DATA COMMUNICATION

A method of operating an access network including a plurality of data connections (19) between end-user devices (12, 14, 16, 18) and an aggregation transceiver device (20) at which the connections (19) are aggregated for onward connection through the access network, the method comprising storing a plurality of different profiles, each profile specifying values for parameters associated with each connection (19); and, for each connection, obtaining connection data relating to a monitoring period, said monitoring period comprising a plurality of shorter periods, said connection data comprising, for each of said shorter periods, an indication of whether said connection has experienced instability during said shorter period, and an indication of user activity on said connection during said shorter period; monitoring the performance of the connection in dependence on said connection data; selecting one of said stored profiles to be applied to the connection in dependence on the results of said monitoring; and applying the selected profile to the connection.