose it depends upon whether it is made to spec solely for BTO use . . .   :-\

Mr. RP, please, are you able to clarify?

Again, i'm not an expert in the realms of REIN faulting, but I was told by a REIN trainer that the 444b meter they use, was invented and cobbled together by the A-typical man-in-the-shed mad professor. I don't know the ins and outs, but would guess that that particular design (444b) will be 'tied in' exclusively to BTo from the inventor. Thats not to say another form of tester isn't available on the market. In all honesty, I don't know.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: burakkucat on March 31, 2011, 09:03:38 PM
In all honesty, I don't know.

That's good enough for me. Thank you.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: lemzip on March 31, 2011, 11:31:18 PM
wouldnt a radio direction finder do the same job as the 444b?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: burakkucat on April 01, 2011, 01:05:59 AM
wouldnt a radio direction finder do the same job as the 444b?

Yes, I'm sure it would. I would like something that is sufficiently small to be carried in one hand and is as accurate as what the proper men use. Do you have any suggestions?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on April 01, 2011, 06:49:13 AM
wouldnt a radio direction finder do the same job as the 444b?

I have got a Nova Pal Radio direction finder but I was struggling to find the correct frequency for the REIN so gave up, might ask the REIN engineer tomorrow to see what frequency I should be looking at, at least then I can try and find the REIN when he isn't there.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on April 01, 2011, 08:10:06 AM
Hi Magicone,

If you look here you'll see what our very own respected BT expert suggests:-

http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,8819.msg184627.html#msg184627

You can also examine your bit loading diagram and then use :-

http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/adsl_technology.htm

scrolling down to the "ADSL Frequency Bins & Tones" window to give you any tone frequency you desire !

(What a clever Kitz !)

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on April 01, 2011, 12:29:06 PM
Walter, that first link you've kindly provided is this same thread, just a page back.

I'm still waiting for Ezzer to comment on a question I asked about REIN myself, also, the 'experts' I know involved with REIN, and our in-house guideline documents all say you will only detect REIN at 612Khz on the MW scale. Other interferences at different frequencies found on bit-loading graphs will not be associated with REIN apparently.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: roseway on April 01, 2011, 12:44:46 PM
I must say, I find that last point hard to accept. REIN can be caused by many different sources, and there's no reason to believe that 612 kHz is unique. A sparking thermostat, for example, will produce interference over a wide band of frequencies, and anything within the ADSL range can disrupt the connection. I rather suspect that 612 kHz just happens to be a frequency around the middle of the range which is used by the BT test equipment.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: jeffbb on April 01, 2011, 03:34:17 PM
Hi
quote : Other interferences at different frequencies found on bit-loading graphs will not be associated with REIN apparently.

Maybe not in all cases , if for example there is no sign of spiking on the SNR margin .Then other causes need to be investigated .


(Random Electrical Impulse Noise) ...  I must admit I would have thought that the title itself implies a wide band of interference ,not a single frequency ,as far as I know noise covers a wide band of frequencies .


Regards Jeff

 

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on April 01, 2011, 04:18:11 PM
The other point perhaps worth examining is one of terminology. I wonder if Radio Frequency Interference might more accurately reflect many of our difficulties.
You'll probably remember many of my bit loading diagrams with very large "holes" in them which remain almost constant so are probably not random.

I suspect we have to deal with both scenarios where some lines have constant noise and others only get swamped occasionally presumably when a rogue device is switched.

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: roseway on April 01, 2011, 04:40:20 PM
You're quite right there, Walter. The I in REIN stands for 'impulse' which is a particular type of interference which tends to be intermittent and is generally caused by faulty electrical equipment. But there is also electrical interference which is not impulsive in nature, but can be just as disruptive to an ADSL connection.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: burakkucat on April 01, 2011, 04:51:15 PM
So, at the moment, we are waiting for Mr Ezzer to pass by and dispense some words of wisdom.  :)
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on April 01, 2011, 05:30:14 PM
The engineers arrived this morning and were still unable to find the source of the REIN. Does anyone know how long they are able to keep on searching for it? They must have some sort of limit as to how many times they can keep coming out to the area?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on April 01, 2011, 05:45:08 PM
So, at the moment, we are waiting for Mr Ezzer to pass by and dispense some words of wisdom.  :)

Exactly. Until somebody with factual knowledge pops along and enlightens us, all we are doing is surmising and throwing in our own two-penneth.

