Author Topic: Internet Connection Problem (Read 256 times)

AKS\/\/ulfe · « **on:** June 23, 2003, 02:00:03 PM »

Modem: 28.8K External Hayes Optima.

Service: Microtoejam Network

Problem: After they shut down the best host in my area, I had to change numbers. After changing to a new server (I've tried 6 different numbers!), I get the same problem - connecting at 14.4K.

The other machine still connects at 49.2K. Aren't all internet communications standards (V.90, V.92, and so on) backwards compatible?

I mean, what in the hell could possibly have changed on their end to cause a 28.8K to become an even slower 14.4K?

Nothing has changed on my end except the number I connect to. I use the standard Windows 98 internet connection setup to use their service.

Any advice would be appreciated. I already searched their site, and having called them before about another problem (which I ended up fixing myself) - I learned first hand their support staff are incompetent to the extreme.
-SW

Skuzzy · « **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2003, 02:45:26 PM »

Sounds like a protocol issue between your Hayes and whatever equipment MSN is using.

Unfortunately, most of the modems, especially the pre-33.6K modems had a tendency to do what they wanted in regards to the protocols.

When modems connect to each other, they attempt to negotiate a protocol they both support. Sounds like you are getting a FAX protocol (ITU23???).

Can you find out what type/brand of modem bank you are dialing into? (hope it ain't a Nortel system)

AKS\/\/ulfe · « **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2003, 06:09:15 PM »

I haven't talked to MSN yet to find out what equipment they are using, will do that tommorrow during noon because right now they are swamped with calls since its the evening time here and everyone is at home.

I've tried various drivers since the Hayes Optima 288 VF.C + Fax works with pretty much any Hayes 28.8K modem drivers and also works with the Standard 288 modem Win98 driver, didn't have any luck with connecting beyond 14.4K. Did find a nice init string that gives the modem a much steadier packet transfer rate, so atleast I have that which is a lot better than the transfer rate I was getting before.

As it stands right now, it looks as though this may be the end of the line for the trusty Hayes... will know for certain tommorrow, *IF* the MSN people know what equipment they're using (I've got atleast a 1 in a thousand chance of getting someone that knows what they're talking about

).

Thanks for the advice Skuzzy, appreciate it!
-SW

Pfunk · « **Reply #3 on:** June 23, 2003, 07:04:33 PM »

Why not go to bestbuy and get a 56k modem, plug it in see what happens and save yourself LOTS of aggrivation on hold for hours with MSN. You have 30 days to return it.

Something like this outta do it

http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11085295&m=488&cat=540&scat=541

AKS\/\/ulfe · « **Reply #4 on:** June 23, 2003, 07:30:52 PM »

Money is the problem, had a nice ISA ZooM 56K modem until a fan got loose in my case and took out one of the capacitors and the modem was insisting the "line was busy".

Won't use PCI modems or Winmodems, former has higher ping times than ISA modems, latter is crap.
-SW