Torrents and Call Quality

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Jul 17, 2006 Posts: 3

Whenever I have been downloading torrents and then try to use Vonage even after I have quit downloading, my call quality seems to suffer. I am using the RTP300 router and an RCA cable modem with a cable connection. I am now always leery to do any downloading till late at night when I won't be using Vonage. I'm not sure that restarting helps all that much, but the problem always seems to be gone the next day until I start doing more downloads. Anyone else have this problem?

Posts: 229 · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 3:31 am Post subject:

Yep, I have this problem all the time. I've tried playing with the QoS to increase it for Vonage when downloading torrents, I've never found a happy medium to my satisfaction, either. Part of the problem for me is while I can download at 6Mbps (and can burst download to 10), I can only upload at 396kbps. I can usually hear the call just fine, but all my outgoing audio is delayed and choppy.

Posts: 1326 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Nov 08, 2006 Posts: 1326

I download torrents all the time without any issues. I have it set up that Vonage has control of the bandwidth when in use. I am using the all in one Linksys WRT54GP2, no longer available though.

Also depends on which torrent program you are using I use utorrent, bitcomet sucked the life out of my computer and Vonage when in use.

Posts: 656 · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:02 am Post subject:

The reason why your audio quality still suffers after you have finished downloading and closed out your P2P application is because every IP that was leaching from you before is still bombarding you with packets. Your IP will stay cached in the other parties P2P applications for hours and is why it clears up the next day.

Even with QOS on your LAN, you may still never fully correct the issue as the problem is actually with the cable modem and your internet connection. Many cable modems are not able to handle the amount of traffic going through them especially when there is multiple protocols being used simultaneously along with steaming media. Most of these packets will get dropped. And when you finished using your application and shut it down, the torrent clients that are still hitting your IP can be near that of a DOS attack which could greatly hinder your modem's performance.

The only thing you can do is to make sure your internet connection is offering near 10mbps down and at least 1mbps up. You also need to make sure that your modem is DOCSIS 2.0 compliant and that it is full duplex. Some may be DOCSIS 1.1 or have a half duplex Ethernet port.

My connection is 30mbps down and 5mbps up with an Motorola SB5100 cable modem and I download torrents 24/7. There is always activity and my phone quality never suffers.

Posts: 1326 · Vonage Forum **MVM** Joined: Nov 08, 2006 Posts: 1326

Wow, what great speeds, I get 10 down and 640 up. Do you have Comcast, what do you think about the download caps? I only get 60 gigs combined per month so anyone who complains about 250 gigs should move to Canada or Australia where you get hosed.

Posts: 656 · Posted: Mon Nov 17, 2008 7:17 am Post subject:

I have Optimum Online with the Boost Package. Standard package is 15mbps / 2mbps for 45 dollars. Boost provides up to 30mbps / 5mbps, unlocks port 80 and 25 plus gives you your own domain for free. My speed averages 26mbps / 4.5mbps It's 15 dollars more for this package and well worth paying 60 bucks for internet when you use it the way I do.