What are /r/teksavvy's favorite Products & Services?

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The TC4350 has the dreaded Puma 6 chipset which is known to have terrible ping issues. The TC4400 is a great modem with a Broadcom chipset that doesn't have those issues and is much more modern and performant. Try and see if that is available in your area, otherwise check the list of modems and see which ones don't use the Puma chip.

On top of that, once you have a solid modem, make sure to enable "SQM" (Smart Queue Management) on your router (it might have a different name depending on the router, and not all routers support it). This makes your router send out packets in a smarter way to avoid ping issue in the routers and server between you and the destination (you can google "bufferbloat" for more info). I usually recommend ditching your routers built in firmware and go for OpenWRT instead if possible. It has an easy to use SQM implementation (https://openwrt.org/docs/guide-user/network/traffic-shaping/sqm).

Try this: https://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/

Free service by Cisco. This is what I use. It allows you to configure your DNS to go through them and block potentially unwanted site / groups / categories based on current blocklists. You can customize if you like and its free.

Install at the router / modem level and it affects the entire network behind it.

The TV app is back on the Google TV Play Store as "Teksavvy TV Refresh":

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schange.android.tv.cview.newteksavvy

The TV app is back on the Google TV Play Store as "Teksavvy TV Refresh":

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schange.android.tv.cview.newteksavvy

It's a relatively new modem that uses a Broadcom chip. Broadcom chips don't seem to have the same kinds of problems as Puma 6 chips. It's available on Amazon, though only from 3rd party sellers at ridiculous prices. I bought mine for $100 and its been working great. No issues.

I use Private Internet Access (PIA). It used to work for Geo Blocked content like netflix, but PIA and other companies grew so big they agreed to not work around Netflix's, or anyones geo blocking. I even complained to them that even if I put my location as still in Canada I still could not access Netflix, since they are blocking anything coming through a PIA IP address. The CSR at PIA didn't said they don't give a shit, and won't work around geo blocks. Kind of crappy.

It still provides safety if your using torrents, or you just don't want people tracking you.

I purchased a membership for Private Internet Access and using the Toronto servers my ping actually went from 94 during normal hours (or 180 during lag hours) to ~85. I'll have to see if it changes at all during the day but for now it seems to work.

Actually I even changed it to the North York server (since it's closer to where I live) and my ping is down to 72!

I am on Shaws backbone and the TSI rep posted details about the Sercomm DM1000 DOCSIS 3.1 Cable Modem (Shaw TPIA) in this thread, I have finally found a modem (not combo) that will work for me. I am not able to confirm the chiset but it does not show up on any lists reporting the PUMA chipsets.

Link to amazon https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B09RX4GRGM/

https://www.amazon.ca/Thomson-Technicolor-DCM476-LATEST-FIRMWARE/dp/B00FPPFUBE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=NS8NCF8HZ57P&keywords=technicolor+tc4400&qid=1669272615&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjE2IiwicXNhIjoiMi40MSIsInFzcCI6IjEuNjYifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=tech...

50$ on Amazon and next day delivery? You didn’t look very hard

If your devices are connecting to the router wirelessly, then that is the most likely bottleneck. To what device are you streaming Apple Fitness?

Depending on the distance from the router and how many walls or other obstructions are in the path, you might be dealing with a weak signal, or you might be connecting at 2.4Ghz, which has longer range and is better a passing through obstructions than 5Ghz, but (on your router) is limited to 300 Mbps.

Try connecting to the router with an Ethernet cable. If your streaming issues disappear, you know it's a WiFi issue.

I use WiFI Analyzer on my phone to measure signal strength. I'm sure there's an Apple equivalent.

I don't find either of those here: https://openwrt.org/toh/start

Should I be looking at a different brand name? I would be good if someone else has installed and can confirm it is working.

Try running some speed tests. (speedtest.net, fast.com) while you are having the problem and not having the problem. Unless the problem is constant. I would suggest contacting TSI and they can help you troubleshoot. My guess is that it's not a wide spread problem with TSI but something to do with your "last mile" connection. But TSI staff can help you troubleshoot and submit a ticket.

(Personally internet was bad this evening for me and I'm blaming it on pandemic lockdown as my internet is rock solid now at midnight. The local infrastructure just can't keep up with the extra demand).

