Jitter/small voice quality drops

[mh1983]

Hi all,

Enjoying FPL and this quibble is definitely minor, but I've noticed that when we're on a call and someone else is doing something that does not require a lot of bandwidth (streaming online radio, for example), the voice quality on the call can suffer at times.

I suspect our DSL line is the bottleneck, because I have QoS set up and all the recommended config for the HT 701 ATA (static IP, no port forwarding, etc) and on a TP-Link W8961ND (QoS as per their KB article, disabled SIP ALG...)

Our connection is:
D/L: 6 mbps
U/L: 800 kbps

I'm considering a router on which I can install a third party firmware like Tomato. But I'm wondering if we'll continue to encounter this slight jitter effect if we keep the same DSL package. (Unfortunately, it's the only one available in our area).

The service is working well, even with the jitter, but just wanted to see if there's anything I could do to mitigate those issues (short of changing internet service). Thanks as always!

[bridonca]

You should get a better router anyway like you suggested. I am still not sure if it will work in your situation though, because DSL really jitters up after too many other connections. QOS is usually ineffective mostly. If you are torrenting, limit the upload slots to only 2. Until you get a better connection, you are probably going to have to live with it.

[mh1983]

Thanks, Bridonca. Any recommendations for a Tomato-friendly router?

[bridonca]

When it comes to routers, I usually buy on price. As long as it supports Tomato, you are good. Certain routers might have range or features you desire of course, and your purchase decision should reflect that. I get my routers from the Salvation army for less than $10 and re-purpose them as required.

[mh1983]

Thanks a lot! I'll keep an eye out on Ebay and the local thrift store bins.

No torrenting here, so no worries there.

Can you elaborate on QoS being ineffective?

[bridonca]

QoS is only good if the bandwidth problem is on your end. The problem is, most of the jitter issues exist away from your network, past the modem. This is where you want the QoS, which of course, you have no access to.