Network Broadband Congestion (external to home)

[Paul8282]

How can I identify if VM broadband network congestion is impacting on me? My use of broadband is consistent during any 24 hour period. However, I notice around 6-9pm suddenly everything slows, buffering and slow internet speeds - even though my own use has not altered. Neighbours, also on VM broadband, have noticed the same at similar times. 

To avoid confusion on what I am asking, how can I identify if it is VM congestion within their network that is causing this problem? I do not believe it is anything within my home that is causing the issue as use is consistent. I assume VM must have data on this as I am assuming it must be monitored or reported when congestion occurs? 

[jbrennand]

A BQM will identify it - many on here use one for that, and other, purposes - see this...

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If you haven’t already, set up a free, secure and “offlsite” - “Broadband Quality Monitor” to continually monitor the state of your connection and record any true network dropouts , latency issues, packet drops, etc - it will thus allow you to differentiate between those and simple wifi dropouts. It does it 24/7/365 and it keeps a visual record of any/all of your network disconnections, useful data to have to match to the Network logs (in your Hub settings) and also in discussions with VM - note it will take a few hours to start seeing a sensible picture - post up the “link” to the “share live graph”. Click the lower link (Share Live Graph) then, click generate. Copy the text in the Direct Link box, beware, there may be more text than you can see. On here click the Link icon (2 links chain to the left of the camera icon) In the URL box paste the link you copied and then click OK
https://www.thinkbroadband.com/broadband/monitoring/quality

[Paul8282]

Hi John,

Many thanks for this. I have set up as you suggested and will monitor for next 24 hours. Hopefully the issues will be apparent again this evening, probably around 9pm. VM previously have suggested that it is an issue at my home, which I find hard to accept as it is not only my home but neighbours experiencing similar issues. Plus when VM engineers attend (during day) no issues can be detected as it is only the evenings when the problem manifest itself. I may need a hand identifying the issue(s) and to be able to advise VM where their problem lies. Thank You

[Paul8282]

https://www.thinkbroadband.com/broadband/monitoring/quality/share/470420b22d2daa88d43812169a2c284375... 

[legacy1]

likely and CDN problem

[jpeg1]

Well there were no network problems last night. In fact that trace so far shows a very good connection. If you had a problem last night you'll have to look for it elsewhere. 

[Paul8282]

Thanks for the insight, typically no problems last night. Hopefully over the weekend,  with higher use of the network, it will show something? I'll leave it running for a further 48 hours. 

Appreciate your help and assistance.  Regards, Paul 

[Paul8282]

I noticed that latency spikes are showing on my BQM, hitting over 160MS at times. I am assuming that this could be a cause of the issues I have experienced? 

[jpeg1 · Accepted solution]

No, they are quite normal. See mine. 

[Daniel_Et]

Hi @Paul8282, thank you for your post.

We're sorry to hear about the problems you've been experiencing 😔

In order to look into this for you further, we'll send you a private message on here. Look out for the envelope in the top right-hand corner.

If you're on a portable device with a smaller screen, click on the icon in the top right-hand corner and select "messages" from the additional menu options.

Thank you for your support @jpeg1, @jbrennand and @legacy1 👍

Regards,
Daniel