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Transfer rates (throughput) change constantly, and are impacted by a number of factors which we have no control over:

*Line problems.
*External interference.
*Internet congestion/traffic outside of our Network.

The following are procedures to try, which may assist you in locating/resolving your throughput issues. Start with the first procedure. If you continue to experience Network slowness, call PBI Technical Support at 800 708-4638.

1. Do you notice a common pattern? If you do this may indicate an environmental interference, i.e. electrical devices, magnetic devices, weather, etc. If you recognize a trend, try moving the device, or call the PCO to have your lines checked.

2. Make sure the cable is properly connected. Unplug the cable from your Alcatel modem, and from you NIC. Reconnect the cable in reverse order.

3. Unplug the power going to the Alcatel modem. Do "NOT" turn off the Modem.
b. Shut down your computer. 
c. After 60 seconds reboot computer.
d. Turn the Alcatel modem off and plug the power source back in.
e. Turn the Alcatel modem on.
f. Wait 2 minutes for the modem to sync (the Power/Sync indicator light will flash red during the wait). If after 2 minutes the Alcatel does not sync, you may have a line problem, call Pacific Bell Residential Repair at 611.

4. Check our System Status page at "http://dialup.pacbell.net/help/".  Any reported PBI Network issue that could affect your performance would be posted here. 

5. Go to http://www.internetweather.com. This site will show you if any of the major Internet backbone providers are experiencing packet loss. A serious outage on the part of one provider can affect the performance of others, as traffic is rerouted through the system.

6. If none of the above resolves the problem, call Pacific Bell Residential Repair at 611 and report the problem.

Also keep in mind that your connection speed is measured in bits, whereas download speeds reported by your computer are measured in bytes. 8 bits is equal to 1 byte. The formula for converting your connection rate (kilobits) to your download, or throughput rate (kilobytes) and taking in consideration for packet overhead is: Connection rate divided by a factor of 8 and multiplied by 70 percent. Example: 

384,000 bits divided by 8 (bit to byte conversion) and multiplied by .70% (-30% overhead)  = 33,600, or 33.6K. 

This provides the optimal download speed for a 384k connection.

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