Connection Issues » Modem Dropouts

Why does my modem disconnect unexpectedly?

You may have call waiting turned on.

If a call comes through with call waiting enabled, your modem will usually drop the connection. To turn it off you need to dial #43# before connecting and to re-enable it, dial *43#. Remember that Telstra have recently enabled call waiting on almost all home phone lines. If Telstra resets their exchange the call waiting might be enabled automatically. Please check for call waiting from time to time or if you have problems with drop-outs. (NB. If you have call waiting enabled, and you have a message that you haven’t listened too or deleted, it is possible that you won’t be able to reconnect, due to the dial tone changing – please listen and delete the message and retry connection)

Your e-mail program might be closing the connection.

A common problem is the line “dropping out” after doing the send/receive command in Outlook Express. This is caused by a setting in Outlook Express that tells the computer to hang-up after sending and receiving. To fix this: Click ‘Tools’ then ‘Options’ then ‘Connection’ tab. Remove the tick from the box ‘Hang up after sending and receiving’. Finally click ‘OK’.

Cords or Plugs may be a problem

Telephone double adaptors and very long extension cables can cause drop-outs. Phone cables come in different qualities. If you are getting poor performance from the modem and a lot of drop-outs, a good quality phone cable is worth investing in. If possible, try plugging the modem directly into the phone line with no other devices attached anywhere in the house. Try it, it might make a difference.

Your mobile phone may cause problems.

If you have a digital mobile phone, telephony between such a phone and a GSM cellular base station can cause severe data transmission loss that can terminate a modem call.

Alarms can affect your phone line.

If you have a burglar alarm which automatically dials and transmits data, this will affect your line quality. Ensure your modem communications are not carried out during alarms communication cycle.

Other Electronic Equipment?

In fact, anything electric can cause interference with your modem. Check what is turned on that is in close proximity of the phone line/modem. Things you might want to watch out for are TV’s, radios, microwave, fridge (especially when it cycles on and off), washing machine going in to a spin cycle, air-conditioning cycles etc. Do you get a better connection when those things are off or on another power circuit? Try a surge protector. It protects the phone line as well as your modem power supply and power supply for your computer. Visit your local computer store to purchase one.

Last update: 2005-04-25 17:17
Author: Internet Tasmania

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