Magicone ...... that's a good question. When I had the REIN team out for a whole village being off, obviously they stuck around until its fruition. Because the REIN engineer cannot detect anything when on-site at your job, and there's only the one job been raised (IE- your house, nobody elses), then I would imagine he/she will not stick around forever. As I keep saying though, I'm NOT an expert in REIN and its associated nuances and protocols, so again I am only surmising mate.  ;D
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on April 01, 2011, 05:55:15 PM
The other neighbours that have had issues have not had it logged by their ISP as a REIN issue, presumably as they don't want to be charged £125 if BTOR find no fault, so I suppose I am on my own. My parents are both keen on changing providers now but Im sticking with it for now, not sure if I will be able to cancel my contract due to REIN.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: jeffbb on April 01, 2011, 07:57:19 PM
Hi

REIN is normally recognised by the very spiky appearance on SNR margin/snr trace .

As I understand it Some routers quote SNR margin at 300KHZ . Others use some algorithm  to calculate it . So it does seem that the NOISE must be over the whole spectrum otherwise how would the SNR graphs  display the noise spikes associated with REIN?.

I believe that the most likely reason that 612 kHz is used is that there are virtually no transmitters at that frequency.nearest UK MW frequency  603 and 630KHz . To be able to detect the low level of noise involved you need to have no broadcaster around . (I do seem to remember that Ezzer did have some problem with one transmitter in one area) .

Regards Jeff

Edit  if 612KHz was the only frequency where the noise could be detected then tone 142 would surely be affected ?
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on April 01, 2011, 08:29:35 PM
Well, well, well. I've found a very informative (and extremely scientific) site on our Intranet regarding REIN and all other interferences.

I am not allowed to copy any of the content, or show anyone outside my LoB, but Jeff (and others) is spot-on. 612Khz is only used on a portable radio as no other stations are around this frequency.

The other OP's are also correct about REIN affecting the whole spectrum of 25-138Khz (Upstream)  and 138Khz-2.2Mhz (Downstream). REIN is normally associated with power-switching harmonics, as opposed to non-switched power harmonics, with the latter not generally extending beyond 1850Hz.

There's a veritable encyclopedic read in relation to this subject !!!
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: lemzip on April 03, 2011, 01:19:56 AM
so really the best way to find REIN is to tune in your radio to the freg affected from say DMT TOOL unless there is a radio station broadcasting on it?

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: jeffbb on April 03, 2011, 05:38:05 PM
Hi

Always worth a try ! , 612Khz is as good as any though because its  about mid range on ADSL , .

Of course if there is a definite gap on bit loading it might be worth tuning to the frequency to confirm that its a radio station or something else causing the drop in bit loading .

Regards Jeff
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: coolsnakeman on April 04, 2011, 06:27:48 PM
Hey,

Sometimes i think you guys have to much time on your hands lol. And razpag are you not meant to be working hahaha. Just messing. Just on the topic of "how many times will the REIN engineer come out" well my opinion and don't take this as gospel they will have to keep coming out if you keep reporting the fault. Try and perhaps convince your surrounding area to get involved with this and once again don't take this as gospel but a majority of service providers pays the bills for the engineer visits i know BT,sky and 02 pay the bills only cause 1 i work for BT and also had BT before and had an engineer out and 2 i worked for sky and also had engineers out with them to. I don't work for 02 but i have had 2 engineers from them and not been hit with a bill. Think its only really PSTN faults that are chargeable if the fault is found to being your own equipment or the line tests ok. Not to sure about the other service providers now so its always best to ask technical support if they re-direct the charges to you or if they pay the charge. One word of advise if the advisor doesn't advise of possible charges before sending an engineer then you CAN'T be charged cause you have to be made aware of this think it may be an ofcom regulation not to sure. This information if you find out more might lead to convincing the surrounding area to report there problem to there service providers cause as it was mentioned earlier although BT are not allowed to have favoritism they will notice about 50 reports of the same issue in the same area on there systems and will have to investigate that further for definite.

