SOME STUFF ABOUT MODEMS AND PHONE CONNECTIONS

Dropped Connections

These are usually caused by phone line & modem problems. It can also be caused by your computer being overloaded. If your computer has been getting slower lately this is very likely to be causing dropped connections.
Check your memory and hard drive capacity. Maybe you can remove some things you don't need. Unless you are an expert on computers, it is advisable to have one check your unit if it is disconnecting a lot or running slower or erratically.

Please do not interpret the information on this page as an attempt on our part to pass the buck to you for connection problems. We both are dependant on our local phone companies. Please read through this page and look for things that may relate to your problem. The first thing we have to determine is, the quality of your connection to your local telco. You are their customer, we are not. They may not talk to us about your phone service but they will talk to you. If there is any way we can help you with this, we will be happy to do so. Click this link and fill out this form completely. http://www.pvns.net/connectform.htm We need an actual failure time and date as well as the number of the computer phone line as The phone company will require it to check their logs.

We now utilize what we believe to be the best Cisco certified dial up network in Florida. That does not mean we do not have net-work problems, but they are very rare. Our desire is to do everything we can to keep you happy, because if you ain't happy, then we ain't either.

Dan Hiscock PVNS.Net sysop@pvns.net

The following information applies to connecting and maintaining a connection.

What are typical connect speeds for 56k modems?: - As with 33.6 modems, your results will depend heavily on your phone lines. Typically, 42-46k is considered good performance. Some people are getting better results, some are getting worse. There are many factors that come into play with 56k.

Why am I not getting a 56k connection
Why am I not getting a 56k connection: Check to see if there is a recent firmware upgrade for your modem. Many people's problems have disappeared when they have installed a new version of the firmware. See if there is an init string or better yet a driver for your modem. If there is, download and install it.; Try disconnecting additional telephone devices (fax, phones, answering machines, alarm systems, etc.) from the phone line. This is a basic and useful step in modem troubleshooting; - You can also be more than 18000 ft. from a local telephone switching station, which will have an effect on the connection speed.; - You may have more than one analog-digital conversion from your phone line to the server (which will depend on the route your phone line takes).

The type of telephone switching station in your area may only allow analog speeds @26.4 - 28.8.

Call the phone company and complain loudly.

Why am I not connecting at 56K (i.e. 45K)?
The type of telephone switching station in your area may only allow analog speeds @26.4 - 28.8.
Call the phone company and complain loudly.

Why am I not connecting at 56K (i.e. 45K)?: - Phone lines limit V.34 and 56K connections. These connection speeds are decreased by line noise in Analog phone signals. Since there is an analog portion in an 56K connection (between your home and the CO) this will limit the connection rate. The length and quality of the phone lines between your home and the first CO are the determining factor of your connection speed. Normal 56K connection speeds will be in the range of 42K to 47K. The highest connection speed, because of the FCC regulations should be 53K.

Why did 56K work for me at one time or work from other locations?
Why did 56K work for me at one time or work from other locations?: - 56K may work for you then suddenly stop or never work then suddenly start working at any time. Also you may plug you modem into to another location around the corner and obtain 56K connections or dial another access number or provider and obtain 56K. This is all normal because connection quality and speed depends on call routing which may change at anytime. You also may notice you can obtain 56K connections only at certain times. This is because your phone company may have different routing schemes based on the time of day. Again there is nothing an ISP can do regarding these issues.

How do I test for line noise?
How do I test for line noise?: - If you have any connection problems it may be related to "Line Noise" from your phone line. In order to really listen to your phone line you need to get rid of the dial tone. Lift up the phone handset and dial any number valid for your location (i.e. try dialing a 1). Once the dial tone is gone you have about 30 seconds to really listen to your phone line (after about 30s the line may change to a busy signal). Listen closely to the line and verify you do not hear any pops, bangs, crackles, creaking or faint voices in the background. Any of these noises can cause your modem connection to fail and decrease speeds greatly.; - Maybe a loose screw on a connector block somewhere between you and the exchange or water in one of the Telco cable ducts where the water-proofing (around the cable joints) has started to break down. (Is the condition worse in rainy weather?) It could also be a bad connection in the house somewhere and not necessarily on the line extension that is feeding your modem. Voices (or crosstalk) are not so easy to find and are usually more likely to be further into the system. The noises can also be coming from your phone or external wiring. So plug another phone directly into the wall jack and repeat the procedures above.; - Cordless phone jacks and extra "outside wiring" near the phone jack should be removed. If you have a double phone jack on the wall try disconnecting the other phone line. All of these items may cause interference and connection problems.

What do I tell the phone company?
What do I tell the phone company?: - Be ready to advise them that you have Line Noise and/or Low Line Level. Explain to them you are using a modem (do not hide this) and tell them normal voice communications is poor. If you do not tell them you are using a modem they will run a "quick" test and say the line is fine. This is not an accurate test, it is always best to have someone come on-site. If possible ask for a Data or "Fax" specialist. Ask if your digital exchange has a setting to have AGC (Automatic Gain Control) turned off and your line setting at the exchange set to position 5. Also ask the phone company to perform a trace from your home to our equipment (trace the call from your home to our local access number). Have them check the signal strength and quality through each Central Office. It may take several visits to locate the true source of the problem especially when Line Noise is present.
Good luck, phone companies sometimes do not get too excited about modem speed and data transmission.
More info here http://modemsite.com/56k/demarc.asp

(Phone companies are only required to support fax speeds, which top out at 14.4)

If the condition is worse in rainy weather, tell them.

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