The cookies of my browser
News, Technical ·Friday October 2, 2009 @ 20:34 EDT (link)
Yesterday I noticed that my BitTorrent downloads were much slower than usual (about 100kb/s) for a comparably-seeded torrent that in the past would have gone much faster (1Mb/s). I connected to Comcast's LiveChat tech support and talked to someone named Juvy. Here's how the conversation went (starting 3am Friday); I entered with the complaint "BitTorrent suddenly slow":
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Juvy> Let me check on that.
Juvy> Before anything else, can you please provide the complete account holder's name, account number, as well as the account service address?
David> I'll give you the account #. #### ## ### #######
David> The rest you don't need.
Juvy> Sincwe when did you notice this issue, David?
David> Today
Juvy> Okay.
Juvy> One moment please.
Juvy> Is it only BitTorrent that is slow or are you having slow page loading with other websites?
David> No other websites are as big. It wouldn't be noticeable. I hadn't realized yet that he didn't know what BitTorrent was, and was assuming it was a website; I meant most web pages weren't as large as BitTorrent downloads, and so a bandwidth reduction wouldn't be noticeable.
Juvy> Okay.
Juvy> While on the process of addressing your concern, I will now perfom a health check on your system. This is a proximity check on your services to see that they are working correctly. Would that be okay with you?
David> What does it involve?
Juvy> It involves the connection from our server to your computer system and back. It also involves the system check if your computer system (modem, computer, cable wirings, and router (if any)) is in good working condition.
David> OK, go ahead.
Juvy> Please check that all your cable wirings are secured and intact.
David> I'm using the connection to talk to you. I think they're working.
Juvy> I will need to reset your modem on my end. We may be disconnected with this process. However, do not worry since we will be reconnected right after.
Juvy> Would that be okay with you?
David> OK.
Juvy> I will reset your modem now. One moment please.
Juvy> Hello there. How is your internet connection?
David> i can get to websites, but bittorrent is still slow I.e., no worse, but no better either.
Juvy> Okay.
Juvy> Please optimize your browser by clearing your cookies. Close the browser and open another one. Then try to access BitTorrent again. Began to realize he didn't know what BitTorrent was at ths point.
David> bittorrent doesn't use cookies.
Juvy> I am pertaining to the cookies of your browser, David.
David> the cookies of my browser will not slow down bittorrent. trust me on this.
Juvy> David, I would just like to clarify. Are you using the connection of Systems Vortex? The business name for the account was Vortex Systems, since I have the domain, but they entered it incorrectly (not Juvy's fault).
David> yes.
Juvy> Thank you for the confirmation. David, are you using a router?
David> no Although I have a gateway machine that serves a similar purpose.
Juvy> David, is it okay if you do a hard reset of your modem on your end?
The modem can be reset by using the "reset" button located on the back of the unit. Get a pen, paperclip, or other point object and depress the reset button until you see the lights on the front of the unit go off. Release the reset button and wait for the unit to cycle up.
David> OK, will do.
user David_ has left room
analyst Juvy has left room
David> ok, it reset
When I reset it it lost our static IP. Had to drive into Microsoft so I could contact tech support—this time I contacted business class tech support by phone and talked to a much better informed person, Kisha, who was able to quickly fix restore the static IP (couldn't really verify until I got home, though). Then I was back to the baseline—slow BitTorrent. It was a real pain, since I had to reconfigure the modem, using a machine with a GUI (I believe I called it massively braindead in the past).
I was upset enough to take an axe to the old DSL modem at right. I'd optimistically tried selling it on Craigslist for $5, but there was no interest, and I really wanted to hit something, but not something useful or valuable. I still have one more DSL modem if Comcast messes me up again.
Books finished: 33 Questions About American History You're Not Supposed To Ask, Telempath.