My recommendation is always basically any router that fully supports OpenWRT (enough RAM/Storage). I find stock firmwares to be all over the place in terms of quality, and OpenWRT is much more reliable and featureful. Sadly the WiFi AX version of your router doesn't have support yet. Shop around for a router that looks good for you, and then go check the OpenWRT hardware compatibility list and see it's support status (https://openwrt.org/toh/start). The easiest routers will be the ones where you can flash OpenWRT directly from the stock web panel.

Most routers use a handful of similar chipsets and board designs, which is why OpenWRT can easily support so many devices. It's also why most routers that have issues are almost always firmware related.

This tool is amazing for diagnosing slow DNS issues, but from your speed-test, it sounds like signal issues.

Have you tried directly connected via Ethernet to rule out wireless issues?

I would suggest you read the following 2 links to familiarize yourself in differneces between ADSL & VDSL.

http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Very-high-bit-rate_digital_subscriber_line http://computer.howstuffworks.com/vdsl2.htm

In regards to modems, these are mostly provided by the Vendors. Getting off the shelf type of modems, isn't all that common just yet.

Keep in mind that DSL has been around for over 15years. VDSL is still just starting out & has about 5 years under it's belt.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Regards, Martin

Teksavvy is NOT throttling anything. Because they use incumbent hardware belonging to Robellus, it's possible that one of them is throttling you, but even that is unlikely.

If you are on (for example) the Rogers network in an area where they have oversold the service, it's possible that you are suffering from overused infrastructure (like how streaming services will sometimes fail to work on Christmas day because everyone is at home using the service at the same time), but that is not throttling, that's Rogers being a shitty company.

Try running PingPlotter with and without the VPN active to get an idea of where your network issues lie.

That can only exclude LAN issues up to the modem. I suspect the key need here is to determine whether the modem is at fault, vs Teksavvy -- which is why I was looking for tracert logs.

I've got her using the free trial of pingplotter for now.

There are different types of latency (ping), unloaded and loaded. Using Teksavvy as an example, if I run a speed test it says that I have 20ms, yet in games I regularly get 200ms+. This is due to how the data is sent and received.

To use the typical car analogy, think of unloaded data as a motorcycle and loaded data as a semi truck. While the roads are very congested, motorcycles (unloaded traffic) is able to slip through without much effort. However, you'd be hard-pressed to fix a semi truck between two others which is where this issue lies. Speed test services use unloaded packets since they're not trying to transfer a payload, they simply want to see how quickly the data can get from point A to point B. If you try out https://fast.com you can see what your loaded latency is if you click on "show more info" after your test has completed.

You only really notice this lag in video games because online video games (especially fast paced ones) depend entirely on quick exchanges of loaded packets. Using the analogy above, you can probably see how these packets can be delayed by network congestion. For example, video streaming services are less affected by this since beyond the initial load, they just buffer in the background while your media is already playing. Unless your latency was abhorrently high (3000ms range) then you wouldn't notice much slowdown as long as you have decent download speeds.

Since Teksavvy's expansion, their infrastructure has been completely overloaded with traffic which leads to this signal congestion that so many customers are experiencing. They need to either improve their existing infrastructure, or add additional infrastructure to cope with these massive amounts of traffic.

It was incredibly irresponsible of them to expand before they could handle it.

Actually, I already purchased them on Amazon. It shipped fast:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B088KV2YYL

Thanks for the reply. I have read mixed reports about whether the Puma 7 chipset has similar issues as the Puma 6 chipset or not. Since there doesn't seem to be consensus about this I think I'd prefer to steer clear.

I had been planning on buying this modem before it sold out. In case it comes back in stock can you confirm whether this modem would work on your service in Winnipeg Manitoba? Thanks.

Get the updated version of the app instead:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schange.android.tv.cview.newteksavvy

The TV app is back on the Google TV Play Store as "Teksavvy TV Refresh":

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schange.android.tv.cview.newteksavvy

The TV app is back on the Google TV Play Store as "Teksavvy TV Refresh":

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schange.android.tv.cview.newteksavvy

The TV app is back on the Google TV Play Store as "Teksavvy TV Refresh":

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schange.android.tv.cview.newteksavvy

The TV app is back on the Google TV Play Store as "Teksavvy TV Refresh":

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.schange.android.tv.cview.newteksavvy

Are you using their router by a chance?

