[plug] modems (was Re: [plug] Gut modem für Linux? [those blinkinglights again])

[Bret Busby]

Len Bird wrote:
> 
> All right, but to get to the point of the original posting, Internal Modems
> have a bad reputation mostly because if they are left "On-line" during a
> thundertsorm or similar the Computer itself is put at risk. I bought an Acer
> v 90 External Modem recently for $100 if I remember rightly and to date it
> has performed flawlessly. I think that cost was a consideration with the
> party concerned, and so far the responses listed have not addressed this.  So
> far the Acer has performed as well as the spec.claims it will,
> 
> I have had a few unscheduled disconnections, but cannot attribute this to the
> Modem. bear in mind it takes two to tango, and Iinet are not blameless in
> this area. perhaps they have shares in Telstra. I hope this helps.
> Incidentally whether you use an internal or external modem it is safe
> practice to physically disconnect the telephone line when not using the
> modem.
> 

How often does the modem drop out?

I understood that the V90 modems were more than the telephone lines
could handle; that anything above 33600 resulted in frequent dropouts,
due to line quality.

I have thought about upgrading from 33600, to 56000, but the concern of
call dropouts caused by the extra speed, has stopped me.

We are on an old ARE exchange, if that has any influence.

I have a brother in Auckland, who has ADSL, but, from what I have seen
about it discussed, the pricing, in Australia, makes it too expensive,
for use by the common man, and, makes 56K modems a much more attractive
option, if the connections are reliable. It appears that it is one of
those things that will probably only get to Perth, when the technology
is outdated, anyway.

-- 

Bret Busby

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