Regards
Gary
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: Ezzer on April 04, 2011, 07:21:22 PM
Hi, sorry I havn't been on much to answer any questions. Had rather a lot on in life (bit of an understatement  ???)

The reason why 612 KHz is highlighted as the 1st place to look for REIN is that its the next major harmonic over the 300 KHz frequency which is the key foundation channel that DSL works from (when your modem/router syncs) Then DSL works around the avalable frequencys up from there to send chunks of information. It's like listening to lots of radio stations all at the same time then combining all that info to get a bigger picture, which is what your modem is doing.

By next harmonic I mean just the same way as this crops up in sound/music. Remember at school having radio waves demonstrated by a piece of string swung like a skipping rope or a slink slid side to side so you get a wave. Double the frquency of hand movement and you get 2 waves along the same string/slinky. Its the next harmonic. Just as musical notes repeat themselfs but in the next octive up etc. 306khz is the key frequency for dsl, but any domestic mw radio dosn't have its range down that far, so we use 612KHz as the next harmonic.

Strong interfernce in other frequencies can also have strong effects for dsl. Its like trying to have a conversation with someone whilst loud music is blearing on the back round. The 444b is essentialy a normal radio, but it broadcasts a whole spectrum of frequencies all at the same time rather than one norrow band as your radio would do. (you only want to listen to one station at a time on the radio). Yes a directional  Aeral would help. There's one within BT openreach that fits on the 444b and no one knows where it is ! (crazy I know, Ha ! finaly I can say this.) Otherwise there are directional aerials with a spectral anlyser. They cost a huge amount and the only one I ever saw lives down at the labs in Martlesham. Oh would finding REIN be oh so much simpler with that lovely gadget. Between the 444b and a MW radio I usually found the REIN source with a MW radio much more easly. If anyone want to hear the dsl signal, tune your car radio to 612KHz and each time you drive under a dropwire with a dsl signal then you should hear the noise of the signal as you drive under ther wire.

As for your REIN engineer comming back to look for the source later, your lucky. managerswithin BT do not understand you often need to do this with a REIN fault and no allowance is made for this in the system. and He may well be chased up by his control or managers to find out why he's not on his next task. Offcom hasn't made any allowance for REIN faults so BT dosn't have this fully organised. In fact it could be argued that the the whole REIN proccedure is run by BT openreach as a charitable gesture as accounting wise its a money pit that comes off the company profit margins for whats usualy a problem caused by 3rd parties. the Enginneer is the one who'll get it in the neck. Interesting to see how its arranged in the US. The local main equivalent of BT has a BIG van full of kit for this problem.   
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on April 04, 2011, 07:44:43 PM
@ Ezzer,

I hope you've not been too poorley as the reason for your understatement.

Thank you VERY much Ezzer for such a good (simplified) description.

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on April 04, 2011, 08:14:06 PM
Hi Ezzer,

Thanks very much for your explanation.

The SFI trained REIN engineer came back for an hour on Friday but was unable to find the REIN. I have not seen him since and have a feeling I am going to have to chase my ISP again. As you have mentioned it costs BT time and money to send out the REIN engineer and the 6 others they have sent previously. IF they are unable to find it I may ask if I can cancel my connection as otherwise my connection will constantly have DLM activated, with periods where there are dropouts or the connection is below BT's acceptable range.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: Ezzer on April 04, 2011, 08:29:56 PM
Thanks Walter, unforunately health was one of the main reasons I've been off the scene. Not quite 100% yet but getting there. Also some other big life changing stuff. missed being on this site.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on April 05, 2011, 09:13:40 AM
Just had an update this morning, BT have closed my case as they can't find the fault even though the REIN occurs on a daily basis from 10am -6pm.  >:(
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on April 05, 2011, 09:41:10 AM
@ Magicone,

You have to get your case re-opened by your ISP. It's standard practice to close down jobs that aren't challenged.

