No subject

is messed up:

 Disconnect the modem power cord and disconnect the DSL cord from the
wall jack. Plug it into the test jack inside the NID (outside phone
box), and run an extension cord if necessary for power. Temporarily
disconnect the wiring to the inside phone circuit. This should
effectively bypass any inside wiring and environmental issues. The
ethernet cable to the NIC does not need to be connected to run this test
(true only  for ethernet modems). The modem will sync fine without it.
(Easier said than done, I know.) But if possible, move enough of your
system where you can view the modem's diagnostics (if available) and get
the sync rate. If this works, there is probably something wired
incorrectly inside, or a short in a connection somewhere, or there is
severe electrical interference on the DSL line. Double check the
splitter and wall jack connections. If a splitterless installation, look
for bad wiring, bad (e.g. corroded) connections on all jacks, bad
splices, or defective microfilters!

If no sync on the above test, either the line was not readied, the modem
is defective, or the DSLAM is down.

Even more alternatives:

 RFI Bear-hunt: The DSL signal is fragile. There are a number of things
that can degrade it. RFI, or Radio Frequency Interference, from sources
in and around the home/office is one common source of reduced signal
strength, intermittent sync loss, low sync rates and high line error
rates that can cause retransmissions and slow things down. DSL
frequencies just happen to be in a range that is susceptible to many
potential RFI sources. Our test tool here is simply a portable AM radio.
Tune it to any channel where you can get clear reception -- it makes no
difference where. The AM radio will pick up RFI that is in the same
frequency range as the DSL signal. It will sound like "frying bacon"
type static. Put it against your computer's power supply. You should
hear some static. Move it away and the static should fade pretty
quickly. This will give you an idea of what RFI sounds like. A decent
quality power supply should produce only weak RFI -- probably not enough
to cause a problem. Use the radio like a Geiger counter and move it
around your modem and DSL line. If you hear static, follow it to the
source. Things to be suspicious of: power supplies, transformers,
ballasts, electric motors, dimmer switches, high intensity lighting.
Moving the modem, or rerouting cables is sometimes enough. Keeping the
line between the modem and the wall jack as short as possible is a good
idea too.

 Chronic sync problems are often due to a line problem somewhere.
Sometimes it is something as simple as a bad splice or corroded jack,
and easily remedied if it can be found. Most such conditions can be
isolated by a good telco tech. Check with your provider, and politely
harass them if you have to. If you get the run-around, ask to go over
their heads.

 If using a surge protector, try it without the surge protector. Some
may interfere with the DSL signal.

 Another possibility is a nearby AM radio station, or bandit ham radio
operator that are disrupting the DSL signal since they operate in a
similar frequency range. These may only cause problems at certain times
of day, like when the station boosts its signal at night. A good telco
DSL tech may be able to help minimize the impact of this.

Don't give up, dude. :)

§:)

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