What's the most likely cause?

[gramps]

We've been with Vodafone on their Superfast 1 broadband package for about 3 years and generally speaking have had few problems, however over the last month or so we have been frequently getting the Internet freeze or drop out completely ... particuarly when on Zoom.
The package gives us a usable 36 down/9up and rarely varies anything worth mentioning, Vodafone have tested the line on several occasions (beyond 'Level Dehli") and report no faults apparant.
We have a fairly new Openreach master socket and have the router plugged directly into it, (via filter), sometimes I've also used the test socket behind the front plate.

Last week, in desperation, we upgraded to the Vodafone Pro Superfast 1, new router, additional booster unit (mesh type thing) but within 24 hours, when on Zoom, everything dropped out, including the booster unit ... the package is now back in its cardboard box awaiting collection!
On this last occasion we were connected to Zoom on an iMac and had 2 x iPhones, 2 x Amazon Echo Dots and 2 x iPads connected to wifi but not actually being used to do anything.
On occasions I might also have 2 x additional iMacs connected to Zoom by ethernet via a switch hub and when it happens they go down too so it doesn't seem to be just a wifi issue ... or is it?.

As I say, for years there have been no problems like this, just over the last month or so.
It's very frustrating, especially not being sure of which direction to go to solve the problem ... will a faster broadband solve it (speed does not = bandwidth) ... will a mesh wifi system solve it ... should I move to another ISP and different router?
Am I expecting too much to be using up to 3 x devices and having a few others 'just connected'?

Any knowledgeable pointers appreciated.

 

[Box Brownie]

Only some general thoughts!

1. Compared to now and when all was going well
   Have you made any changes e.g. additional device(s) using the Wifi (I am surmising here that the majority of your usage is via a WiFi [wireless] connection to the router?
   Plus, different locations in the house of the devices?
   
   
2. Your mention of a new BT Openreach Master Socket
   Just to check is this one with the single user plug or the one with the 2 plug points i.e. one for the phone and one for data i.e. the router? Why do I ask and sorry if I state the obvious, if you have the 2 plug version you do not need to use a filter
3. Does the router have both WiFi bands sharing the same login, if so perhaps try and see if they can be separated (NB this issue is a known one for some users of PlusNet and their supplied "Hub One" which is actually a branded version of the old BT Hub version 5a with PN firmware.............an ongoing saga that I escaped by buying my own none ISP supplied router. Actually I always buy my own routers )
   
   
4. If you can be very sure that the issue lays with the Vodafone kit then that opens up further questions of (a) why can't they sort it and (b) maybe using another ISP with better kit???

Hope that is perhaps of some insight and help?

 

[gramps]

Only some general thoughts!

Thanks for responding

1. The only change has been to introduce the 2 x iMacs on ethernet and these are not often on at the same time that the problem occurs.
2. Currently it's the old-style single socket requiring a filter ... I have a new double socket one coming tomorrow.
3. Both wifi bands do share the same login ... I can seperate them but I read somewhere that doing so could cause issues.
4. I can't be sure if it's the Vodafone kit, having tried two different router from them (Superfast 1 and Pro Superfast 1)

I don't know if I can replace the Vodafone router/modem, I did my old TalkTalk one.
I could switch off the router wifi and replace it with a Tri-band mesh system but it's a chunk of cash for a decent one if it's not going to solve the problem.

 

[Snapsh0t]

Have you tried changing the filter? They're very odd things and do age. Although I didn't think FTTC (which I believe you must have to get 36Mb/s) worked with the standard master socket. Mine was changed to the two-port version when I upgraded to FTTC.

 

[gramps]

Have you tried changing the filter? They're very odd things and do age. Although I didn't think FTTC (which I believe you must have to get 36Mb/s) worked with the standard master socket. Mine was changed to the two-port version when I upgraded to FTTC.

I have and the problem remained ... I have a two-port arriving today, which I will fit, (I have FTTC and can get FTTH or is it FTTP - fibre to the house).
After a further fractious exchange with Vodafone last evening they have agreed to upgrade me to the 65GB plan at no extra cost and that should happen today ... surely that's got to help?
I've also taken the plunge and bought a Taotronics Tri-band mesh system to add on and hopefully that will help too.

 

[sphexx]

I was going to post something similar when your thread caught my eye!