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on April 05, 2011, 10:21:56 AM
@ Magicone,

You have to get your case re-opened by your ISP. It's standard practice to close down jobs that aren't challenged.

Kind regards,
Walter

Hi Walter,

I have asked for my ISP to reopen the case but I can't see why BT have closed it, I have issues every single day so there is always a fault with my line.
DLM has been active on my line for almost 4 weeks now which means my I.P profile has dropped by more than half. I can chase my ISP on a daily basis but I don't know why BT can't just keep the case open until the fault is found i.e the source of the REIN.

Cheers
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: roseway on April 05, 2011, 11:13:34 AM
The problem here is that REIN isn't a line fault, it's external interference. As Ezzer said, to some extent it can be said that when BT investigate REIN, it's a charitable action on their part because they aren't the cause of the problem. However frustrating it is for the customer, it's not really surprising that BT try to close down these investigations.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: razpag on April 05, 2011, 11:28:29 AM
Ezzer/Eric are correct magicone.

If we (Openreach) have 'proved' that the MPF passes a Pair Quality Test, have fitted a RF3 filter and a NTE2000 SSFP, then there's not much else 'we' can, or more specifically, have to do. The source of the fluctuations is external to our equipment, and 'we' have ensured our plant meets the relevant criteria.

As I've said before, because you are  a lone soldier charity will only stretch so far. ;)  ;), nudge nudge.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on April 05, 2011, 11:43:57 AM
I am not blaming BT at all as the cause of my issue is from an external source and I understand that BT can only spend so much time on my case. At the moment apart from my upload speed my FTTC connection is not really an improvement over my old ADSL2+ connection as my download speed and pings are pretty much the same as what I used to get with O2 but I am paying 4 times the price. If BT are not willing to send out the REIN engineer again I would hope both BTW and my ISP will let me terminate my contract so I can move over to Virgin cable which is unaffected by REIN.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: Oranged on April 05, 2011, 11:46:11 AM
I don't know why BT can't just keep the case open until the fault is found i.e the source of the REIN.

Because the REIN engineer has not been able to identify any REIN fault :

Quote
The SFI trained REIN engineer came back for an hour on Friday but was unable to find the REIN.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: coolsnakeman on April 05, 2011, 12:31:37 PM
Hey,

Just on that note BTW normally leave the fault open for 5 days after an engineer has attended to give the SP a chance to get back to them after talking to the customer if the issue is still the same. Then what happens after that is the fault is rejected by the SP and sent back to BTW for more investigation.

Regards
Gary
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: coolsnakeman on April 05, 2011, 12:33:29 PM
P.S There is a chance BTW may start to reject any faults being logged by the SP if they have grounds proving all troubleshooting has been exchausted if this is the case then your snookered and you will have to find the source of REIN yourself by talking to your neighbours and the surrounding area getting everyone involved.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on April 06, 2011, 10:38:03 PM
New fault has been raised under code GEA503, just waiting for my isp to hear back from BTW.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on April 08, 2011, 05:59:40 PM
New fault has been raised under code GEA503, just waiting for my isp to hear back from BTW.

Absolutely fuming now.

BT have got back to my SP and stated they don't now believe the issue is to do with REIN. They have reset the circuit to see what it can support and nothing else can be done until the stabilisation period is up . My ISP will then have to then log another fault so the download profile can be reset to 40 Meg, which will just kill my connection like it has done 4 times before when my downstream profile was reset.

I have insisted my SP go back to BT and insist a REIN engineer is sent out otherwise we will be going in circles.

If I don't receive a positive response I will be joining Virgin and using my fibre connection as a backup.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on August 14, 2011, 05:33:23 PM
Just thought I'd update the thread as it's been a while.Unfortunately it's been over 7 months now and the source of the REIN has still not been located. After numerous visits from BTOR(>15 to date) including 3 visits from the SFI trained REIN engineer BT are now refusing to send anyone out as my speed is within 'acceptable limits' even though my download profile drops down by almost 15 Meg as the REIN causes havoc with DLM.

The crux of the issue is that BTOR don't have the resource available locally to be able to locate the REIN, well from what I have seen anyway. The REIN engineer that has visited the property has only had basic training and getting a fully fledged REIN engineer is nigh impossible.

