TP Link Archer VR2100 and BT Broadband

[LeVzi]

I purchased a TP Link VR2100 which was working fine for a couple of months, then suddenly I am experiencing major lag when gaming, and during speedtests and line tests, packet loss and latency.  I worked with TP Link to find the issue, they RMA'd the router and sent me a new one. This router has EXACTLY the same issues. 

The Homehub 2 works perfectly well with the WIFI Adapter I use, so I can eliminate that.  

Is there some kind of compatibility issue with the VR2100 and BT Broadband ? The router shows 71mbps on a speedtest then suddenly drops to 51 and either stays there or climbs back to 71, that's the issue, the homehub DOESNT do that, its a solid 71. 

Reason I changed the router is to have 2 bands (2.4 and 5Ghz) separately. Plus I get better gaming performance from TP Link routers, (At least I used to) 

Settings inside the router are that 802.11 ac is set for 5ghz , Short GI, channel number and bandwidth are on Auto , ive tried Ch 48 but that didn't work. (wifi analyzer)  broadcast power is high.  

So anyone any ideas on how I can fix this ? Or is there really a compatibility issue with TP Link routers and BT Broadband ? 

[imjolly]

@LeVzi 

I have not seen any posts on forum suggesting a TPLINK router is not compatible with BT Broadband.  I am currently using a TPLINK VR2600 without any problems.  is it possible  the wifi adapter having problems with tplink?  have you tried connecting without using wifi adapter

[LeVzi]

As I stated, the wifi adapter is fine with the Homehub2 , no issues at all. Solid 71mbps no drop outs.

This is a VR2100 issue i'd assume, but its setup correctly for BT VDSL , correct ID, I factory reset the box and left it unchanged apart from the Password and its still not working correctly. 

I will have to go back to the homehub2 , because this is ridiculous. Pings of over 200, constant drop outs in speedtests and massive jitter. Packet loss.  Has to be the router.

Unless anyone can suggest any settings I can alter 

[imjolly]

just because adaptyer works with SH2 does not mean it will work well with TPlink  so have you tried connecting tplink to internet without the wifi adapter and see what happens.  the probability of 2 TPLINK VR2100 having same fault is remote

[LeVzi]

The adapter works fine with the VR2100 and worked fine with its predessor. The VR2100 worked for 2 months before it just stopped working correctly. 

Now the new one has the same issue.

I am suspecting the DSL filter has failed. But it is in the BT Main box, has a separate socket for DSL cables. I have never liked these boxes, and I cannot use the standard DSL filter in the main box it won't work, so I can't test it.

[LeVzi]

I think it has to be the VR2100 not being compatible with BT VDSL , they may need a firmware update or such like, but last night I spoke with a BT Technician, and we tested the VR2100 WITHOUT the built in filter, the openreach socket has 2 ports ,1 for broadband 1 for phone. I removed that cover and there is the test socket the old phone style, I put in a working ADSL filter and tested the VR2100 , it had the exact same system.

I replaced the front face on the socket and put back in the HomeHub 2 and its working fine again. 

I'd say that was pretty conclusive proof the VR2100 is to blame. 

[licquorice]

Try fiddling with the MTU on VR2100 if it is configurable.

[LeVzi]

It's at 1500 default, I assume you mean try it at 1458 ? 

Would being over cause massive packet loss and high pings though ? 

[licquorice]

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@LeVzi wrote:

It's at 1500 default, I assume you mean try it at 1458 ? 

Try various values from 1492

Would being over cause massive packet loss and high pings though ? 

Possibly

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How have you configured IPv6, that might be a factor.

[LeVzi]

I haven't touched anything really from default. 

As I stated before, the router was working perfectly fine for a few months, then suddenly just started lagging, packet loss, massive pings. I thought the box had failed, but they replaced it and there is the same issue. 

Yet the homehub 2 works OK. 

I have to assume this is either the box or the line at fault here. Somehow the BT Homehub isn't having an issue, but the TP Link VR2100 is. 

They are sending out an engineer tomorrow to check the box. 

For the VR2100 to be working perfectly fine one monday morning, then literally just stop working properly in the blink of an eye suggests something has gone wrong either with the box or the line. 

BT are trying so hard but really they are failing me here, even yesterday talking with a tech adviser, they tell me the line max speed is 50mbps, when the Home Hub holds it at 71 without any issues. THey really are out of touch tbh.

I hope the engineer finds something wrong, or openreach come out and check the whole line, I notice Youfibre have been up and down on the pole recently, I wouldn't be surprised if they have broken something.