[svlug] suddenly low bandwidth on lan cable

[C Poda]

Hi,

Cable issues.

If you are worried about a cable problem, bypass that cable
with a temporary cable that connects the equipment by whatever
convenient path exists (if the current cable duct is not easy to use).

First, verify that the new cable does work at the expected
high bandwidth, w/ known good equipment (maybe at a friend's
house or at work or school, or where you buy your net gear).

Then, replace the old cable with the new cable and see if the problem
still exists.

If needed, diagnose further, w/ the new cable in place.  You might have
two problems, and the new cable only solves one.

If it's difficult to run a temporary cable, can you move some equipment
so the long cable is not needed?  Maybe move the modem closer
to the computer, by using a longer phone line (instead
of the long Cat-5 Ethernet line).


ISP & Telco issues.

Contact your ISP and ask if they have changed your connection
recently.

Have them test the line from their site to your site.

Ask them to check w/ the phone company.  If there was recent
work done on the lines or equipment to your location, they
might have broken something.

Someone besides the phone company might have worked on the
lines that feed you.

Could it be that you were getting high bandwidth for several years
but only paying for a lower level of service, and they finally
figured that out and cut you back?  If so, getting the higher
bandwidth will cost more money, if available.

-clp