KB 48 - Revision history

Jamii at 15:20, 25 July 2008

2008-07-25T15:20:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:20, 25 July 2008
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	Recap of above		==Recap of above==

	1) Are you hitting the 15 minute idle timer, or is it really dropping the		1) Are you hitting the 15 minute idle timer, or is it really dropping the

Jamii: /* real-problem [4] - Out of Date Firmware */

2008-06-04T00:17:49Z

real-problem [4] - Out of Date Firmware

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:17, 3 June 2008
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	6) Have you checked your modem manufacturer's website for updated firmware?		6) Have you checked your modem manufacturer's website for updated firmware?

	--		---

	The SWCP technical support staff would be happy to assist you in determining		The SWCP technical support staff would be happy to assist you in determining

Jamii: /* Related URLS */

2008-06-04T00:17:25Z

Related URLS

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:17, 3 June 2008
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	====Related URLS====		====Related URLS====
	~~http://kumo.swcp.com/private/56k/~~
	http://808hi.com/56k/		http://808hi.com/56k/
	http://www.56k.com/		http://www.56k.com/

Jamii: /* real-problem [1] - Modem Init String= */

2008-06-04T00:15:32Z

real-problem [1] - Modem Init String=

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:15, 3 June 2008
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	the clicking noise from causing your modem to drop carrier.		the clicking noise from causing your modem to drop carrier.

	====real-problem [1] - Modem Init String=====		====real-problem [1] - Modem Init String====

	Modem initialization problem. The dialer's modem initialization string tells		Modem initialization problem. The dialer's modem initialization string tells
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	Rockwell-based modems: AT&F1&D2&K3 . Often modem manuals are available for		Rockwell-based modems: AT&F1&D2&K3 . Often modem manuals are available for
	download from the manufacturers web site. (see URLs below)		download from the manufacturers web site. (see URLs below)

	====real-problem [2] - Line Noise====		====real-problem [2] - Line Noise====

Jamii: /* pseudo-problem [2] - Call Waiting= */

2008-06-04T00:15:21Z

pseudo-problem [2] - Call Waiting=

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:15, 3 June 2008
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	which actually occur during downloading or other Internet activity.		which actually occur during downloading or other Internet activity.

	====pseudo-problem [2] - Call Waiting=====		====pseudo-problem [2] - Call Waiting====

	US West call-waiting. If the phone line your modem has call waiting (clicks		US West call-waiting. If the phone line your modem has call waiting (clicks
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	configuration. This will disable call waiting for Internet calls, and prevent		configuration. This will disable call waiting for Internet calls, and prevent
	the clicking noise from causing your modem to drop carrier.		the clicking noise from causing your modem to drop carrier.

	====real-problem [1] - Modem Init String=====		====real-problem [1] - Modem Init String=====

Jamii: /* Resolution */

2008-06-04T00:15:09Z

Resolution

Jamii: New page: ===What can we do about 'dropped' or 'frozen' modem connections?=== Article:48 Created:1999-09-01 16:39:54 Categories: General Concepts Modems ====Question or Symptom==== What ca...

2008-06-04T00:13:57Z

New page: ===What can we do about 'dropped' or 'frozen' modem connections?=== Article:48 Created:1999-09-01 16:39:54 Categories: General Concepts Modems ====Question or Symptom==== What ca...

New page

===What can we do about 'dropped' or 'frozen' modem connections?===
Article:48
Created:1999-09-01 16:39:54
Categories:
General Concepts
Modems

====Question or Symptom====
What can we do about 'dropped' or 'frozen' modem connections? SWCP is
always disconnecting me. What gives?

====Resolution====
'Dropped' or 'frozen' modem connections are often a result of one or more
factors -- SWCP never intentionally drops it's modem connections, except when
they are idle. (see item #1) Here are the most common factors dropped modem
connections. One or more of these conditions can cause a dropped or frozen
modem connection.

Keep in mind that modems are powerful analog to digital converters, and some
modems are great, and some are simply junk. However, with proper
configuration, almost any modem can be turned into an adequate performer.

pseudo-problem [1] - Idle Timeout

Idle timeout. SWCP drops connections after 15 minutes of idle time. This timer
is reset by ANY network traffic whatsoever. This is for your own protection:
you don't want to receive the extra bills for leaving your computer online
accidentally overnight, or while away vacationing for 2 weeks. If the idle
timer is problem in your situation, there are ways we can arrange to work
around this. Usually it's NOT the idle timer which causes true disconnections
which actually occur during downloading or other Internet activity.

pseudo-problem [2] - Call Waiting

US West call-waiting. If the phone line your modem has call waiting (clicks
when another call comes in), then you must put a "*70," in your dialer
configuration. This will disable call waiting for Internet calls, and prevent
the clicking noise from causing your modem to drop carrier.

