O/T: DSL-related question

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

I sort of tried asking this in a dialogue within the 'grumpy' thread but, predictably, it got lost among the various grumps, so here goes.

 

I'm pretty confident the telephone line in my flat is still pretty much alive- my telephone socket was ringing yesterday (!!!). There's a BT router in the lounge, but no cables attached to it. In order to check whether the line is still DSL-activated, do I just walk down to Maplin and get a couple of cables and/or filters, or is there another procedure that needs to be followed?

 

*awaits flaming for having posted a non-car-related thread*

[dieselnutjob]

you only need filters if you want to use the same line for ADSL and phone calls

to test it you can just connect the router/modem straight to the phone socket

[gtd2000]

The router should have a series of LEDs one should show if you are online, presumably, once connected up?

 

What are you using for internet access right now?

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

A 3 dongle on PAYG. Was planning to convert it to the rolling 16 quid contract but if I can get ADSL without the re-activation fee, I'll go for that.

[gtd2000]

A 3 dongle on PAYG. Was planning to convert it to the rolling 16 quid contract but if I can get ADSL without the re-activation fee, I'll go for that.

 

I had a 3 dongle - it was a deal over at HUKD last year - basically you paid a fiver and got 15GB of data all in - I activated the dongle and said OK now cancel my account - i.e. 1months notice.

 

I only wanted it for one time use while BT were fucking everything up with regards internet and phone calls at the new house I'd just had built.

 

When I explained that I only needed internet for a month they tried everything including a fiver a month plan with 5GB of data which isn't too bad at all for a light user actually.

 

Might be worth giving three a call to see if they can give you some sort of deal if you hint about leaving?

 

I'm currently tied to a BT contract for internet at the new house but I'd probably go for Plusnet next time - cheap as chips and no download limits after midnight for any torrent addicts

[tonedepear]

Not related, but I heard mention of a garage going in Crooksmoor on Tuesday night. Am awaiting further info. You still after one?

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

Indeed I am...Let me know if you get the info!

[tonedepear]

Will do.

[504GL]

If you're not paying for ADSL then I doubt you'll get sync.

[ashmicro]

Plug the router in to the BT socket, power it up, give it s minutes and see what wifi broadasts are going on. There should be a sticker on the router with the SSID and password. SSID is the "name" of the router's broadcast, and the password will sync it. Regardless of whether ADSL is acive on the line you'll be able to connect to the wifi broadcast to check if you can get on t'internet.

 

If you have a CAT5 cable, you'll be able to connect your computer directly to the router, and get to it's management page. What exact model is the router?

[504GL]

but if it's not connected at the other end of the line (the exchange) then it won't get a sync

[ashmicro]

but if it's not connected at the other end of the line (the exchange) then it won't get a sync

 

 

It will sync with the router as a local connection. That way you'll be able to check if it's connected at the exchange end and "live".

[504GL]

but if it's not connected at the other end of the line (the exchange) then it won't get a sync

 

 

It will sync with the router as a local connection. That way you'll be able to check if it's connected at the exchange end and "live".

 

My understanding was that you're only plugged into the DSLAM if you're an active subscriber. Things might have moved on however...

[ashmicro]

What Luxobarge needs to see is the router management page, something like this:

 

 

That way he'll know if the DSL is still up.

 

Old routers are GR8 4 creating wireless access points on non wireless wired nets. No phone connection is required, it's just a local connection. I've got about 8 or 10 old BT Homehubs, and I've set up 2 more access points in our house cos the wireless signal is shite upstairs. When next door's Virgin Broadband fell over for the 451st time, he was able to get online with ours - I just stuck another router up against the partition wall. Thank you BT for the free routers!

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

that router does seem warm from the electricity, but there doesn't seem to be an on/off switch, and no lights are flashing or anything...I'm thinking that the router itself may be totally cream crackered, hence no way to get to check the line quickly...

[504GL]

What Luxobarge needs to see is the router management page, something like this:

 

 

That way he'll know if the DSL is still up.

