Diagnosing Connectivity Problems

[enjay]

BT have just sent me an email advertising their Business Broadband Desktop Help program, which can apparently assist me in troubleshooting problems. This seemed like a good idea, especially since for the last few days I've been seeing Internet issues and have been unsure whether they're coming from the proxy, router or further upstream.

 

So, I install the application and launch it, and it redirects me to the troubleshooting section of BT's web site - anyone else spot the flaw in this?!

[MrEprise]

Hmm, not quite sure they thought that one through.

 

In fact, they probably tested it internally (without thinking of course), saw the page come up and thought "Yep, that'll do".

Edited November 24, 2011 by MrEprise

[bio]

Personally i don't see how a desktop installed program can troubleshoot your problem the right way. I would fire up wireshark(or something) and tap it into various places of your network to investigate.

 

bio..

[pete]

Personally i don't see how a desktop installed program can troubleshoot your problem the right way. I would fire up wireshark(or something) and tap it into various places of your network to investigate.

 

bio..

 

A pointy-click HTA that would do the usual (check DNS, dhcp lease, ping a range of stuff by IP and hostname, check firewall rules) would be helpful for BT when dealing with people who don't know how to wireshark.

 

It's not for the customer's benefit, it's for the guy at BT who's got some halfwit drooling into phone because he kicked over his router and won't admit it.

[3s-gtech]

The BT Homehubs do this, but they redirect you to a page on the router, check the line and give you some phone numbers to check for maintenance work in the area etc. Actually quite useful. Never used the program though.