I am also on Vodafone (36MB). It’s mostly been OK in the past and I haven changed anything (other than upgrading iPhone in the relevant period possibly). Sometimes particular sites won’t load — one I remember was the Linux Mint site which wouldn‘t load for days. Since I had tried out the WARP (1.1.1.1) app on the iPad for some reason I though I’d turn that on and the site loaded. Not quite sure what the Cloudfare Warp app does except it’s a sort of faux vpn.

Earlier this afternoon it happened again and all the opened tabs (included BBC one & this site, nothing exception) hung untilI started the 1.1.1.1 app (free version) and then they all loaded normally

Any ideas?

 

[gramps]

I was going to post something similar when your thread caught my eye!

I am also on Vodafone (36MB). It’s mostly been OK in the past and I haven changed anything (other than upgrading iPhone in the relevant period possibly). Sometimes particular sites won’t load — one I remember was the Linux Mint site which wouldn‘t load for days. Since I had tried out the WARP (1.1.1.1) app on the iPad for some reason I though I’d turn that on and the site loaded. Not quite sure what the Cloudfare Warp app does except it’s a sort of faux vpn.

Earlier this afternoon it happened again and all the opened tabs (included BBC one & this site, nothing exception) hung untilI started the 1.1.1.1 app (free version) and then they all loaded normally

Any ideas?

For me everything has been resolved by pushing Vodafone and eventually getting an upgrade to the Superfast 2 (65GB) package for an extra 80p and they have promised an upgrade to 100GB fibre to the house as soon as I want it for a couple of quid extra. I'll let it settle for a while before I do that.
I sent the Taotonics Triband mesh system back to Amazon as being over-priced rubbish ... kept dropping devices 10 feet away and there were no instructions for the copious menus.
I would give Vodafone a call (you will need to persevere!) and let them know you are unhappy ... an upgrade to Superfast 2 or Gigafast fibre (if you can get fibre to your house) should be an easy, cheap option and may solve your issues.

 

[sphexx]

For me everything has been resolved by pushing Vodafone and eventually getting an upgrade to the Superfast 2 (65GB) package for an extra 80p and they have promised an upgrade to 100GB fibre to the house as soon as I want it for a couple of quid extra. I'll let it settle for a while before I do that.
I sent the Taotonics Triband mesh system back to Amazon as being over-priced rubbish ... kept dropping devices 10 feet away and there were no instructions for the copious menus.
I would give Vodafone a call (you will need to persevere!) and let them know you are unhappy ... an upgrade to Superfast 2 or Gigafast fibre (if you can get fibre to your house) should be an easy, cheap option and may solve your issues.

I do suspect it’s Vodafone but 36 mb is OK for what I do now. I have changed frequently and have had NTL/Virgin fibre more than once, BT ditto, PlusNet & so on. On the whole I’ve had the best with Virgin. The main problem I’ve had with all of them is that they won’t deal via internet but only by phone which I often can’t do (hearing) and have had to resort to snail mail in the past (which gets speedy results (!!!) and that I’ve only wanted Broadband not phone, TV etc.

Edit to add: and Vodafone website is a bit clunky if you do not have or want a Vodafone mobile .

 

[gramps]

I do suspect it’s Vodafone but 36 mb is OK for what I do now. I have changed frequently and have had NTL/Virgin fibre more than once, BT ditto, PlusNet & so on. On the whole I’ve had the best with Virgin. The main problem I’ve had with all of them is that they won’t deal via internet but only by phone which I often can’t do (hearing) and have had to resort to snail mail in the past (which gets speedy results (!!!) and that I’ve only wanted Broadband not phone, TV etc.

Edit to add: and Vodafone website is a bit clunky if you do not have or want a Vodafone mobile .

Use the chat on your iPhone App

 

[sphexx]

Use the chat on you iPhone App

I’ll have a look. It seems I can get 108mb on Virgin for £26 (I’m paying £24 I think currently, but my contract runs out in April sometime) . Might go back to them.

 

[gramps]

I’ll have a look. It seems I can get 108mb on Virgin for £26 (I’m paying £24 I think currently, but my contract runs out in April sometime) . Might go back to them.

Probably get Gigafast 100GB for less with Vodafone if you moan, I noticed Virgin prices were fixed for the contract then massive hike.

 

[sphexx]

Probably get Gigafast 100GB for less with Vodafone if you moan, I noticed Virgin prices were fixed for the contract then massive hike.

Yes, the Virgin is £26 then £44. When I used to be with NTL/Virgin the speeds went up year on year but the price stayed the same .