I experience frequent disconnects from my ISP (about 100 every day). Some connections do not last longer than a few seconds.
I also experience very slow internet download and upload speeds – even for Australian standards where fixed line broadband networks aren't state-of-the-art: about 1 Mbps download and about 0.3 Mbps upload. These speeds are worse than ADSL1.
Ever since the arrival of Netflix and other domestic video streaming services 2 years ago the public noticed a general drop in download speeds for home broadband because ISPs wanted to make sure that this service can sell.
Before I wanted to make a complaint to my ISP I wanted to find out if my ADSL 2+ modem router might be the culprit. I have a Billion BiPAC 7300 RA (data sheet) that I think only cost me AUD 70. While I also have an AirPort Extreme connected to it to run my wireless devices, I experience the issues even when the AirPort Extreme is not connected.
I know that many technical factors can have an impact on the internet connection speeds like those listed here:
- the length of your phone line to the exchange;
- Internet traffic congestion;
- the quality of your line;
- signal strength;
- the number of joins in your line;
- the speed of the websites you visit; and
- factors within your home such as unfiltered devices and lengthy phone cords.
The latter two on this list should not be an issue, because a) I experience slowdowns even on usually fast websites, and b) I have no unfiltered devices or overly lengthy cables.
ISPs here are normally reluctant to admit any wrongdoing on their end and usually point to these factors. So I want to equip myself with knowledge and arguments.
Also, if you believe that my Billion modem router could be a (or the) factor for the speeds and disconnects I experience, and if you can't recommend a specific model, what would be specifications I should look for when purchasing a new ADSL 2+ modem router?
