Is this a server or firewall problem?

[temi]

I have been trying very hard not to say this but streamline is one of the crappiest hosting company in UK, you may want to shop for a better host.

[lukeh]

Really, I didn't know that. This is the second time I have changed servers (1st time China). Any suggestions??? I'm so fed up with their 24 hour response, with nothing useful and never having read my complaint.

Don't expect I'll get my money back from them either. Can you suggest an alternative, so I don't waste more money later on.

[temi]

I hesitate to recommend a particular company but I will NOT RECOMMEND
Stremeline
Heart Internet
1 and 1
Fast Hosts
UK2.net

I am sure there are lots of quality hosting company out there, perhaps another member who has had good experience with a UK hosting company would like to recommend the host ?

Originally Posted by lukeh

Really, I didn't know that. This is the second time I have changed servers (1st time China). Any suggestions??? I'm so fed up with their 24 hour response, with nothing useful and never having read my complaint.

Don't expect I'll get my money back from them either. Can you suggest an alternative, so I don't waste more money later on.

[DanielEZPZ]

I agree with temi, but didn't want to say

I've used UK2.net in the past and they were okay.

Its likely that Streamline have oversold the server you are on, therefore its crammed full of websites that are putting too much stress on the hardware.

[lukeh]

I'm back with a little more information which might be useful.

I spoke to my university server people and they said it was not their fault. They showed me a command prompt called tracert which shows that for streamlineftp dot net that it always times out at 82.33.208.14, which ip locator websites show me is in the UK (company called telewest). What can this mean? Is it a whole new problem or still connected with streamline?

Any advice would be great, I'm a little out of my depth...

[temi]

The interpretation is that when trying to access your site via FTP, you are blocked at Stremeline connection from telewest. This could could me?
1. Stremeline has a connection problem at the lop that connects them to telewest.
2. It could mean that telewest are clocking attempt to connect to Stemeline ftp from China. (For security reason, hosting companies do block countries where they do not have customers (99% of Stremeline customers are UK based) from connecting via ftp and other ports intruders can can abuse.

You need to do the test I suggested to you yesterday to find out if this is true, either use a UK proxy server to try accessing your ftp site or ask a UK based person to access it for you, if the UK proxy or person connects successfulluy, then it means your Universities IP address has been banned by Telewest/Stremeline.

[lukeh]

Hi Temi,

I signed up for that site yesterday but it only gives me basic info.
Sun/ Mon
Outages 000
Time on error00:00
% Uptime100.0
Connect time0.11

Does that tell you much??? I think it just says everything is fine. I asked a UK person to check the ftp page and they could access it. Besides, if UK people couldn't I'm sure they would quickly be inundated with complaints.

I expect you're right, that my IP is blocked. I have contacted streamline, and hopefully that will get better. I don't think it will speed up the awful speed of my sites though. I remember being flagged when I paid as I was in China, so I guess they reset the privileges or rights a week ago.

Thanks for all your help so far, I hope streamline get back to me with a message other that 'IP not blocked'.

[temi]

ukeh? I asked a UK person to check the ftp page and they could access it.
Temi> It means access to FTP site from outside UK is restricted.

ukeh> I don't think it will speed up the awful speed of my sites though. I remember being flagged when I paid as I was in China, so I guess they reset the privileges or rights a week ago.
Temi> Stemeline is clearly not the site for you, you need to shop around. Most good host give you 30 days free, so test a few host and settle for the one that best meet your needs.

[arunpattnaik]

Did you say you're from china. then i believe the chinese firewall is responsible for this. The official firewall of china is the most strict in the world. can you just check if your sites pass the firewall at www dot greatfirewallofchina dot org . It works most of the time. even some of my own sites are blocked in china.