I've resigned myself to the fact that it's highly unlikely that the source of the REIN is going to be found and with around a month left of my current contract I have no other choice but to move to Virgin. It's a shame really as when the connection works properly it's excellent with speeds near 37 Meg down and very low latency which I don't think I will get with Virgin.

I hope if anyone else around my area has problem with REIN they have better luck finding the source.

Cheers
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on August 14, 2011, 05:55:14 PM
@ Magicone,

Perhaps your situation might pose the question of long-term reliability of FTTC over twisted pairs more generally?

Just to cheer you on your way, this is what my VM service purports to provide but I think it might be over-egging the pudding a bit !

http://www.speedtest.net/result/1432483142.png

Kind regards,
walter

Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on August 14, 2011, 06:30:11 PM
@ Magicone,

Perhaps your situation might pose the question of long-term reliability of FTTC over twisted pairs more generally?

Just to cheer you on your way, this is what my VM service purports to provide but I think it might be over-egging the pudding a bit !

http://www.speedtest.net/result/1432483142.png

Kind regards,
walter

Walter,

When the REIN wasn't affecting the line then I had no issues whatsoever but obviously as the last length of cable to the property is copper then it's just as susceptible as ADSL.

Those stats look excellent Walter. I did actually try Virgin's 50Meg service for month but the latency wasn't great, pings were ranging from 25ms-35ms(FTTC 15ms). Virgin's 100Meg service is now available in my area but I don't know if the latency will be any better than their 50Meg service so I am still undecided as to which service to choose.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on August 14, 2011, 07:07:05 PM
Hi again Magicone,

I agree that Virgin's final distribution is metallic. However it is a single co-axial cable with entirely separate twisted pairs for any phone services. My experience suggests that it doesn't suffer nearly as much with either noise or distance problems. The thick co-axial cables are the main distribution "highway" with the smaller ones teed off to each different address. There are no unshielded components at any place along the network as they use a die-cast box. It's also nicely enclosed in ducting all the way to the house.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/62278172

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on August 14, 2011, 10:15:39 PM
I actually had both Virgin cable and FTTC at the same time. When the FTTC connection dropped there were no problems with the Virgin connection. My only slight worry with Virgin is oversubscription or congestion on the VM core network. I suppose I will just have to wait and see.
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: waltergmw on August 14, 2011, 10:56:05 PM
@ Magicone,

My throughput performance is often not as good as the speed tests and has just dropped below 30 Mbps rarely. However I have never experienced sufficient drop in speeds to be of serious concern. It's a joy to be able to download enormous OS upgrades which previously were "cup-of-tea-time". I can't remember the last time I had any video buffering.

I've just used the SCC mapping facility and produced a road cable length, including a short loop-back that I know of, which gives a distance of 677 m. Allowing for the risers into the 5 cabinets en route I'd estimate my actual cable length to the cable modem at about 700 m.

Perhaps others here might have different experiences but, from my observations, the installations just work close to the maximum stated speeds. My main gripe is that VM are unable to extend their services if a new installation requires say a road crossing.

Kind regards,
Walter
Title: Re: FTTC- Possible REIN Issues?
Post by: magicone on September 25, 2011, 12:33:46 PM
(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2Ffd79270a6bc7060429db94c5c568b202-16-09-2011.png&hash=584a79ba60fb4b648ba7beeb9dc48a0572b7e5a6) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/fd79270a6bc7060429db94c5c568b202-16-09-2011.html)

(https://forum.kitz.co.uk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thinkbroadband.com%2Fping%2Fshare-thumb%2F11cf4b89c68a8cf6d23db282d252a1f5-17-09-2011.png&hash=d93470af9b5203e31b7a501fd209b6d200428307) (http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/share/11cf4b89c68a8cf6d23db282d252a1f5-17-09-2011.html)

Unfortunately the REIN came back again on the 16/09 which caused DLM to kick in which has dropped my download profile by 15 Meg and interleaving has increased again.

I am hoping that when I move over to Virgin my local UBR isn't oversubscribed otherwise the days of low latency are over!