topic Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI in Archive

Sky Booster for WI-FI

Collinsc — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 17:54:49 GMT

I'm currently on Sky Essential Broadband and have been having connection problems.

I've just done a speed check and download was 10.7, upload 0.9. In the week download was between 5 and 6.

I'm now working from home so devices i have are: work laptop (and sometimes VM) connected, and SkyGo, and 2 laptops, 2 mobiles and Alexa.

On many ocassions we have had to disconnect all other devices so i can use my work laptop more efficiently.

I'm wondering if a booster might help? and if so can i get a free one from Sky? or buy one? and if so, which model?

I live in a block of flats (we are two blocks of 6 flats) and i when i moved in (a decade ago) Virgin had said they wouldn't supply fibre because it was too expensive.

So i don't think fibre is an option, and, i'm on the fastest option with Sky that i can get (I get the message when i try to upgrade: "Sky Broadband Ultrafast is being rolled out across the UK. Register now to find out when it's available in your area.")

Any advice appreciated

Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI

Highlinder — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 17:58:05 GMT

@Collinsc You can find out your options on what is available to you useing the link below.

https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL/AddressHome

Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI

JPR007 — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 21:42:01 GMT

@Collinsc I don't think a booster would help much to be honest, as you don't really have much speed coming in as it is. If you are stuck on ADSL or "essentials" broadband, you are getting just about the maximum usable upload possible for that type of connection. The download is probably average for it, and it can in theory run faster but this depends on many factors, chief amongst is the length and qaulity of your line.

Best tip if using devices for work use/video calls, and device permitting (obviously phones and tablets can't use cables) is to use an ethernet cable as that way you will get the best your connection can deliver.

Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI

TimmyBGood — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 08:40:34 GMT

@Collinsc

Unfortunately ADSL ('Essential') broadband from any ISP is typically unsuitable for 'working from home' because its inherently very limited outgoing speed from the router (1.4Mbs maximum, then reduced by phone line distance) is not adequate to sustain Teams or Zoom video. Boosting WiFi within your property cannot overcome the outbound limit, as it's a fundamental characteristic of the technology: the 'A' is for ' Asymmetric' in recognition of this.

Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI

Collinsc — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 15:36:00 GMT

Thanks all for your inputs.

My result of the test is below. Any insghts appreciated.

ADSL Products Downstream Line Rate (Mbps) Upstream Line Rate (Mbps) Downstream Range(Mbps) Availability Date WBC ADSL 2+ Up to 17 -- 10 to 19.5 Available WBC ADSL2+ Annex M Up to 17 Up to 1.5 10 to 19.5 Available ADSL Max Up to 7.5 -- 6.5 to 8 Available WBC Fixed Rate 2 -- -- Available Fixed Rate 2 -- -- Available

Other Offerings Availability Date ADSL Multicast Available

Exchange Product Restrictions Status FTTP Priority Exchange N WLR Withdrawal N SOADSL Restriction Y

The premise/line is associated with exchange which is NOT part of current fibre priority programme.

The premise/line is associated with exchange where WLR is not withdrawn.

The premise/line is associated with exchange where SOADSL service is restricted.

FTTP is not available.

For all ADSL and WBC Fibre to the Cabinet (VDSL or G.fast) services, the stable line rate will be determined during the first 10 days of service usage.

Actual speeds experienced by end users and quoted by CPs will be lower due to a number of factors within and external to BT's network, Communication Providers' networks and within customer premises.

The Stop Sale date for IPstream is from 31 Oct 2013. The Formal Retirement date for IPstream is from 30 Jun 2014.

Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI

TimmyBGood — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 16:45:32 GMT

@Collinsc wrote:

Any insghts appreciated.

Consider moving to somewhere within reach of the second decade of the 21st century?

The absence of any reference to FTTC would suggest you're stuck with broadband access which might have been adequate ten years ago: unfortunately Ofcom still claims 10/1 Mbs should be enough for anyone, (although you probably can't get that 1Mbs outbound).

Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI

Collinsc — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 17:23:58 GMT

I'd love to move to somewhere with better broadband...! lend us a few hundred k will ya?

Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI

Chrisee — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 06:49:42 GMT

@Collinsc as mentioned your fixed line connection has limited services and thst is only likely to change when your area has fibre to the prrmises installed. There are more options becoming available the mostvwidely available is mobile broadband so if your phone gets a good 4G signal that is an option worth looking into. Cost is no longer prohibitive as you can get unlimited data deals from under £30 a month if 3 have a decent signal in your area.

The next possible option is the very new low orbit satellite broadband from Starlink which is beta testing in the UK but looks promising - the set up,is expensive at around £500 though. Works well as long as you are not surrounded by tall trees or live in a flat with no shere to mount the dish. More options should come available soon.

Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI

MyPorky1 — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:14:18 GMT

Engineer visit the other day adives you send me a WI_FI booster

Re: Sky Booster for WI-FI

JPR007 — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 05:23:02 GMT

@MyPorky1 You need to call Sky for a booster, we are all customers on here, aside from a few employees but they don't have access to account details.