This topic

Re: No Master Socket

Keith_Beddoe — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 08:52:00 GMT

You have not specified who provides your phone and broadband service?

The engineer would be from Openreach not BT.

No Master Socket

Nick2507 — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 23:31:01 GMT

Hi guys, recently called an engineer out due to slow speeds in my flat and after checking the lines he reported all were fine. However, he also reported that the socket next to my front door was indeed only an extension socket. The socket I have had my router connected to the whole time which may have been causing bridge tap issues and the reduced speeds. I have quite a few extension sockets around the flat and want to locate the master socket to plug into the test. However there seems to be no master socket, only extension sockets that have single ports with a metal face plate which I have unscrewed to find no test ports behind. I managed to locate the network box within the airing cupboard with several Ethernet cat5e leads connecting to 5 ports numbered 1,2,3,4, and one named Hall. My question is can I disconnect all other extension sockets minus the one used for my router to minimise bridge tap issues which could potentially be lowering speeds? No other extension sockets are in use and no phone is connected, however I have tried a phone previously and experienced noise and crackling on the line. I also have a filter connected to the socket in use with router. Any help appreciated. Thanks

Re: No Master Socket

pippincp — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 23:58:03 GMT

That sounds like star wiring which is a killer for FTTC. Any chance of a pic of the setup of the network box and ports?

Re: No Master Socket

Nick2507 — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 00:10:29 GMT

Thanks for the reply, pic of the box/connections below.

Re: No Master Socket

pippincp — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 05:21:50 GMT

There has to be an NTE prior to that patch panel, it could be external and will look like this.

Openreach have to have a demarcation point for the service they supply and that patch panel isn't it so there has to be an NTE before it otherwise they are responsible for the internal wiring which will never happen.

Re: No Master Socket

pippincp — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 05:24:23 GMT

@Starwire I know you are on FTTP now but have you any thoughts on this?

Re: No Master Socket

Checked2013 — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 07:12:38 GMT

That pic of the box is a TV distribution system for your block of flats

Re: No Master Socket

Keith_Beddoe — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 07:32:17 GMT

@Nick2507

Who provides your phone and broadband connection?

Re: No Master Socket

Nick2507 — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 08:15:54 GMT

Apologies for the incorrect picture. I managed to locate the box you described in a locked cupboard just outside of my front door! Pics below. Thanks

Re: No Master Socket

Starwire — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 08:28:18 GMT

That’s an External NTE. Openreach started using them years ago. They were supposed to make life easier regarding access to people’s properties.

Then FTTC came along and they soon realised they caused no end of issues with VDSL so they stopped using them.

Whats now supposed to happen if an Engineer comes across one is remove the NTE Component, crimp the External and Internal Lead In’s together and convert the first LJU it goes to into the NTE and or just run a new lead in to wherever they want to fit a new Internal type NTE5.

Re: No Master Socket

Nick2507 — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 08:47:17 GMT

Very interesting indeed. If only I knew this when the engineer was round yesterday I could have shown him the external NTE in the cupboard. Doubt he would want to do any work within the home though. So essentially the external NTE needs to be converted into an internal master socket? Is there anything I could do to help increase speeds/bypass the wiring interference? Would connecting my router to one of the other sockets in the flat alter speeds perhaps? Or would it just be the same issue again. Thanks for the help

Re: No Master Socket

Nick2507 — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 09:06:09 GMT

@Keith_Beddoe Sky are my current ISP. Thanks

Re: No Master Socket

Keith_Beddoe — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 09:32:34 GMT

@Nick2507 wrote:

@Keith_Beddoe Sky are my current ISP. Thanks

@Nick2507 Then you are posting on the wrong forum.

This is a BT Retail phone and broadband customer forum, and has nothing to do with Sky or Openreach,

If there are wiring issues, then you need to be contacting Sky to resolve them, who in turn will ask Openreach to fit a new filtered master socket to plug your router in.

Sky have their own user forum, and that would be the best place to ask any further questions. Someone there may be able to give you an idea of what Sky charge for a home wiring improvement visit, as you should not have noise on your line. It could even be cause by the Sky equipment.

The Sky forum is here Sky User - The unofficial support forum for everything Sky!

Thanks.

Re: No Master Socket

pippincp — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 13:21:37 GMT

I think it would be quicker and easier to use the Official SKY Community Forum.