SuSE Support Database
Title: Modem connection problems

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Modem connection problems
Symptom:
Attempts to establish connections over the modem do not work, or do not
perform up to expectations. The phone number, method of authentication,
login, password, have all been verified, but the connection still does not
perform.
Specific problems may include the following:
- The modem can be heard to dial, but the negotiation never completes.
The modem connection sound does not cease until the software
indicates a failed connection.
- The modem connects, but the reported connection speed is below
expected speed.
- The modem connects, but there appears to be data loss on the line.
Netscape frequently reports "stalls", especially to web servers
nearby, such as the ISP's web server. A 'ping' to the remote PPP
address turns up greater than 0% packet loss.
Cause:
These symptoms can occur for two different reasons:
- The modem has not been initialized properly.
- The phone line or the phone circuit is of low quality.
Solution:
Obviously, configuration changes on your computer cannot improve the phone
line quality. If this is your problem, this document cannot be of
assistance. Your local telephone company may be of help, or may not.
Assuming that the problem represents a modem configuration problem, then
it all comes down to finding a modem initialization string which produces
better results on your modem. To this end, here are few things you can
try.
- Use an alternate dialer.
If you are currently using a chat script, kppp, or suseppp setup, you
may well want to try out the program 'wvdial'. This program makes
some attempt to "detect" a reasonable initialization string from the
modem. It often produces very good results. It can be installed
from the package series n or "Network", and is listed under
the package name wvdial
.
- Use a vendor-suggested modem initialization string.
Although modem vendors do not generally supply suggested strings
explicitly, they do provide them as part of modem .INF description
files for windows. Refer to the SDB article
Getting modem init-strings
from Windows for instructions on using these.
- Create your own initialization string.
With some understanding of modem protocols, you, possibly with
assistance from your ISP, may be able to read through your modem
documentation and determine the appropriate options to use to connect
with your dialup service.

See also:

Keywords: MODEM, INITIALIZATION STRINGS, DIALER, CONNECT, PPP

Categories:
Provider
, PPP

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SDB-jrodman_modem_init, Copyright SuSE GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany
- Version: 08. May 1999
SuSE GmbH - Last generated: 07. Oct 1999 16:44:36
by maddin
with sdb_gen 1.00.0