Kppp, pppd and Dialup Internet

[Thorny]

On Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:46:19 -0400, Ric Moore posted:

> On Tue, 2009-04-14 at 12:28 +0800, Irena & Richard Jenkins wrote:
> 
> 
>> PS   To developers: Please don't neglect those of us who are restricted
>> to dialup.  I note that dialup is being moved over in favour of adsl
>> type connections in newer distributions.  I am reduced to a mini- linux
>> (puppylinux) just to have connectivity for the present.  Kubuntu runs so
>> well on this 400MHz VIA-engined computer with 512 Megs of RAM, that it's
>> a shame to not be able to use it to connect to the world.  Thanks again
> 
> First off, as a former sysop of an 8 line BBS, your init string is the
> single most crucial part of your modem setup. Google around for a good
> init string for your modem.
> 
> Second, not all copper lines in an older home are modem serviceable. Clean
> your copper connections from the wall jack clear out to the telco base. If
> you're paranoid, run a fresh run of telco wire from the wall jack base
> (heck replace that too!) to the telco box. Sometimes that will make all
> the difference and, if nothing else, you have no further concern with your
> wiring.
> 

In addition, any/all other telsets and/or devices attached to the phone
lines have the potential to affect both connection and download bandwidth.
In case of problems always try testing with nothing but your modem plugged
in to make sure something isn't interfering. 


> If you live out in the toolies, you may not be able to go faster than
> 28.8. I had to use an init string in my script that disabled 56k. You may
> wish to try that, look in your modem manual for that setting. Test with
> that. If that works, enjoy. Later try running full speed. If that fails,
> you have your fall back position. I agree with your statement that modems
> are given short shrift and I raise hell about it on sites with a lot of
> video content that will not stream successfully at slow connect speeds,
> and that they should provide a download option. Ric


I am out a long run from the central office and there is a concentrator
along the way. My throughput on downloads maxes highest when my init
string limits the ceiling speed to a speed less than 56K, just as Ric
mentions. I had to test at several times of day and to different places to
arrive at the ceiling speed that works best overall for my dialup line
(>40K).

It seems to me that most of the problems that people have with modems and
GNU/Linux are with those so-called "win" modems, good hardware modems,
internal or external always seem to work. Good modems aren't as cheap
for the manufacturers to include in a system though.