Online South Pacific Modem::Fastest and Most Reliable ISP in Papua New Guinea

only search online.net.pg

Modems

1. Why do my online connections 'pause' or stop?
2. Problems with 56K modems
3. Modem drivers
4. What modem should I buy?
5. Typical modem error messages
6. Speeding up your Internet connection

1. Why do my online connections 'pause' or stop?
Sometimes when you are online, your modem may stop sending and receiving data for a minute or so (or longer), with the result that you cannot access Web sites, check email etc. Then, just as suddenly, it will resume where it left off. There are several potential causes for this scenario, which can make troubleshooting the problem quite difficult. Below is a list of factors for you to investigate.

Before you invest too much time in the problem, however, the most likely solution to the problem is to disconnect from the Internet, reboot your computer and then reconnect. In most cases, this will solve the problem.

Telephone problems

Modem error recovery
When most modems experience errors while sending or receiving data, they will automatically retransmit the corrupted data. Usually this will take a few seconds at most. But when the modem connection itself is poor (due, say, to excessive line noise), there will be more frequent data corruption, which will require more frequent retransmissions. The retransmissions themselves may need to be repeated due to the poor connection quality. All of this will slow down your modem, giving it the appearance of pausing.

Modem errors are generally intermittent. However, you should have your telephone line tested for line noise.

Modem retraining
When a modem encounters line noise during a connection, it will automatically 'retrain' itself (that is, test the line to determine the highest speed at which it can send and receive data without error). While a modem is retraining, no data can be sent or received. Normally retraining takes only a few seconds, but if the line noise becomes excessive, the retraining period can continue for longer periods (up to almost a minute).

Network problems

Lost data
The Internet is designed in such a way that it can continue working even under extreme circumstances (such as when several host computers are offline). This is achieved by using network protocols, such as TCP/IP, that have 'error detection' capabilities.

All Internet data communications involve a two-way dialogue between the sending and receiving computer. For instance, when you connect to a Web site, the Web site computer will send data to your PC. When it is received, your PC will send a reply to the Web site confirming that it was received. The Web site will then send some more data and so on.

When data goes missing during a transmission of data (say, because the network is overloaded or congested), your computer won't acknowledge receipt, which lets the Web site know that it must retransmit the data. The resent data may itself go missing but both computers will retransmit the data until it gets through. This may result in a decrease in data transmission speed, or even a pause, until the problem is overcome and the data is successfully sent and acknowledged.

Server overload
From time to time, some Internet hosts (such as Web sites) become overloaded. Basically, there are more people trying to access the host than it can handle. You may experience slowdowns and pauses while the server is busy attending to other users. Such overloads generally resolve themselves, usually within minutes. If you frequently encounter this problem with specific Web sites, you should try accessing them during non-peak times.

Network congestion
Excessive delay may occasionally be encountered as a result of network congestion. As mentioned earlier, the Internet is designed to be fault-resistant. If one section of the Internet is 'out of order' due to, say, a fibre network cable being cut, then the network traffic will be dynamically re-routed around the problem area so that data will still flow. This may, however, put pressure on the sections of the network that are taking on the extra traffic, which may cause a decrease in speed over the network. Again, this problem is generally transient, and will resolve itself.

Hardware problems

Flow control
Modems handle lots of individual bits of incoming and outgoing data in any given second. To handle this flow of data, it uses 'flow control' technology. Flow control can be handled by your modem's software (software flow control) or by the modem itself (hardware flow control).

It is recommended that you use hardware flow control. To check that your modem uses the hardware flow control setting, follow these steps:
1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Double-click Control Panel.
3. Double-click Modems.
4. Highlight your modem (if necessary) and click on the Properties button to display the Properties dialog box.
5. Click on the Connection tab.
6. Click on the Advanced button.
7. Toggle the Use flow control option.
8. Click the Hardware option.
9. Click OK.

Serial port
The job of allowing your computer to communicate with your modem falls to your PC's serial port.

If your PC has an old serial port or if it is experiencing faults, this may cause modem problems, including sporadic pauses. The easiest way to tell whether your serial card is too old or faulty is to have your PC inspected by a technician.

Software configuration problems

Dial-up Network settings
If your Dial-up Network settings are incorrectly configured or the settings have become corrupted, this may interfere with normal data transmission.

