[Scottie]

I have successfully using a Linksys ADSL modem (ADSLME1) with a dlink DI 604 router for 2 or three years. Three days ago I started Safari and, arghh, my home page (the BBC) as well as other pages took 40 seconds to load on "High Speed" internet. I tried everything I could think of to rectify the problem - all to no avail. By the way, internet works fine with just the ADSL modem connected to my computer.... Anyway I assumed that my dlink 604 must be dead and I bought myself a dlink wireless DIR625. After configuration - it had exactly the same page loading problem. Interestingly, despite the page loading problem, the routers download files at about 160-190 kbps. Anyway, after talking to tech support at my ISP (TELUS), Dlink and Linksys, I have given up.. The dlink tech thought it might be the MTU size but after trying numerous numbers, including what the ADSL modem requires (1430) nothing worked .... help!

[Cold Warrior]

Maybe your ISP's DNS servers are messed up (or the way your computer is handling it).

Try using OpenDNS. Their servers are much faster. OpenDNS | Providing A Safer And Faster Internet

I recommend you configure both your router and your computer(s) with them.

[ghporter]

Let's ask the obvious (to me) question: How much of that 40 seconds was Safari "waiting for www.bbc.co.uk", and how much of it was Safari actually starting to display the page? In other words, was Safari drawing the page from the beginning, or did it pause on a blank page and pretty much display the whole BBC page at the very end? This is important-if it put the page together bit by bit over the whole 40 seconds, that indicates a slow connection, while if it waited 35 seconds and displayed the page in the last 5 seconds, that indicates some sort of trouble with DNS.

If it was just being slow overall, OpenDNS won't help much, if at all. If it was a DNS issue, using OpenDNS will give you a different experience, one that's probably a lot more like what you want, and that will tell you conclusively that your ISP's DNS servers are goobered. (Sorry for the technical term. )

One note-I was under the impression that in Canada DSL was just called "DSL" like here in the States. Am I missing something here?

[cms]

Originally Posted by ghporter 

One note-I was under the impression that in Canada DSL was just called "DSL" like here in the States. Am I missing something here?

ADSL = Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line
DSL = Digital Subscriber Line

Here in the UK we just like to make things complicated by giving it the full set of initials..! This simply means you get a significantly faster download speed when compared with your upload speed. UK ADSL and ADSL 2+-compliant kit has an integrated modem to establish the connection to the ISP over your existing 'phone line; the router then handles NAT and LAN services.

SDSL (Symmetrical DSL) in the UK through which you can achieve parity between your download and upload speeds (typically 2:2 or 8:8 on a leased line) is prohibitively expensive and generally is restricted to business users who can carry the cost.

Somewhat confusingly,and possibly even erroneously, DSL is a term usually applied to networking and networking kit that works on a cable connection and therefore requires no modem. Cable modems are supplied by the cable company (Virgin Media holds a UK monopoly), and the DSL router is used for your NAT and LAN services. Cable connections here in the UK are generally faster and more stable than anything available over ADSL. Currently the fastest cable connection (I have it) is 20-meg down and 720-k up, which compares very favourably with "up to 8-meg down and 512-k up. Some ISPs claim faster download speeds but you have to live right on top of the exchange in order to achieve these on a domestic ADSL connection.

GHPorter, Does DSL mean something different in the US?

[Scottie]

Thanks for the replies. When using the ADSL modem and router combo the pages don't load gradually - they open almost completely at the end of 30-40 seconds. So I guess this is a DSN problem, although I'm confused about why this would be the case if the pages open as they should when just using the modem by itself..sorry I'm not much of a network techie.
Another question.... one of the primary reasons I want to use a router is to connect a Playstation 3. If I go the OpenDNS route will this make it difficult to connect to my playstation?
Thanks!

[Cold Warrior]

No.

[Scottie]

Thanks! - DNS was the problem - When I reconfigured my router and computer using OpenDNS everything worked as it should.
Cheers!

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by cms 

ADSL = Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line
DSL = Digital Subscriber Line

Here in the UK we just like to make things complicated by giving it the full set of initials..! GHPorter, Does DSL mean something different in the US?

Symmetrical DSL is so rare here that all Digital Subscriber Line connections are assumed to be asymmetrical, so we don't bother with the A.