Author Topic: Skuzzy, DSL router question (Read 431 times)

Mini D · « **on:** February 20, 2004, 12:46:26 PM »

I'm currently using a Cisco 675 cheapo router that I got when I first got DSL back in '99. My ISP and Service Provider are both QWest. Here's my problem:

About 3-5 times a week, I 'lose connection". The connection isn't really lost that I can tell, but something has happened that causes the modem to just sit there. If I power cycle the modem, it comes back on line. I suspect a weak signal or some kind of telco drop causes this. I'm actually on hold with the telco right now, and was not amuzed to hear the "Did you know that unplugging your modem for 30 seconds and plugging it back in will fix most lost connection problems" message.

Since I have zero faith that QWest will take my complaint about losing the signal in the first place seriously, my question is if there is a DSL Modem/Router (decently priced) that is less likely to suffer this problem or can recover from it automatically? Any recomendations?

MiniD

Skuzzy · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2004, 01:49:05 PM »

You probably have an encoding issue. There are 5 different DSL line protocols. Yours uses CAP.

You need to find out if QWest is using that or is using DMT1, DMT2, 2B1Q, CAP, or G.Lite signal encoding. Then we can go from there.

EDIT: By the way, you are aware that the Ethernet port on that modem is half-duplex only? If you are running full duplex, it could cause the modem to lose its mind.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2004, 02:19:35 PM »

Oh, if you cannot find out from QWest about the signal encoding they are using, then let me know what your DSL bandwidth is, up and down. Might be able to narrow down the protocols from that.

Mini D · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2004, 07:23:08 PM »

The ethernet card was set to autodetect for half/full duplex. I've switched it to half. This connection is CAP because I got it about 5 years ago. Now, they are DMT, but the old lines are still grandfathered. The rep highly recommended switching over to DMT (dunno if it's 1 or 2). I'm leaning towards this solution.

MiniD

Mini D · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2004, 07:29:35 PM »

I just checked and it turns out CAP is all that is available here. I'm looking for a decent modem for this... any recomendations?

MiniD

Skuzzy · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2004, 03:27:26 PM »

MiniD, hard to find CAP support in DSL modems these days. Most everyone has gone DMT or G.Lite.

I looked around and really cannot finid anything to recommend. Sorry about that.

Mini D · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2004, 11:43:34 PM »

Damn skuzzy. And I thought you were a real geek. Turns out you're just a "don't know nothing bout CAP digital modems" pozer. Turn in your pocket protecter mister!

MiniD

P.S. Thanks for looking into it. Geek.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2004, 01:59:10 PM »

Well heck, can't say much, as geeklaw is very clear on this.

"If you are reprimanded by another geek, you may acknowledge the absurdity, but you may never give it back."

I always wanted that law to be changed. Someday,..maybe.