Problems with slow internet access – FTTH PON (1)

Hi, everybody!

In today's article, I will explain problems with slow internet and how we can fix it in the FTTH PON networks.

In the next table, we can see all problems with slow internet access. The problem can be the user`s device (router, switch, PC, etc), ONT, OLT, and upper-layer device (BRAS, aggregation switch, router).

1. Problems with PC

If there is a problem of slow internet access with one user device while his other devices are working properly, the problem is the user device.

One of the most common problems with slow internet access is the problem on the user side. We have two problems - problems with PCs and problems with users' network devices.

The following problems on the PC cause slow internet access: PC is running slow (problem with hardware), PC has viruses, there is a problem with the web browser and there is a problem with the network adapter.

It often happens that the PC hardware is old and this causes slow internet operation. Generally, certain computer components need to be replaced.

If the user's PC has viruses, user has to clean viruses and after that check internet service.

Sometimes, a PC has a problem with some web browser – e.g. Internet explorer. We can check internet access with other web browsers – Opera, Safari, Firefox, ...

And the end, the problem with the network adapter. First, we check the network adapter, and disable and enable the network adapter and check internet access. Sometimes problems can be the hardware of the network adapter. E.g. if the PC has a fast ethernet port, it cannot support internet speed over 100Mbps. If the user wants an internet speed over 100Mbps, the user has to change the network adapter.

2. Problems with user`s network devices

Problems with users' network devices are also common. Problems can be a switch, router, and UTP cables. You should check the internet service on ONT, if it is ok, the problem may be with the network user equipment.

You should first check the UTP cable that connects the ONT to the router/switch and the cable that connects the router/switch to the PC. If the cables are ok, problems should be looked for on the switch/router. Mostly hardware is the problem - either there are fast ethernet ports on the devices and we cannot achieve a speed over 100Mbps or there is a device failure. In the first case, if we want a speed over 100Mbps we have to change the device. In the second case, we must change the device.

Figure 1. ONT EG8245Q

(https://e.huawei.com/en/products/enterprise-transmission-access/access/onu/eg8245q)

3. Problems with ONT

If the user has a problem with internet access on all devices, the problem is ONT.

The problems with ONT are as follows: hardware, a large number of user devices are connected to ONT, the wireless signal is not strong enough or does not allow speeds higher than 100Mbps and a hardware problem with ONT.

Sometimes, we have a situation where is a hardware problem with ONT. The solution is to replace the ONT.

If the user has a large number of devices connected to the ONT, and they are used at the same time. There is a problem. The solution is for the user to buy a higher speed from the internet provider.

A very common problem with users is wireless connectivity. The wireless network is affected by many factors - distance from the device (ONT, router), obstacles in the house, other devices that operate on the same frequencies, etc. The ONT or router often cannot signal strong enough to cover the area the user wants. It can be solved by buying a better quality router or by introducing another router. It is a very complex question to give a short answer. Another problem is the large number of users connected to the same device. Similar to directly connected users. The solution is a higher speed of internet service. And we have a situation where the device (ONT or router) runs at 2.5GHz and the user expects internet speeds higher than 100Mbps. The solution is to replace the ONT or router with a dual-band model.

Thank you!