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I live in Colorado and I have a CenturyLink 7Mbps T1.413 first generation ADSL connection that CL can't upgrade to something more modern! I called CL and they don't have plans to upgrade their network in my area! I've been experimenting with DSL modems to find one that will max-out my connection. Two years ago, I purchased a CenturyLink-branded Actiontec C1000A but, since it ran at only 5.5Mbps, I gave-up using it and put it on the shelf.
I've been using a surge protector on my phone line because we get severe thunderstorms where I live. In May 2013, during a really wild electrical storm, the surge protector in my telephone network interface box, and my UPS, where both fried! It's likely that my PC would've been toast without the surge protector in my UPS!
Two months ago, it occurred to me that I hadn't tried the C1000A without the surge protector inline. After I wired the C1000A directly to the wall jack, it synced-at 6816/896Kbps, which is the fastest connection that I've used! I connected an APC Protectnet Ethernet surge protector to the modem's Ethernet jack, so that all of my other hardware has phone line surge protection.
Since I was leaving on vacation a few weeks ago, I powered-down my PC. After I returned and powered it up, my DSL connection has been running at 7072/896Kbps, which is 99% of my DSL connection's maximum download speed, and my connection has been stable ever since!
It looks like my DSL modem and the DSLAM needed to get to know each other before they figured-out how to work well together! Does anybody have a better theory?
6816 vs 7072... It is close enough to call it variations in the line Or, maybe CenturyLink did do some mainenance in your area to clean up their signal. In either case, enjoy, and good call on the surge protector.
Lately, the fastest downstream speed that my Actiontec C1000A modem runs at is 6592Kbps. Although I
have my modem sitting on a well ventilated corner of my desk, it runs pretty hot! The enclosure has 4 very
short feet that don't raise the modem high-enough for the ventilation holes in the bottom of the case to
be of any use! A few days ago, I rigged a little stand that raises the modem nearly 3" above my desk.
Although the modem feels much cooler now, it won't run any faster! I believe that Actiontec modems
are designed to die shortly after the warranty expires and you'll be happier if you purchase your modem
from another manufacturer that your ISP supports!
DeepDiver wrote:Lately, the fastest downstream speed that my Actiontec C1000A modem runs at is 6592Kbps. Although I
have my modem sitting on a well ventilated corner of my desk, it runs pretty hot! The enclosure has 4 very
short feet that don't raise the modem high-enough for the ventilation holes in the bottom of the case to
be of any use! A few days ago, I rigged a little stand that raises the modem nearly 3" above my desk.
Although the modem feels much cooler now, it won't run any faster! I believe that Actiontec modems
are designed to die shortly after the warranty expires and you'll be happier if you purchase your modem
from another manufacturer that your ISP supports!
DeepDiver
To be honest, that wouldn't surprise me. Most consumer gear of any sort seems to be built with planned obsolescence. Sucks, but a lot of times that's just the way it is.
I think trying to keep it cool is definitely the way to go. Most electronics work better and have a longer life at optimal temperatures.
Does anybody have a better theory?
Or, maybe CenturyLink did do some mainenance in your area to clean up their signal. In either case, enjoy, and good call on the surge protector.
Sucks, but a lot of times that's just the way it is.