Resolved Sometimes Internet shows as connected but isn't

I realize that I have a slow dial-up connection, but I've been seeing inconsistencies with my connection. Sometimes, my taskbar Internet icon shows that I am connected, but nothing is being sent or received. Sometimes it fixes itself when I disconnect the connection and reconnect it, but sometimes I have to do this 4 or 5 times before it connects, or I have to restart my computer to make that connection.

Also, I often have a problem with pages failing to load. I can see it progress, and then it just stops. I can watch the Internet icon and see it go from sending and receiving to doing nothing at all.
I don't know if my problems are caused by my internal 56K modem (that connects usually between 19 & 31kbps) or it has to do with programming. My son's computer works a bit better on the same connection. He can load multiple pages simultaneously, while I can rarely do that.

When I run PCMatic, it shows that my computer rates in the top 5-7% of all computers. I've also used CCleaner regularly and defrag. I live in the country, with very slow analog phone lines. I understand that my ping speed isn't good (around 600), but I've been told that I can't change that. I'd be open to any suggestions that might speed me up a bit.

 

Barry,

I suspect your modem has difficulty with line noise. Perhaps your modem is less tolerant of line noise than your son's.

Do you tend to have more difficulty during/after a heavy rain? (I have connection/performance problems similar to yours after a heavy rain.)

Do you hear noise in the phone line when you have a telephone next to your ear?

Do you have a friend nearby who typically gets good dial-up connection speeds (i.e., in the high 40s or better) and good performance? If yes, then perhaps you can take your computer there and plug into your friend's phone line and test.

If you notice a dramatic performance improvement with your friend's phone line, then I'd be inclined to suggest you seek assistance from your telephone company.

 

Thank you for your response. Maybe my modem is more sensitive to line noise, though my son's runs at the same speed as mine. Everyone in my area has the same problem. The phone company has no interest in upgrading the lines, as houses are so far apart, and there are so few of them. Wireless access is now available, and most people use that, but I can't afford the extra cost with the economy the way it is. As a temporary fix, do you have a recommendation for a good 56K modem?

I don't hear noise on my phone line, and there is no problem during heavy rain. I used to have those problems, but the phone company switched me to the clearest pair of wires on the cable, and all has been clear since that. There is nothing more that the phone company will do for me.

To tell you the truth, I don't know of anyone who still uses dial-up, so I can't take my computer somewhere to test it out. I guess I could take my computer to my office and use the fiber optic lines in the city, but it is a hassle to drag around a desktop and large CRT monitor.

If you can't recommend a better modem, are you aware of any online service that can test my internet connection? PCMatic says that all is fine with my connection, other than the ping problem. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Barry, I still have to use dialup for the same reasons as you. And I used to have the same problems. I was using an internal Win-modem (they do not have a separate controller, they rely on the motherboard CPU). The problem diminished somewhat when I switched to an internal modem that had it's own controller. Both modems were in the under $50 range.

Last January I built a new desktop and I purchased a more expensive (~$80+) external modem that plugs into a serial port and the problems went away.

 

Care to share the make and model of your external modem?

 

Sure. The brand is Multi-Tech Systems. The model I bought is MT5656ZDX. Here is the link to their web site: Web Site

Unfortunately, the speed I get here in rural central VA is usually 26.4 (sometimes 24.0) because of the pair-gain equipment that Verizon has on the phone lines. Verizon is essentially neglecting the land lines here in favor cell phone systems. The last time my land line went out they told me it would be at least three weeks to get it fixed until I raised holy heck about being without a phone for that long. Funny how they got it fixed (without coming to my home, I might add) later the same day.

They don't even cover where I am with reliable wireless. Friends who have Verizon have to go outside and walk around my yard trying to get a signal. It is the worst phone company I have ever experienced.

 

Thank you. It sounds like our phone service is very much the same. My son also has to go outside to find a good signal for his cellphone. I ordered the voice version (MT5656ZDX-V) from Amazon for $77.24 (no tax, free shipping). I look forward to seeing the improvement.

 

Good luck with it!! Doug

 

Doug, I appreciate your suggestion. I ended up getting the MultiTech modem. Unfortunately, it comes with a female serial cable, and the only serial port on my computer is a female port. I decided to go USB rather than getting a male to male adapter. I got the Cables Unlimited USB 2.0 to RS232 Serial Adapter, and it arrived today. I couldn't believe how easy it was to set it all up, and now I am using my external modem. I can't say that it downloads faster, but it is definitely steady. The internet monitors in my task bar stay blue until the page is fully loaded, and I can load multiple pages simultaneously and even view YouTube videos. This has been very worthwhile. Thank you.
Now, I just need to learn how to use it to send and receive a FAX. There are guidelines in the manual to send a FAX, but it says nothing about receiving one. I'll have to figure that out. I may even check into using this modem to make phone calls over the Internet.
It looks like this thread is resolved. Thanks for the help.

 

Hey Barry,

I am glad it proved worth while. Good Luck!!

 

Even the new modem couldn't help me get on line for the past two days. The rain soaked the phone company's lines and shorted out my phone line. I only wish they would show up when the problem exists rather than 2 weeks later, when they just tell me that they can't find any problem. At least we aren't expecting any significant rain in the immediate future, so I'll be able to be back on line again.
Thanks again.

 

I have had that problem on occasion too. Nothing you can do about poor phone lines.