Multitasking
Modern computers can handle many tasks at once. But if your computer becomes busy doing something else while you are online, it may result in temporary pauses in the modem's activities as your PC puts some of the tasks 'on hold' until it completes the others.

This can be a significant problem for 'software modems' or 'Win modems' (that is, modems that rely heavily on a PC's CPU for much of its activities).

To avoid this problem, close any unnecessary programs while you are connected to the Internet.

2. Problems with 56K modems
56K modems are still a relatively new technology. As such, it is very common to experience dropout and connection problems. It should also be noted that even though your modem is sold as a '56K' modem, that is only an indication of its top speed under ideal conditions. Most 56K modem users experience slightly slower connection speeds, generally in the range of 44-50K (which is still significantly faster than 33.6K modems).

The difference between the advertised top speed and the 'real life' speed can generally be attributed to the quality of the telephone lines* in your area and how far you are from the nearest telephone exchange.

Having said that, there are a few 'tweaks' available that can help you squeeze extra speed out of your 56K modem.

If your problem does not relate to the speed of your connection, but rather the frequency of unexplained dropouts, see the Modem Disconnection section.

Quiet line
The best way to improve the performance of any modem is to ensure that your telephone line is free from 'line noise'; that is, an audible, crackling static. Plug a telephone into the telephone line used by your modem and call a friend. Listen for any background static. If you hear any, report it to the Telikom Faults Line 014.

Don't share the line
For the best modem performance, your modem should have sole use of the telephone line. Unplug any other devices (including fax and answering machines) that are plugged into the same telephone line.

Fine tune your modem (Windows 95/98)
Reduce the maximum speed:
While it may sound counterproductive, reducing the maximum speed setting for your modem can actually improve the speed and stability of your modem connections.

The maximum speed setting actually dictates how quickly your modem 'speaks' to your computer's serial port, not how fast it connects to the modem at the other end.

If the setting is faster than the serial port (through which your computer communicates with the modem) can cope with, it can result in 'comm. overrun errors'. These occur when your computer can't keep up with the data as it is being passed on by the modem, with the result that the modem must retransmit it, interrupting the flow of data and generally hindering modem performance.

To change the maximum speed setting under Windows XP/Vista, follow these steps:
1. Double-click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Phone and Modem Options.
3. Highlight your modem (if necessary) and click on the Properties button to display the Properties dialog box.
4. Select the Modem tab and click on the Maximum Speed pull-down menu and select the desired speed.
5. Click OK.

You may wish to experiment with different speed settings to find the optimum setting for your modem.

Switch off data compression:
Some modems use data compression in order to speed up the data transmission process. If you are experiencing problems, try switching data compression off.

To change this setting, follow these steps:
1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Double-click Control Panel.
3. Double-click Modems.
4. Highlight your modem (if necessary) and click on the Properties button to display the Properties dialog box.
5. Click on the Connection tab.
6. Click on the Advanced button.
7. Untoggle the compress data option.
8. Click OK.

Fine-tuning the initialisation string:
An 'initialisation string' is a collection of commands, which instruct your modem to act in certain ways. Different modems use different initialisation strings. Your modem's manual will detail the initialisation strings that you can use to change various settings for your modem.

Where possible, you should use the instructions provided in your modem manual over those contained here (which are generic and thus may not be optimal for your modem).

You can fine-tune your modem's initialisation string via the Advanced modem menu. To display this menu, follow these steps:
1. Click the Start button
2. Select the Settings option
3. Select the Control Panel option
4. Double-click the Modems icon
5. Click once on the installed modem
6. Click the Properties option
7. Click the Connection tab
8. Click the Advanced button
9. In the long rectangular box labelled 'Extra settings', type in the init string. Finish by clicking 'OK'.

There are numerous resources available on the web for modem init strings. Most are specific to the manufacturer of the device. Generic strings can be used but it is recommended that you use specific drivers. Check the modem documentation, web site or call the manufacturer.

The init string will be used on every dial-up networking connection that uses that modem. If you have more than one modem, you will need to repeat the above procedure for all installed modems.

