Disconnect Problems

Here are the most common reasons why you might be getting dropped from the Internet:

1. Idle Timeout
   - This is a safety for everyone. If, for some reason the modem pool does not receive a disconnect command or any activity from a connection, the modem would otherwise remain offline indefinitely decreasing the number of available modems to users. The idle timeout resets an "inactive" connection after 30 minutes to maximize the number of working modems.

2. Session Timeout
   - Unfortunately, not everyone who is connected is actually using the Internet. Many people will connect, start their E-mail program, set it to automatically check mail every few minutes, and walk away. There are even "stay alive" programs that are specifically designed to keep connections active and to trick the idle timeout. The session timeout will disconnect a line after three or more hours to maximize the number of available modems for users who want actively to use the Internet.

3. Telephone Line Quality
   - Modems are very sensitive to telephone line noise, some more than others. Modems can deal with a certain amount of static and interference, but if the quality becomes too poor, either our modem or yours will be forced to disconnect. What affects line quality?
   • Old or damaged phone networks, common in rural areas
   • Overloaded phone networks at peak times of the day (morning & evenings)
   • Poor wiring in your home or work (Internal PBX systems)
   • Electrical equipment close to telephone wires and/or your computer

4. Call Waiting
   - Do you turn off your call waiting before you dial? In much the same way line quality causes problems with your modem, if your call waiting "beeps" while you're online, your modem may disconnect you. To turn off call waiting before dialing, simply place a *70, in front of our dial-in number (example: *70,238-6001)

5. Your Computer Might be Too Slow
   - Sometimes if you are using an older computer, it may simply be too slow. As your computer is communicating with the Internet, your computer may not be able to "keep up." This causes the communications to become unsynchronized, and ultimately one of the modems will drop the connection. This can happen with 486 computers and older.

6. Incorrect Modem Installation
   - If you have installed a driver that is not designed for your modem you may experience a multitude of problems. If you are able to connect, you may be able to communicate for some time until either your computer or modem sends a command that is not recognized.

7. Check Modem Speed
   - In your modem properties check to see what speed you have your modem set to. Sometimes the modem speed is set too high. Keep in mind this is the speed which your computer talks to the modem, not the speed your modem communicates on the Internet. For example, if you have a 33.6K modem you can adequately set the speed as low as 38400. If you have an X2 modem you can set it as low as 57600.

Other questions or comments? Contact the Webmaster