real-problem [1] - Modem Init String

Modem initialization problem. The dialer's modem initialization string tells
the modem to do critical things like error correction and flow control. If
your PPP dialer says 'standard modem' or 'generic <speed> modem' then it's
very likely your dialer is not using an initialization string, or is guessing
an inappropriate one. In Windows and MacOS, the fix is as simple as installing
the drivers for your modem off CD or floppy that came with the modem, and then
making sure that your dialer identifies the modem by brand and name, for
instance 'Supra Sonic 56K'. If you don't have a drivers disk for your modem,
see if your modem is listed as a known modem type in the modem setup control
panel (varies for each operating system). If it's not listed exactly by brand
and model, then look in your modem's printed manual for an appropriate
'factory default' initialization string, and enter it into your dialer's extra
settings. Here is an example of an initialization string which works for some
Rockwell-based modems: AT&F1&D2&K3 . Often modem manuals are available for
download from the manufacturers web site. (see URLs below)

real-problem [2] - Line Noise

Severe line noise. POTs (plain old telephone) lines are analog. This means
there is always some degree of noise. Environmental sources can put
interference on the line: brown outs, lightning strikes, surges, moisture,
solar flares, overloaded circuits, crosstalk, etc. can all influence your
phone line and thus your modem's ability to maintain a connection. A general
rule of thumb is if you can hear the noise, it's definitely a problem for the
modem, in fact, modems are much more sensitive to noise than the human
ear. Things you can do: if it's audible to you, call the phone company for
repair. Otherwise, try removing all other devices from your line including
phone handsets, caller ID boxes, answering machines, etc. One device that is
out of spec. can disrupt the modem. Lowering the port speed of your dialer
down to 19200 might help as well. Finally, sometimes it just pays to wait
until the wind or lightning or rain storm is over.

real-problem [3] - Hotel, Office and PBX phones

PBX or office style phone systems. Larger businesses, including hotels, often
have these types of phones, the hallmark which is an analog phone jack on the
back of a digital console phone. It may just appear as a regular wall
jack. This is an analog port which often is limited to 9600 baud or
less. Newer systems might offer a maximum of 26.4 or 28.8Kbps. The solution is
to lower the port speed of your dialer down to 19200, or demand a POTs, a real
phone line, not a multiplexed one, be installed in your office.

real-problem [4] - Out of Date Firmware

Protocol mismatch. Modems communicate using well established protocols for
rate, error correction, compression, etc. These v.34, v.34+, X2, K56Flex,
V.90, LAPM, V.43bis, and so on. If you have a "56K" modem , this is especially
relevant, as there are a lot of protocol mismatches with "56K" modems. It's in
your best interest to check the modem manufacturer's web page for updated
firmware. Usually this is a flash executable which you can download and will
bring your modem up to spec. Even if your computer and modem is "brand new",
it doesn't matter-- it still could have shipped with an older firmware
revision than is currently available. This is less of an issue for older 14.4
and 28.8 modems.

Recap of above

1) Are you hitting the 15 minute idle timer, or is it really dropping the
connection in the middle of a download?

2) Do you have call waiting? If so, disable it with "*70," in your dialer.

3) Does your dialer identify your modem by exact brand/model? If not, select
the correct one or enter an appropriate initialization string.

4) Do you have line noise? Try removing all devices from your phone line
except for the modem.

5) Are you dialing through a hotel or PBX/office style phone system? This is a
severely limiting factor.

6) Have you checked your modem manufacturer's website for updated firmware?

--

The SWCP technical support staff would be happy to assist you in determining
which of these factors is causing your modem disconnects. They can also assist
in selecting modem initialization strings and finding updated modem firmware.

====Related URLS====
http://kumo.swcp.com/private/56k/
http://808hi.com/56k/
http://www.56k.com/

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:15, 3 June 2008
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	pseudo-problem [1] - Idle Timeout		====pseudo-problem [1] - Idle Timeout====

	Idle timeout. SWCP drops connections after 15 minutes of idle time. This timer		Idle timeout. SWCP drops connections after 15 minutes of idle time. This timer
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	which actually occur during downloading or other Internet activity.		which actually occur during downloading or other Internet activity.

	pseudo-problem [2] - Call Waiting		====pseudo-problem [2] - Call Waiting=====

	US West call-waiting. If the phone line your modem has call waiting (clicks		US West call-waiting. If the phone line your modem has call waiting (clicks
Line 40:		Line 40:
	the clicking noise from causing your modem to drop carrier.		the clicking noise from causing your modem to drop carrier.

	real-problem [1] - Modem Init String		====real-problem [1] - Modem Init String=====

	Modem initialization problem. The dialer's modem initialization string tells		Modem initialization problem. The dialer's modem initialization string tells
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	download from the manufacturers web site. (see URLs below)		download from the manufacturers web site. (see URLs below)

	real-problem [2] - Line Noise		====real-problem [2] - Line Noise====

	Severe line noise. POTs (plain old telephone) lines are analog. This means		Severe line noise. POTs (plain old telephone) lines are analog. This means
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	until the wind or lightning or rain storm is over.		until the wind or lightning or rain storm is over.

	real-problem [3] - Hotel, Office and PBX phones		====real-problem [3] - Hotel, Office and PBX phones====

	PBX or office style phone systems. Larger businesses, including hotels, often		PBX or office style phone systems. Larger businesses, including hotels, often
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	phone line, not a multiplexed one, be installed in your office.		phone line, not a multiplexed one, be installed in your office.

	real-problem [4] - Out of Date Firmware		====real-problem [4] - Out of Date Firmware====

	Protocol mismatch. Modems communicate using well established protocols for		Protocol mismatch. Modems communicate using well established protocols for
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	which of these factors is causing your modem disconnects. They can also assist		which of these factors is causing your modem disconnects. They can also assist
	in selecting modem initialization strings and finding updated modem firmware.		in selecting modem initialization strings and finding updated modem firmware.




	====Related URLS====		====Related URLS====