Generic strings:
To set the modem to factory default:
at&fx3%c0

Tip: You may also want to try one of these generic init strings:
AT&F
AT&F1
AT&F&C1&D2
AT&F1&C1&D2

Tip 2: For K56flex modems, try one of these generic init strings:
AT&F+MS=56
AT&F+MS=56S202=32
AT&F1+MS=56
AT&F1+MS=56S202=32

For more specific initialisation strings, you can refer to our Modem Initialisation String FAQ

* Modems sold as 56K (V.90, K56Flex and X2) are capable of line speeds up to 52kbit/s, but the Online South Pacific telephone network is designed for voice calls and has a guaranteed data speed of 2.4kbit/s. In practice, most customers achieve modem speeds significantly higher than 2.4kbit/s, but rarely 52kbit/s. Read our document for more information (you'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

3. Modem drivers
Modem manufacturers continually tweak and refine their modem software in an effort to ensure the peak performance of their products. You should ensure that you are using the latest driver software for your modem. Most manufacturers make copies of their latest software available for download on their Web sites. As a general rule, the updated software will include a setup program, so installation is simply a matter of downloading the setup software and running it.

If your modem manufacturer has not released any new driver software for your modem, or if it does not solve the disconnection problem, you should install the default Windows 95/98 'universal' modem driver (which should work with all modems).

Update your modem drivers and firmware

Modem manufacturers regularly publish updates to their modem software and drivers. Check the modem manufacturer's Web site to ensure that you have the latest software for your modem. You should refer to the vendor's Web site for instructions on how to install this software.

4. What modem should I buy?
Online South Pacific does not officially endorse any specific brand of modem. Instead, members are encouraged to purchase the brand and type of modem that best suits their needs and budget

5. Typical modem error messages
Error 630: The computer is not receiving a response from the modem
This error can occur for several reasons:

- The modem is switched off or the power cable is not connected (external modems only)
- The modem is not correctly plugged into your computer's serial port (external modems only)
- The modem is not properly configured or its software is not correctly installed
- The modem is conflicting with another hardware device that is attempting to use the same system resources
- There is a problem with your computer's serial port. (external modems only)

Error 676: The line is busy. Try again later.
This error can occur for several reasons:

- There are no available modems to handle your call. Try again in a few minutes.
- You are dialling the wrong number

It is possible that your modem will display this error message when the error is in fact caused by something else.

Error 680: There is no dial tone
This error can occur for several reasons:

- The modem is not correctly connected to a telephone line
- The telephone line is already in use (say, by another phone or fax machine)

The modem does not recognise the Australian Online South Pacific dial tone (some modems purchased overseas experience this problem).

Make sure that the modem's telephone line cable is plugged securely into the jack at the rear of the modem (you should be able to lightly pull on the cable and it won't unplug).

Check that the other end of the modem's telephone line cable is securely plugged into the telephone jack. Again, you should be able to tug it lightly and not have it dislodge.

Check that any other devices sharing the telephone line are not in use or that their handsets are 'off the hook'.

If you have a non-Pangtel-approved modem (or if you have tried the above suggestions without success), you may need to update your modem's initialisation string [link to init string section above] to force it to recognise the PNG dial tone. Note: Most Austel-approved modems should also be Pangtel-approved.

Check your modem manual for details on how to do this. If it does not contain specific instructions, follow these steps:
1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Double-click Control Panel.
3. Double-click Modems.
4. Highlight your modem (if necessary) and click on the Properties button to display the Properties dialog box.
5. Click on the Connection tab.
6. Click on the Advanced button.
7. Type X3 in the Extra settings text box (if there are any other initialisation strings already there, just add it to the end).
8. Click OK.

Error 720: Dial-up Networking could not negotiate a compatible set of network protocols.
This is a very common error message which generally occurs as the result of a corruption of your PC's Dial-up Network settings. The most common cause of corruption is where the PC is turned off, or not shut down properly (say, in the case of a system crash), while the modem is still connected to the Internet.
The problem is generally resolved by restarting your PC using Windows' built-in Shutdown/Reboot feature.
If this does not resolve the problem, you may need to re-install your Dial-up Networking software.

6. Speeding up your Internet connection
There is only one surefire way to speed up your Internet access - invest in a faster modem, or upgrade to one of Online South Pacific’s high-speed Internet solutions (such as 64K leased line). There are ways, however, to ‘tweak’ the speed of your connection. These generally involve a bit of experimenting, to find out which solution (or which combination of solutions) work best for your PC-and-modem configuration.

