Hi everyone,
I need some help because my broadband line has been dropping constantly while I’m streaming, gaming, or uploading. I have full logs, wiring tests, and DSL stats and it clearly looks like a line stability issue, not WiFi or device related.
Sky Broadband Superfast (VDSL FTTC)
Sky Hub SR203 + TP-Link AX53 (Sky Hub acting only as modem, WiFi disabled, DMZ enabled)
Xbox Series X (wired)
Laptop (wired)
Everything else disconnected during tests
DSL connected via Openreach test socket with microfilter
Tested with VPN ON and OFF
This issue still happens even with only the Sky Hub connected at the test socket, everything else unplugged.
The connection drops randomly, but more often when I’m uploading (streaming to TikTok or gaming).
Every drop shows the same pattern in Sky Hub logs:
1️⃣ ptm0.1 – WAN link DOWN 2️⃣ DHCP lease expired / invalid (WANoE) 3️⃣ xDSL link down → retrain → VDSL G.993 negotiation 4️⃣ WAN comes back after 10–60 seconds
This is a physical line drop / resync, not WiFi, not LAN, not device-related.
Evidence From Sky Hub Logs
Here are repeated entries (only a few examples):
ptm0.1 - WAN link DOWN.
DHCP lease expired from server. Connection DOWN.
Line 0: xDSL link down
Line 0: xDSL G.994 training
Line 0: VDSL G.993 started
Line 0: VDSL2 link up, Bearer 0, us=9997, ds=40000
sky dhcpc client started
Received valid DHCP lease from server. Connection UP.
And again:
No lease renewal received
ptm0.1 - WAN link DOWN.
DHCP lease invalid (WANoE). Connection DOWN.
Clear IP addresses. IP connection DOWN.
Line 0: xDSL link down
Line 0: xDSL G.994 training
VDSL2 link up, Bearer 0, us=9997, ds=40000
This cycle repeats every 30–60 minutes sometimes even after i manage to reconnect, 5 minutes later does the same.
📶 DSL Stats (Before & After Drops)
My noise margins keep fluctuating:
Sometimes they spike, then the line drops sync, then renegotiates.
The upload sync rate stays stuck around 9997 Kbp.
Symptoms During Real Use
Xbox + Laptop = wired
All other devices disconnected
Still getting full WAN drops
Streams stop instantly
TikTok Studio loses connection
Xbox Live disconnects
Sometimes upstream saturation triggers the drop
Happens even in the Openreach test socket
Not a WiFi issue — the router itself loses the WAN link.
Tests I Have Done:
I have already tested everything Sky would normally ask:
✔ Tried 2 different Sky Routers (both SR203) - Lights on router stay light up green everytime this happens.
Same issue.
✔ New TP-Link router (AX53)
Sky Hub acts only as modem → still drops.
✔ Openreach Test Socket
Microfilter → DSL cable → Sky Hub only → still drops.
✔ Wired devices only
No change.
✔ Disabled IPv6
Still drops.
✔ DMZ configured
Working correctly, no double NAT — drops still happen.
✔ Changed WiFi channels, MTU, QoS
All OK — drops still happen.
✔ VPN ON/OFF
Drops either way.
✔ Power levels normal / router kept cool & in open space
Still drops.
the problem is external on the copper/VDSL line or the DSL profile???
What I Believe Is Happening
Based on the logs:
✔ The VDSL line is momentarily unstable (noise bursts or REIN/SHINE)
Causing:
DSL resync
WAN drop
DHCP renewal failures
✔ Upstream saturation from streaming triggers these resyncs more often
The upload channel collapses → the Sky Hub logs show DHCP timeout → the ATM/PTM link drops → retrain happens.
✔ SNR margin jumps support noise on the line
This feels like either:
Faulty copper pair
Bad joint
Street cabinet issue
REIN interference
Incorrect DLM profile
Sorry for the long text but i wanted to include everything so i can make it easy to understand.
All this is collected in the span on 3 weeks. If someone could help or point in the right direction will be really greatfull.
Thank you.
