This entry is about the problems I faced when using BSNL DataOne. Today is a holiday here, unfortunately the internet is down and there is nobody at BSNL who can help me. They can help me tomorrow morning it seems, but then, I’d be at work since tomorrow is a working day. Why can’t they keep this connection working when it’s needed the most?
I’d be focussing on 2 problems which can cause ADSL outage: 1. Out of Sync & 2. Couldn’t get channel number: Transport endpoint is not connected.
- 1. Out of Sync
This is a problem I faced since I got the connection. It is more frequently faced when it rains and may last 1 day after rains. Not much the technicians could do, but there was one technician who seemed to fix the problem for a 3 month period. Now it occurs less – only on some rainy days. Note that there is no static sound heard on the phone – if you hear static, it is obviously a severe line problem.
- Symptoms and Signs:
1. Internet working 1 minute and not working the next minute. You may get as less as 5 seconds online time between disconnects lasting 5-30 seconds.
2. You may notice the DSL light going off completely – blinking at regular intervals – blinking at irregular intervals – fully off – with the cycle repeating.
- Resolution:
1. Call Telephone Exchange OR Register a complaint.
2. Try a different modem/router/gateway.
Trying a different modem may help. What I have experienced is that the BSNL WA1003A (a Type-II) modem does better than Linksys WAG200G and holds on to the connection longer (~30 seconds). The Linksys modem keeps on trying repeatedly working only for 5 seconds under the same situation. Ofcourse this will wary depending on the severity of the problem.
I thought the ISP could help by reducing the speed at which the modem Syncs/connects (something which the consumer has no power over).
Now the above problem occurs less frequently for me and I notice that my modem syncs at lower speeds now (3000-6000 kbps Downstream) compared to earlier when it used to sync at 7000-8000. I had suggested this to a BSNL engineer/technician – to reduce the sync speed – but she had said that it wouldn’t make any difference. Could someone experienced in these problems please comment.
3. One could change providers if it is an option (ask neighbours which provider is good).
- 2. Couldn’t get channel number: Transport endpoint is not connected
The one that’s happening to me now. Somehow I feel that this error commonly occurs during holidays. It does occur rarely on weekdays but resolves within 20 minutes – 5 hours.
- Symptoms and Signs:
1. Modem DSL light is on continuously. If it has an internet light, it’ll be red/orange/off instead of the usual colour. No websites will open (DNS error/Page not found).
- Resolution:
1. Call Telephone Exchange OR Register a complaint. If it is a holiday, expect it to get working the next working day.
2. Use alternate methods of access (GPRS/mobile phone).
- Comments:
An internet search doesn’t reveal much on this error. I guess consumers in other countries have 24 hour support and don’t have to endure this problem long enough for them to look in the modem log and find it.
Why does it occur? Any technicians/engineers stumbling on this blog, please comment. Users noticing this error, please comment with your location.
Anything we consumers can do to fix it? Any alternate VCI/VPI numbers to use in such a situation? And why does it occur? I always imagine that this error occurs when someone negligently or deliberately removes a wire or jack.