Ensure optimum modem conditions

When a modem manufacturer says that a modem works at XYZ speed (e.g. 56K modem), what they are really saying is that is the highest speed that the modem can achieve under ‘optimum conditions’. However, optimum conditions are difficult to achieve in real life. Here are some tips on how to improve the conditions under which your modem operates:
- Ensure that your modem has sole use of the telephone line. Unplug any other device(s) that use the same telephone line.
- Do not use extension cords.
- Move any electrical equipment away from the modem (especially cordless and mobile phones and fans).
- Ensure that your modem does not overheat. Make sure that it is not covered by materials that would prevent it from cooling (e.g. papers, books etc.)
- Ensure that your modem is configured correctly.
- Most modems will auto-configure themselves straight out of the box, either when your computer’s Operating System automatically detects and installs it, or when you run the accompanying installation software.

But it is always best to check that the modem has been correctly identified by your computer.

Windows users can follow these steps to check that their modem is correctly installed:
- Double-click on My Computer.
- Double-click on Control Panel.
- Double-click on Modems.
- Click once on the name of the modem to highlight it.
- Click on the Diagnostics tab.
- Click on the More info button.
- Your PC will then ‘interrogate’ the modem and display a list of its settings and features. You don’t need to understand what this list means. The fact that it compiles the list demonstrates that the modem is correctly installed.

Ensure that your modem is using the latest software

Modem manufacturers generally update their modem driver software on a regular basis, and make it freely available for download on their Web sites. You should check your modem manufacturer’s Web site on a regular basis to ensure that you are using the latest software for your modem.

Follow the online instructions with respect to downloading and installing the software updates.

Experiment with the speed settings

Windows allows you to specify the speed at which your modem and your computer ‘talk’ to one another. Set it too high, and your modem may transmit more data than your PC can handle at a time, which may cause errors. Set it too slow, and the modem will not run as efficiently as it could.

You may wish to experiment with different speed settings to find the optimum setting for your modem. Follow these steps:
- Double-click My Computer.
- Double-click Control Panel.
- Double-click Modems.
- Highlight your modem (if necessary) and click on the Properties button to display the Properties dialog box.
- Click on the Maximum Speed pull-down menu and select the desired speed.
- Click OK.

Use ‘Web accelerator’ software
There are a number of software packages that claim to significantly boost the speed of your Web browsing. These software packages don’t magically double the speed of your modem. Instead, they use a number of different techniques to reduce the amount of data that your modem has to download while you are browsing the Web; including creating a larger ‘cache’ where the program stores copies of Web sites that you regularly visit. When you visit the site again, it loads the data from your hard disk, so you don’t have to wait for it to download again. using ‘pauses’ in your Web browsing session to download new pages. For example, you might connect to a new Web site. Once the homepage is downloaded, you will probably spend a few minutes reading its contents. While this happens, your modem is usually idle. The software takes advantage of this and starts to download other pages from the Web site so that as you explore, it can load them from your hard disk, giving the impression that the Web site is loading faster. allowing scheduled downloading of selected sites. If you frequently access particular sites, you can configure the software to regularly download information from the site, either when your PC is unattended, or while you are doing other activities when online (such as reading email).

Suggested software:
Note: This software is not supported by Online South Pacific. If you require technical assistance, please refer to the software vendor’s Web site.
- Windows
- InterQuick - http://interquick.deerfield.com/
- NetManager - http://www.vinn.com.au/netmanager.htm

Use modem ‘tweaking’ software
Tweaking your computer’s modem and network settings in an effort to squeeze a little extra speed is not for the faint of heart. Luckily there are several excellent utilities (some free, others shareware) that will perform this task for you.

Suggested software:
Note: This software is not supported by Online South Pacific. If you require technical assistance, please refer to the software vendor’s Web site. - Windows
- TweakDUN - http://www.pattersondesigns.com/tweakdun/
- Accelerate2000 - http://www.webroot.com/acc1.htm
- EasyMTU - http://members.tripod.com/~EasyMTU/
- iSpeed - http://www.hms.com/Default.htm

<<Back to FAQ Main Page