I know this is somewhat off topic, but do any of you have suggestions on how to test a modem / phone line? Please read the following before responding.
My problem is that I get a lot of disconnects on my 33 kbps dial up line. Several months ago, my ISP adopted a new policy -- I won't try to repeat it exactly, but basically they reserve the right to disconnect me after 4 to 12 hours (even though I pay for an "unlimited" connection). I get a lot more disconnects than that might indicate, and some after short periods of time, like 1 to 60 minutes. The ISP insists they are not disconnecting me, the phone line / modem is the problem. I haven't really tackled the phone company very seriously yet, but I'm sure they will point out that their only obligation is to provide a voice grade line. Even if I insist that they test it (and possibly bill me!?!), if it tests out as adequate for voice communications, they will tell me to go pound sand. But, I really don't know where the problem lies -- I could have a substandard modem, I could have substandard lines, or the ISP could be intentionally disconnecting me before the 4 to 12 hours. (I say that because I don't recall nearly as many disconnections before they changed their policy and I gave them some static about it.) I'm looking for suggestions on how to tackle this. Anyone know of any sites that I can call using my modem and get some sort of report on the quality of my modem / telephone line? Other thoughts? Randy Kramer PS: I would consider switching to cable or DSL, but I'm beyond the 18,000 foot limit on distance from my central telephone exchange, and my cable company is only offering one way modems at this time (in my area), which means I'd still need the modem and phone line.
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