 

Old routers are GR8 4 creating wireless access points on non wireless wired nets. No phone connection is required, it's just a local connection. I've got about 8 or 10 old BT Homehubs, and I've set up 2 more access points in our house cos the wireless signal is shite upstairs. When next door's Virgin Broadband fell over for the 451st time, he was able to get online with ours - I just stuck another router up against the partition wall. Thank you BT for the free routers!

 

Yeah I used my Homehub for a while as an AP, twas far better as an AP than as a gateway and AP. Much prefer the Linksys router I have now though.

 

Just out of curiosity, why do you want to know if the DSL is still "active"? It's not like electricity where for instance if the wiring is connected to your house, then you've got electricity.

[ashmicro]

Is there a reset thing on it, something you could poke with a pen or a straightened out paper clip?

[504GL]

Is there a reset thing on it, something you could poke with a pen or a straightened out paper clip?

 

As well as that, can we have a photo? For it to be working now, it would at least need to have power.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

Is there a reset thing on it, something you could poke with a pen or a straightened out paper clip?

 

As well as that, can we have a photo? For it to be working now, it would at least need to have power.

 

It's got a DC power supply that seems to be working alright (it warms the thing up). No reset button, unless it's very successfully hidden somewhere.

 

It's a BT HomeHub 027262, made by Thomson Telecom.

[504GL]

Is there a reset thing on it, something you could poke with a pen or a straightened out paper clip?

 

As well as that, can we have a photo? For it to be working now, it would at least need to have power.

 

It's got a DC power supply that seems to be working alright (it warms the thing up). No reset button, unless it's very successfully hidden somewhere.

 

It's a BT HomeHub 027262, made by Thomson Telecom.

 

No lights on at all? There should be at least a power light. Not sure sure where my homehub is but if you came to the North Wales meet I'd bring it along and you could have it for free if it will help

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I recently found an oldish kettle in my garage, I've plugged it in and put some water in. When i switch it on a red light comes on, but the water doesnt get hot. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? Could the kettle have a problem?

[ashmicro]

No reset button on the 02762, pull the power for 10 minutes. When you plug it back in, give it a couple of minutes, and press the "wireless association" button on the back. The wireless light should flash for a few seconds. If so, the router is working. No lights doesn't mean a HomeHub isnt working.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

I recently found an oldish kettle in my garage, I've plugged it in and put some water in. When i switch it on a red light comes on, but the water doesnt get hot. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? Could the kettle have a problem?

 

Maybe you could reboot the kettle using something more powerful than water:

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

No reset button on the 02762, pull the power for 10 minutes. When you plug it back in, give it a couple of minutes, and press the "wireless association" button on the back. The wireless light should flash for a few seconds. If so, the router is working. No lights doesn't mean a HomeHub isnt working.

 

Cheers for that...will report in a few mins.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

yesss!!!! The router works, and the 'broadband' (how daft!) light is solidly on!

Thank you Mr Micro!

[ashmicro]

Hold yer horses, are you using it to connect to the internet?

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

Hold yer horses, are you using it to connect to the internet?

 

Well, I'm hoping that, on ordering a new connection (which the PO home phone have said can 'most probably' do quickly and gratis) I will be able to get DSL service without having to pay the fifty or so quid for re-activating DSL...does that make any sense or am I living in a parallel universe?

 

The homehub settings show 'your broadband line is disconnected', but somehow also display a speed of 4.8 down and 0.85 up.

[504GL]

Hold yer horses, are you using it to connect to the internet?

 

Well, I'm hoping that, on ordering a new connection (which the PO home phone have said can 'most probably' do quickly and gratis) I will be able to get DSL service without having to pay the fifty or so quid for re-activating DSL...does that make any sense or am I living in a parallel universe?

 

The homehub settings show 'your broadband line is disconnected', but somehow also display a speed of 4.8 down and 0.85 up.

 

Well I'm wrong about it not syncing clearly. Most places don't charge you a connection fee so it wouldn't have mattered either way Broadband light on means you've got sync, internet light off means you've got no internet

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

Most places don't charge you a connection fee so it wouldn't have mattered either way

 

They do, unless you go for a long contract.

[ashmicro]

Agreed 504, the DSL flag for the line is active, it's just the router's embedded customer account is shut down.