[Techtalk] DSL modem

[James]

On Mon, 16 Sep 2002, Maria Blackmore wrote:

> On Mon, 16 Sep 2002, Glen Strom wrote:
> > On Sun, 15 Sep 2002 20:49:35 -0700 Carla Schroder <carla at bratgrrl.com>
> > wrote:
> > > I am not happy with the performance of the Fujitsu modem that came
> > > with my Verizon DSL account. I lose connectivity on a regular basis,
> > > 3-4 times per week. Unplugging/ plugging in the modem restores it.
> 
> Could this be line problems rather than modem?  The second modem being
> merely a coincidence?

It *could* be, but I've had bad experiences with PPPoA setups as well 
(SWBell in this case). The best solution is probably to get a straight 
routed connection, rather than a "modem" (aka "nasty hack to make 
always-on ADSL act like a fast dialup") - here in the UK, I have one 
(cable modem rather than ADSL) and it works MUCH better than my brother's 
ADSL in the US; just plug in any Ethernet NIC and go. No nasty software 
screwing up your registry, no need for Windows - just an Ethernet port!

If you can use your own ADSL equipment instead of theirs, you could try 
finding a local friend, and borrow theirs to try?

Next time I'm out there (speaking of which, does anyone have any 
recommendations for online travel? I'm trying to find flights to Houston, 
and rapidly going mad doing battle with unhelpful and badly designed 
sites...) we might make the leap to DirecTV DSL, since they offer a routed 
connection as standard - has anyone here tried them?


James.