On Monday 03 June 2002 01:31 pm, Randy Kramer wrote: > I know this is somewhat off topic, but do any of you have suggestions on > how to test a modem / phone line? Please read the following before > responding. > > My problem is that I get a lot of disconnects on my 33 kbps dial up > line. > > Several months ago, my ISP adopted a new policy -- I won't try to repeat > it exactly, but basically they reserve the right to disconnect me after > 4 to 12 hours (even though I pay for an "unlimited" connection). > > I get a lot more disconnects than that might indicate, and some after > short periods of time, like 1 to 60 minutes. The ISP insists they are > not disconnecting me, the phone line / modem is the problem. > > I haven't really tackled the phone company very seriously yet, but I'm > sure they will point out that their only obligation is to provide a > voice grade line. Even if I insist that they test it (and possibly bill > me!?!), if it tests out as adequate for voice communications, they will > tell me to go pound sand. > > But, I really don't know where the problem lies -- I could have a > substandard modem, I could have substandard lines, or the ISP could be > intentionally disconnecting me before the 4 to 12 hours. (I say that > because I don't recall nearly as many disconnections before they changed > their policy and I gave them some static about it.) > > I'm looking for suggestions on how to tackle this. > > Anyone know of any sites that I can call using my modem and get some > sort of report on the quality of my modem / telephone line? > > Other thoughts? > > Randy Kramer > > PS: I would consider switching to cable or DSL, but I'm beyond the > 18,000 foot limit on distance from my central telephone exchange, and my > cable company is only offering one way modems at this time (in my area), > which means I'd still need the modem and phone line.
Randy, my ISP does the exact same thing and here's my solution: A) If you have a dedicated dialup connection, put a ping command for 15 min intervals in cron. B) If you have a normal dialup you can open an account on ICQ and run the LICQ applet, it pings mirabilis.com every 3 to 5 min keeping your connection alive. This is what I have to do to keep from being disconnected after 1 to 15 min. HTH -- Ken Thompson, North West Antique Autos Payette, Idaho Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.nwaa.com Office Phone: 208-642-0785 Cell Phone: 208-284-5712 Sales and brokering of antique autos and parts. Linux- Coming Soon To A Desktop Near You Registered Linux User #183936
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