Maybe the following will help some of you.
I've run a node since DX-PacketCluster was introduced. I started
with DX-Packet Cluster, tried some of the freebies, then AR-Cluster
and then switched to CC Cluster when VE7CC introduced it. At first
nothing went through the Internet, everything was RF connected and
just keeping the node going for over two days was a treat. When
backbones started through the Internet and RF was still in used with
AR-Cluster things improved a lot, Internet connections were still
lost for many reasons I'll go into later, but with the decrease of RF
USERs many of them would stay connected solid for months.
But even I finally decided over a year ago to drop all of the RF and
strictly only run an Internet connected node, I was down to 4 RF
USERs and 3 of them had 24/7 Internet. Sysops have always exchanged
information on the Node reflectors about many different problems,
lost connections was always at the top of the list.
Before I continue I should mention I've been a DXbase user since it
was DOS and currently now run 2007.
Internet connections can be lost for many different reasons here are
several I can think of:
First realize that each node has it's own usually unique set up, some
are on networks like business or schools, some are on cable systems,
some yet on phone line connections, some on T-1s or better and
more. Each has to connect to the Internet through many different
devices, I won't go through them all but I will take you through what
happens here and indicate where possible problems can happen. Also
keep in mind that some Nodes use Static IP addresses usually the case
with those that have their own Domain like mine, you can usually tell
this if the node can be connected to with a static IP address, in my
case 69.2.20.5.
I'm connected to my ISP through a Wide Spectrum RF link directly from
my QTH to the ISP office. We have to start some place so lets start
at my Node computer. Since I have my own network all my computers
are behind a router. So here we go with a path to the Internet, from
node computer to router, then to ISPs switch, then through ISPs
spread spectrum radio on my end to ISP office, to ISPs server to
Internet. What route it takes through the Internet is totally
dictated by all of the different connections through out the
world. You could be in the same state and have 7 or 8 different hops
through the Internet, you could have 20 or more from east to west
coast or as little as 5 or 6. Same could happen from country to
country, you just never know. A lot also depends on the size of the
pipe to the Internet from the ISPs, some may not have a big enough
pip to handle everything at high usage times. So keeping this all in
mind any place could have a break down. Your connection this month
may be different next month to the same node.
Each Sysop has his own set of problems to deal with, three weeks ago
Mother Nature zapped my tower and got router and all of the ISPs
equipment on my end, about 20 hours of down time until all equipment
was replaced.
So lets get to the best possible scenario to keep you connected
realizing that any of the above pieces of equipment or connections
could be at fault causing your connection to time out.
Guess I should put in a disclaimer here: "I have no pecuniary
interest in CC Cluster or VE7CC's programs, I only use them"
After all these years I have found that CC Cluster is the best
performer, you can go to his web site and read all about it or find
more information on my Web Pages at k8smc.com.
If one uses Lee's FREE CC USER program which will work on other nodes
you can make your connection problems take care of them selfs. You
can have CC USER connect to the node you wish and then connect your
DXbase logging program to CC USER. This allows CC USER to maintain a
connection, takes care of everything including auto reconnect. Your
DXbase will then always stay connected to CC USER unless you have a
computer problem. CC USER allows you to make filter changes and so
much more very easy compared to running commands from your DXbase window.
CC Cluster has made my Sysop duties almost nonexistent. The node
doesn't even have to be shut down to update data files, I get a
screen that tells me new stuff is available and I just
execute. USERs never disconnected to update program, only if the
Winsock program is updated, and that hasn't been needed for about a
year. Almost all nodes in the world are connected together, so it
doesn't mater which node you connect to you should get the same
spots. Many Sysops boast or pride them selfs with the amount of
USERs they have, I'm not the biggest node and here on a Saturday at
noon time I have only 31 USERS and 12 Nodes connected. I've had well
over a 100 during contests, but this is not important to me, just
that I can serve them the best I can. VE7CC has hundreds of USERs.
So if you haven't done so, go check out VE7CC's CC USER program,
you'll like it, and remember it's FREE !!!!
Terry, K8SMC . . .
Above for comments below...................
--------------------------------------------
I believe you are correct in that it takes either an Internet problem
or the cluster itself to drop you. But if the Internet connection
"blinks", it will not reconnect - I have to reboot DXbase to reconnect.
regardless.
............................................
I have a PC running Windows XP Service Pack 3 with DX Base 2007. I
have used to connect to our club's cluster without failure for three
years now. We had a "keep alive" function activated on our cluster
that prevented connection drops. My connection has only dropped when
there was a problem with my Internet service. It sounds doubtful
that it is a DX Base problem, at least on my end....
............................................
I'm not so sure. There are several cluster sites I use. One will drop
me 6-7 times in a day consistently. Another will let me go for the
better part of a week. I am computer illiterate but this seems to
point to something on the other end.
............................................
I almost wonder if the "comatose connection" problem isn't a Windows
bug. I used to see my DXSpider node drop it's connections like this
when I had it running under Windows 2000, but my connections have
been rock-solid since I switched to the Linux operating system a
couple of years ago. My Windows PC (which I have DXB running on)
continues to momentarily lose connectivity in the manner
described. I should check to see what happens if I connect to the
node from the Windows PC without going out over the Internet, but I'm lazy.
--------------------------------------------
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