How To Resolve Cable,DSL,and Dialup Modem Problems
Copyright 2006 Otis Cooper
When it comes to diagnosing the modem and any other computer problem,always start with the most obvious first.Modem problems may be repaired as fast as re-booting the computer or can be as complex as resolving hardware conflicts.
First remember to check for the most obvious signs of trouble,such as loose connections at the rear of the computer for external modems.
Internal modems may have their retaining screw at the expansion slot loose are missing.Phone line connections may simply be inserted in the wrong connector.
Nearly all internal modems are inserted into the PCI or Peripheral Component Interconnect slot in the system unit.
NO POWER AT THE MODEM
For Internal Modems,first try inserting the modem in a different PCI Slot.Reboot the computer and click on Start,Control Panel,and click the Phone And Modems icon if you have Windows XP as your operating system.
Then click on modems,properties,and look for the statement "This Device Is Working Properly". You can click on Diagnostics and run a test to see if the modem has power as well.
External modems can be checked for power by inspecting the adapter plug to see if it is plugged in completely.Look to see if any indicator lights flashing and be certain you are using the adapter for your modem.
Be sure the surge protector or wall outlet is providing power by plugging in a lamp or a radio.If the radio works,the culprit may be the adapter or the external modem itself.
If you purchased the modem in your town,you may have the chance to return to the store and ask the technician to test it with a known good power adapter.You can been replace either the adapter or modem.
MODEM DISCONNECTS OFTEN
If your modem,whether internal or external,is working but disconnects from the Internet very often,without warning,check to be sure your call waiting option is not enabled.
Another culprit that cause this headache is line noise.This noise and interference can be caused by such things as loose wiring.
Poor waterproofing,old wiring,worn phone jacks are some causes that will result in line noise. Make sure no other equipment is using the same line that your modem is on.
Be sure other devices as your fax machine, answering machines or even security alarms are not sharing the same line as your modem.
Other PCI devices may be causing conflicts with your modem.Clicking the Control Panel ,and clicking the modem icon will show the message "This Device Has A Problem" or somthing similar if there is a conflict.
Windows will offer ways to resolve the conflict. Take the time to carefully follow instructions tocorrect any conflicts that may be present.
Loose data lines for Internal modems and loose or damaged connectors for External modems can cause data lost as well.Visual check and double check these connections.
MODEM IS PRESENT BUT WILL NOT WORK
The external and internal modem must have device drivers installed before they will work. Bad or incorrect drivers can cause the modem to disconnect as well as not work at all
If you noticed that the device driver was either missing or corrupt in the modem icon,follow the instructions to update the device driver.
If some cases,you may have to completely remove the old modem from thw Windows Device Manager.
Once it has been removed from Windows, reboot the computer and Windows will detect the modem and automatically re-installs the the device driver.
If your modem came with an installation cdrom or diskette,use the software the disk rather than the one in Windows.
Once you are up and running,the first thing you should do is to visit the modem's support web site and search for any software patches or updated drivers to download.
COMMON BROADBAND PROBLEMS
The most common high speed internet problems whether its dsl or cable connections are not being able to log on and poor signal.
If the Cable modem often reboots,you should check to see if your signal indicator is strong.If the signal seems good,electronic signal from mobile phones and other devices nearby may be interfering with the signal.
Stop and look behind the cable or dsl modem to see if the connections have worked themselves loose or have come off completely.Be sure the connections have not be damaged in any way.
The modem is connected to an Ethernet card which will receive and send signals to the computer.Look at the rear of the card and see if the green indicator is on.If not,there is a problem with the card installation or the card may be faulty.
If the ehthernet card in the computer become loose, your high speed Internet reception will be interruppted.
Place a finger on the ethernet card and try to move it. If you can,open the system unit case and tighten the card.
If the ethernet card has become loose,it may be a good idea to remove it and inspect the yellow contacts to be certain they are not dirty or damaged.Power will not transfer to the card should this be the case.
Other causes may be the main wiring to the modem may be faulty.The vacuum cleaner or the power tools your son is using in the garage may be causing the problem as well.And we cannot omit the idea that the cable or dsl modem themselves may be faulty.
While you're learning about your computer,understand the modem at every level and do so now while it is still in good operating order.Print or write down modem and all troubleshooting tips.
Put these troubleshooting tips in a binder or at least in a safe place so you can refer to them should your PC fail to boot.Knowing about your computer takes time and effect but you be glad you took the time should your system goes on the blink.
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DSL Service
DSL services are provided through a line sharing method, that is, DSL services are provided on the same line as that of the subscriber's voice service. As there is no need for an additional line to receive a DSL service, there is usually no need for a technician to complete the installation. Most DSL broadband services utilize Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE software) software to get an IP address and connect to the Internet. Generally the PPPoE software given by the service provider is compatible with all the major operating systems on the market. That is, Windows 95/98, 2000, NT 4.X, ME, XP and Mac OS 8, Mac OS 9, and Mac OS X.
Subscribers are required to obtain a 10Base-T (Ethernet) network interface card (NIC) installed in their computer.
DSL service helps to improve business communications. That is, business organizations can utilize DSL services to boost productivity, save time and enhance customer service. DSL services also allow home computers...
Dsl > DSL Service
Do I Need a DSL or Cable Connection?
