Disconnection Problems

Subscribers on the MKL.Net Network show log-in times of well over 12 hours, every day.  If you are having trouble staying connected, there are some things that you can check to make sure the settings are correct.

• Most computers come set with a 20 minute idle timeout, right from the factory.  You can change this setting by clicking on My Computer, Control Panel and then Internet or Internet Options.  Click on the Connection tab and then click on Properties or Settings.  Next, click on Advanced.  Look for the phrase "Disconnect if idle for __ minutes" and set the time to 59 minutes and make sure that you check the box. Click Apply and OK.
• If you only have problems when you are using your e-mail, again there is a factory setting that you need to change.  If you use Outlook Express, click on Tools and then Options.  Click on the Connection tab.  This time look for a phrase that states "Hang up after sending and receiving".  UNCHECK the box.  Click Apply and OK. /ul>

  We've had various complaints from customers who:

  • - have an LT Win modem and couldn't get an updated driver
  • - had a USR Sportster that claims to be v.90, but is not.
  • - have an HP Pavilion computer - certain editions of IBM Aptiva also seem to be an obstacle.

  The connection speed is directly related to line quality. On our internal tech support computers which have to dial out to the CO and back into the network also vary between low 40s and 50667 baud. Noise on the telephone line would cause that. Electrical interferences of any kind could cause that. Someone running a skill saw down the street from you could even impact your line quality.

  We can arrange for the phone company to test your line. Just call (607) 967-3800, ask for Joe, or E-mail the number that your computer is dialing FROM, to joe@mkl.com.

Often the problem has nothing to do with your ISP, or your home computer modem.  It has everything to do with the quality of the phone lines in the area.  For more information about our local phone lines, visit the Newsletters section and look at the archives. 

Don't just take our word for it.  The following is from the Call For Help Show Notes, which is a how-to program hosted by Leo LaPorte on ZDTV/Tech TV: 

Leo's Show Notes for Monday, September 11, 2000....

* Kicked Off

Charles from Greenwood, IN has an unfortunately common problem. He gets kicked offline at random times. It could be his ISP but it's much more likely his phone line. Modems are sensitive to line noise and any interruption in the carrier tone between you and your ISP may be interpreted
as a hang up. That's why you have to disable call waiting (dial *70) before dialing out. The call waiting beeps interrupt the carrier tone long
enough to trick the modem into thinking it's been disconnected.

If it's line noise make sure you're not causing it. Try different cables. Disconnect any other equipment in the house. Look for worn or frayed connections. Maybe even try another jack.

If you're pretty sure it's not an internal problem complain to the phone company. They're not required to give you anything more than a clean
voice line, though. They don't usually have an obligation to give you an adequate data line - and data is much more demanding than voice. A line
that sounds clean could be very noisy to the modem. You can pick up a line noise filter from your local Radio Shack. The AT&T part number
Z100A.

If your ISP has different phone numbers, try using them. Sometimes that clears up the problem. Also make sure that your modem is compatible with the ISP's - some modems work better together than others. I always ask the ISP for a modem recommendation before buying. 
3COM has a line test phone number that purports to tell you if your line is good enough for 56K transmission.

http://www.3com.com/56k/need4_56k/linetest.html

It requires a one minute long distance phone call.

Some modems can test themselves. Use Hyper-terminal to get online with a BBS, type +++ to get the modem's attention, and when it says OK type AT%Q and hit return to test line quality. The lower the number the better the connection. Hit A/ a few times to repeat the command. Anything over 40 or 50 means you're about to be disconnected. Not all modems support this command.

Another trick is to tell the modem to be less picky about line noise. This involves modifying the initialization string sent to the modem before dialing. In Windows open Dial-up Networking, right click on your ISP's icon, and select Properties. Press the Configure button, click the Connection tab, press the Advanced button, and add this text:

ATS10=20

to the extra settings box. This tells it to wait
two seconds after carrier loss before hanging up.
Increase the number if it doesn't work up to 2550.


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