I spent a pretty large amount on this one

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07L56SN8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_W8Y0Y42HWEJARDKZRBV2

My wifi speeds got way more stable

>The good fellow I spoke to on the phone suggested this modem to me, the SMARTRG SR808ac. I know nothing of it.

The SR808ac is fine - I have one and have had no problems with it. That said, the Technicolor TC-4400 is the better option for several reasons, primarily future-proofing.

On a Cable-75 plan the faster speeds possible from the TC-4400 won't benefit you, but the additional bonded channels (24x8 for the SR808ac vs 32x8 for the TC-4400) might help maintain your advertised speeds during neighbourhood peak usage periods. Also, should you decide to upgrade your service down the road, the TC-4400 offers higher theoretical max speeds.

The SR808ac is a combo unit, which means it has built-in router functionality, albeit of limited functionality and laid out in a very user-UNfriendly way. Regardless of which you choose, you'll want to add your own router. You'll need to put the SR808ac in bridge mode, but this is not hard to do and Teksavvy can do it remotely if you're uncertain. The one advantage that the SR808ac has (specific to Teksavvy) is that you can purchase it via their rent-to-own program, which spreads the cost out over a year. However, if I didn't already have the SR808ac and I were a new customer, I'd go for the TC-4400, even though it meant buying it myself.

Be aware, however, that you need to ensure that you purchase one with the firmware that is supported by your network. There is a TC-4400 for Rogers territory and different units for other providers (Videotron, Shaw, etc). The one I linked above is for use on the Rogers network. You might find it for less elsewhere. The Canada Computers website was down at the time I wrote this.

Most of the reputable VPN providers have a free trial and/or 30 day refund policy so you could sign up and then cancel after running your testing.

(That said I'm of the opinion that a good vpn is pretty much required now and a NordVPN account only works out to something like $5/month.)

I was in a similar situation, coax outlets in every room, all the wires terminate in my basement and were not crimped. Hired someone to crimp/add connectors to them in the basement and later on I bought this to connect my upstairs office with the coax coming from outside (the guy helped trace the outlets so I knew which lines were for which room): https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01F5JNE9O?psc=1 (my cable modem + wifi router live in my upstairs office)

I saw your post and you're not a fan of running wire throughout your place so not sure if my post is helpful, but hopefully it provides you an option.

I've been doing it for a couple of years now and it's been pretty stable. I've had to reset the units twice after a power blip/outage, and those are the only problems I've had. I used this unit which is no longer available (at least from Amazon) but others are.

Your mileage may vary, obviously, depending on the wiring in your place.

Try this for your android device. It works on mine: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=abdelrahman.wifianalyzerpro&hl=en_CA#:~:text=Introducing%20a%20new%20way%20to,increase%20connection%20speed%20and%20stability.

2.4GHz side being more flaky than the 5GHz side hints at congestion. Is your living circumstance fairly compact? Highrise unit, row house?

If you have an Android phone, try installing WiFi Analyzer. It's possible one of your neighbours is using a WiFi channel that is interfering with your own. This app will show you WiFi channels, and their signal strengths, that are in use nearby so that you can select a channel that is less busy.

If that does not fix your problem, try relocating the router. If you still have problems after that, get a replacement router. You can put the SR808ac in bridge mode and add a router so that it will still act as a modem (which is required to access the service) but all WiFi and routing duties will be handled by the added router instead.

Yes, I can connect when using data. It seems to be related to my Teksavvy connection only. Other PC's and devices on the network have the same problem.

Now this is VERY interesting. I also can't connect to the Playstation Network or EA's Origin service. That's three major gaming services that seem to be blocked or having extremely poor connectivity.

I just tried using a VPN service (NordVPN) and all three services become available to me without issue. Could Cogeco be doing something fishy to try and limit internet traffic?

All good! Thanks for your understanding. I’ll be straight with you and say purchasing a USB 3 to Ethernet adaptor is likely super handy for troubleshooting these sort of issues. Best value I could find would be here: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00YUU3KC6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_gLLGFb9NM65Q9

Not sure if that one has a dedicated channel between nodes. Could be something worth looking into.

