5 tips to better Streamyx connection

Here are five most important tips on how to get really stable Streamyx connections. Everything else is secondary! What I meant by "stable connections" is the physical connection between your modem and Telekom exchange. In other words, the "hardware" part of it must be properly checked and adjusted to reduce possibilities of connection problems later.

1.Use high quality internal wiring - Always ensure you install your internal telephone wiring with high quality twisted pair cables. Run your cables away from noisy sources like fluorescence lamps, heavy machines like fridge or washers. Use high quality splitters and connectors. I also recommend the phone cables from your wall jack to the modem be changed every one or two years. This is to reduce chances of copper oxidation that happens with really old wires.

2.Rusty phone jacks - My friend’s Streamyx connection is horrible. Despite numerous complains to TMnet, nothing much can be done to improve the connection. One day I went to check the phone jacks used and it’s all covered in greenish rusts. Rust is produced due to oxidation. A small item like phone jack is the whole culprit. After changing the entire phone cable with new jacks, the connection is sustained for 24 hours a day without problems.

3.Separate router and modem unit- I’ve used this configuration ever since I started with Streamyx. The idea is to have separate router and modem units. Such setup somewhat lowers the CPU load of the modem and allows more CPU time to process incoming high speed data (light NAT translation) and pass it directly to the router. The router will then sort out the traffic (heavier NAT translation) to various computers. Also check whether your modem and router is overheating. As you’ve known with computers, overheated ambient temperature inside the modem will cause "crashes" and modem needs to reboot.

4.Check for noisy phone lines - Noise and attenuation in the phone line are the top issues that most customers are facing. Pick up your phone, press a single digit and listen quietly for few seconds. If you hear hums, hisses or crackling sounds, no matter how soft, then you have a noisy phone line. You will need to take this up to Telekom so that they can check for the noisy segment in your cable. Also avoid installing too many phones as this will cause overall signal loss.

5.Use high quality modems - Some modems is just not suitable for your phone line, especially if you live too far away from Telekom exchange. Low quality modem will not be able to cope with bad attenuation and signal loss. Modems that overheat easily are also prone to give problems and fire hazard. Invest in good modems. I personally have used Alcatel ST510 and Aztech 600ER. These are quite stable and always-on for months between reboots. Also their mainboard and power adapter do not overheat.