This blog post is about how I fix my UK ADSL connection problems and save myself time, money and hassle!
Introduction
In the past my ADSL broadband connection died, and it took five days for the problem to eventually be resolved! Five long days!!! Most of the time was spent dealing with front line technical support staff, have them make me chase my tail, roll-over and beg. After that experience, I decided to be better prepared, when the next ADSL problem occurred.
What I do now
Firstly I noted down the hurdles the ADSL provider’s technical support firm made me jump over, so that I could remove some of those hurdles in the future. This now means I can run through some of the basic tasks they make you perform. Secondly I brought a second ADSL modem and adapter, set it up and verified it works. Thirdly I tested internet access via my mobile connection, so that if need be, I can use that internet connection. So now I can run through a series of steps, without having to pick up the phone! Worth it for many reasons, including not to hear the hold music!
Now with all that said, let’s look at how I used the precautions over the years, and further down I will share the full list of steps I take, to bring my ADSL connection back to life (I’m sure I should of laughed madly then, with thunder in the background?)
When my ADSL connection has gone down for long periods of time, I’ve run through the steps, and on all occasions, the problem has been resolved. On one occasion, it turned out to be the power adapter for the ADSL modem that was faulty, not the modem itself or the ISP.
Also when away on holiday, I used the mobile internet connection to check and write emails, at a location where there was no available wifi. Okay, so I didn’t use mobile internet when experiencing an ADSL problem, but I am glad I made the effort to find out how to use it!
Here are the ADSL steps I take:
- I turn the ADSL modem / router off and on. D’uh! In theory I should be logging into the modem and soft rebooting, so not to potentially damage the hardware!
- I reboot my wireless router and then my computer.
- I try my backup ADSL power adapter and modem / router.
- I turn the ADSL modem off before midnight, leave off overnight, and try again in the morning.
- I connect the ADSL modem / router directly to the telephone socket (I usually use an extension lead).
Note: I also have a spare ADSL filter and modem cable, that came with the second modem, but I’ve not had to use them yet, other than to verify that they work. I doubt I will use them, but keep them around anyway, just in case!
My wireless router plugs into my ADSL modem’s RJ45 (network socket), and importantly the network lead plugs into my wireless router’s ‘WAN’ port, not one of the four other available network ports I have available on the wireless access point. The other day when moving my desk and routers, I accidentally plugged the network lead from the ADSL box into the wrong port on the router, and wondered why no internet connection occurred. D’oh!
Also I should note both my main ADSL modem / router and the backup, are both exactly the same model, and the original modem was purchased directly from the ISP itself. The backup ADSL modem and its adapter, were actually brought via eBay really cheaply! That way the technical support people are both familiar with the modem, and it probably resolves other issues when dealing with the ISP.
Final thoughts
So now instead of picking up the phone, I run through the above steps, and have not called my ISP since. There are probably some circumstances, when I might have to call them, but I’ve eliminated many scenarios. No more five days of waiting so far. No more holding music. Result!