Also, keep in mind that you need a place to put the m4. The m5 being a puck design allows me to get a bracket that basically hangs it off of the wall socket. Something like this https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07JCS5L4N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_pwuCFbVT2XKK5 May not be a problem for you but i didn’t have space in my hallway to put a table so the bracket is awesome.

Other than that I have a tp link 48 port switch and the deco and both have been working fine for me for the past 2 years or so.

Update:

Well it turns out my service issue wasn't the modem. After four tech visits, Rogers actually sent a tech who works directly for Rogers and not one of those third party contractors who are as useful as a urine sample in a colander. It turns out that it was the 162 year old aerial drop cable. Once they installed a new temp drop cable for me (and nobody else in the building LOL) my internet has been stable ever since.

Turns out I have been having this issue to varying degrees for the last two years and because my old modem was a Hitron pile of garbage. It never properly registered when the modem dropped, and all the status lights would either stay solid blue or turn solid green on rare occasions.

As for the heat issue, I sat an a 140mm PC fan (size overkill) on top and it has been running nice and cool since. I did order one of these from Amazon which I think will be a better solution... AC Infinity MULTIFAN S2 or the AC Infinity MULTIFAN S3 just take the grill and feet off one side. But the S2 may be better from a dust perspective. Who knows.

So it doesn't get missed, I'm looking at $470 on amazon for it...

https://www.amazon.ca/Ubiquiti-Networks-AFI-HD-AmpliFi-High-Density/dp/B01L9O08PW/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=amplifi&qid=1587134688&sr=8-1

Really depends on your needs and how much you are willing to spend (Both time and money). Do you want mesh wifi kit with antennas in each room?(go with Eero or Orbi) Do you want enterprise grade router and wireless access point? (go with edgerouter x or pfsense with unifi ap) If you want something simple like ac1900 then I would recommend you buy it now as its on sale for 44% off at amazon https://www.amazon.ca/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-AC1900-Smart-Router/dp/B00F0DD0I6

I used to have a problem where the router would crash whenever I tried to do heavy torrenting. Something about the number of peers or connections just caused it to lock up. Getting a beefier router solved that.

The one that I have, and the one that has been able to handle anything I've thrown at it is this one. I think it was $150 CAD about 4 years ago or so. I think I've had to restart it maybe once a year, but only as part of troubleshooting periodic connection issues related to the modem.

Since I feel it would be a waste to create another post for the same question, does this one works too?

https://www.amazon.ca/Zhone-Technologies-6519-W1-NA-Zhone-6519-w1-na-Modem/dp/B0142IFMX0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469071334&sr=8-1&keywords=zhone+6519+w1

In Quebec Mtl

I'm going to have to disagree with you guys. Though I won't argue the superior performance that comes with a high end router (I have the AC-RT68U), a cheaper router can be completely usable, reliable and provide decent performance.

Prior to this router I was using a Cisco E2500 (which I got for $40ish) that I had flashed with DD-WRT. In the 4+ years that I had that router, I never had an issue with it. I really only replaced it because our new house was way too big for it and I was getting 4 Mbps in my office from my 40 Mbps package. Hence why I went with the best I could find, I needed the range.

For tasks such as basic streaming or web browsing, what the average user is doing, spending more than $120ish on a router isn't really necessary unless range is an issue. Sure, there are many more features, but the average customer isn't running an FTP server, using their router for NAS or needs remote access to their network whenever they want.

/u/Sparkum, you do need to use one of the approved modems. The modem that we sell, the ZyXel VSG1432, is a wireless all in one modem. It may serve your needs just fine, it's not a bad idea to try it out before spending more by getting a separate router. Though if you're concerned about the absolute best experience possible, a separate router would likely be a good investment.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Never tried MoCA but looks pretty straightforward.

Your other option, that I have tried is Powerline networking. They are cheap and fast and work great!

http://www.amazon.ca/TP-LINK-TL-PA4010KIT-Powerline-Adapter-Starter/dp/B00AWRUICG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422560302&sr=8-1&keywords=ethernet+over+power