If you spend most of your time on the internet waiting for large files to download or if you are a webmaster that uploads tens of thousands of files onto your web sites each day, a DSL or cable connection might be the answer.
Taking into consideration the speeds of Dial-Up, DSL, and Cable connections, a DSL connection averages around ten times faster than a Dial-Up connection and Cable is around three times faster than DSL. The differences may or may not sound very spectacular. But, as the sizes of the files you are downloading increase, the more noticeable it will be.
Here are some calculators you can use to test the download times of various file sizes on Dial-Up, DSL, and Cable connections..
Dsl > Do I Need a DSL or Cable Connection?
New Research Tool to Select The Best DSL or Broadband Service in Your Area
(ContentDesk) September 1, 2004 -- Nap Jones Computing provides individuals and businesses with reliable, high-speed, internet access of all flavors, Cable, DSL, or Satellite.
We also provide instant quotes viathe geoquote system through our websites http://lowpricetelcom.com/dsl.cfm for residential access and http://lowpricetelcom.com/t1.cfm for business class access.Advantages to broadband over analog dial-up.1.
Eliminates constant dialing and busy signals.2.
Speed is up to 50 times faster than dial-up3.
Accommodates multiple users on one connection.4.
Scalable.
5.
E-mail and internet access whenever you need it.
You are always on.By using our service, customers are able to compare and choose from a number of top tier providers based on their needs and availability for their location.
...
Dsl > New Research Tool to Select The Best DSL or Broadband Service in Your Area
3 Tips to Fix Unreliable Wireless Connections
Generally speaking, wireless computer connections are reliable. However, nothing is perfect, and sometimes you may lose your connection or experience a weak signal. There are many factors that impact the reliability of your wireless connection. For example, if your wireless adapter is too close to a 2.4 GHz wireless telephone, you may notice a decrease in your computer's wireless single strength. Why? Because the phone and the computer reside on the same frequency and can interfere with each other's performance.Handy Repair Checklist for Wireless Interruptions1. First check to see if your cable or DSL is actually working.
Usually located in your basement, most modems have four lights. You have a live Internet connection if the "data" or "status" light is on. If it's off, or flashing, your cable is out.2. If your cable/DSL is working, then reboot your computer. Sometimes, if your cable/DSL goes out for even 10 seconds, your computer and the wireless router may no longer be able...
3 Tips to Fix Unreliable Wireless Connections
Dsl > 3 Tips to Fix Unreliable Wireless Connections
Mammoth Networks Delivers DSL to VoIP Providers
Denver, CO (ContentDesk) February 6,2005 -- Mammoth Networks has announced a fivefold increase in wholesale DSL demand by VoIP providers.
The company allows VoIP providers to provision standalone DSL, or DSL without a phone line, enabling VoIP providers to deliver a telephone-like product to their End User.In the last half of 2005, Mammoth signed an increased number of VoIP providers to its wholesale DSL platform.
The company cites its ability to deliver a standalone DSL over a private network as the reason for this increased demand.
Because standalone DSL enters a home or business on its own telephone pair, VoIP can be delivered without the need for an expensive traditional telephone line."We've embraced standalone DSL, and have given VoIP providers the exact product they need to sell their service," says Brian Worthen, who oversees product development at Mammoth.VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, operates over a broadband internet connection...
Dsl > Mammoth Networks Delivers DSL to VoIP Providers
FCC Ruling on DSL Re-Monopolizes Phone Networks Says California ISPs
SACRAMENTO, CA (ContentDesk) August 8, 2005 -- The California ISP Association (CISPA), the largest state association of Internet service providers, reacted today to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's ruling today that high-speed DSL Internet lines should be classified as an "information service" instead of a telecommunications service. The ruling would allow large phone companies to close their DSL networks and exclude independent ISP's from the DSL market. The result is that most ISPs would be eliminated from the broadband market."The FCC's version of what it calls "deregulation" is simply just a re-monopolization of a network that has been publicly regulated and paid for by rate payers for more than 100 years. This is not leveling the DSL playing field.
The FCC is putting a fence around the playing field and giving the keys to a few phone companies with armies of paid lobbyists, letting the phone companies decide who can play in the broadband game.Consumers and businesses...
FCC Ruling on DSL Re-Monopolizes Phone Networks Says California ISPs
Dsl > FCC Ruling on DSL Re-Monopolizes Phone Networks Says California ISPs
3 Tips to Fix Unreliable Wireless Connections
Generally speaking, wireless computer connections are reliable. However, nothing is perfect, and sometimes you may lose your connection or experience a weak signal. There are many factors that impact the reliability of your wireless connection. For example, if your wireless adapter is too close to a 2.4 GHz wireless telephone, you may notice a decrease in your computer's wireless single strength. Why? Because the phone and the computer reside on the same frequency and can interfere with each other's performance.Handy Repair Checklist for Wireless Interruptions1. First check to see if your cable or DSL is actually working.
Usually located in your basement, most modems have four lights. You have a live Internet connection if the "data" or "status" light is on. If it's off, or flashing, your cable is out.2. If your cable/DSL is working, then reboot your computer. Sometimes, if your cable/DSL goes out for even 10 seconds, your computer and the wireless router may no longer be able...
3 Tips to Fix Unreliable Wireless Connections
Dsl > 3 Tips to Fix Unreliable Wireless Connections