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Thread ID: 27367	2002-11-21 01:32:00	Internet/Xtra Woes (a.k.a. Dead connections)	ambasluv (1414)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
100101	2002-11-21 01:32:00	I just bought myself a HP Pavillion (Excellent computer, recommend to anyone) computer, and find that when I dial into Xtra, after a random amount of time, my connection dies. I'm still looking at the two little screens in the bottom left corner of my screen, but am receiving absolutely no data. Do I blame my computer or Xtra? I can't imagine the problem being the servers I am trying to contact, as going from www.bored.com to www.xtra.co.nz didn't provide any traffic. Windows XP Task Manager still shows that I'm sending data, but zippo on the yellow line... Any hints? Also, for anyone else reading this with a similar problem, download getright! It's proven my saviour on those long downloads via my 56k modem...	ambasluv (1414)
100102	2002-11-21 01:49:00	When you say your connection dies, I assume you mean that you stay connected but no data flows. You are not alone, and although I am on ADSL now, it did happen to me as well, quite regularly. I am unsure of the actual cause, but only disconnecting and redialling would fix it. It was not confined to Xtra either Its like the server at the other end is ignoring you completely. It has been suggested that "soft"modems (PCI winmodems) are implicated, and certainly in my case it did not happen after I changed to an external hardware 56k modem, however why that would happen is a mystery. I have had 3 Pavilions in the past, and I agree they were good, and very very reliable. Opinions on this forum do vary however	godfather (25)
100103	2002-11-21 07:31:00	Sorry, I've got no help for you, but I have had a similar problem with a truly great pavilion that I've got a also, Unfortunatly it has a conexant soft modem, that used to dial-up and then do nothing at all after about 3 good connections, the only way out was to re-boot! which fixed it. Anyway for some reason and after alot of messing in the registry (all over the place) and trying different 'fix-it' programs I now have an excellent connection...apart from I have to wait about 10-15 seconds after being connected, to when data is sent/recieved (pretty annoying!) So I'm watching this thread... good luck!	Trev0 (1995)
100104	2002-12-10 01:10:00	Thankyou all for your help . I have managed to find the source of my problems, at least, it seems to have fixed most of my problems . . . It wouold appear that I was running my modem under both Hardware and software options . . . Not good, as the second run of compression is just a waste of time, and the hardware compression rate is incredibly slow . . . At least, that's what Windows told me when I clicked "What's This" Before you all say that I should've had a look for this before I came asking for help, I would rather find out something from someone who has more of a clue than I before I fiddle around with settings myself . I paid far too much for this little grey box to go screwing around with it . . . Whilst we are on the subject of the modem tho, what is meant by a 'soft' modem? Is this some sort of technical term, or a brand name thing? Would love to know, just for curiosity reasons . . . I still have problems withm y net connection, but they seem to have gone away, and only seem to occur when I complain about xtra to my friends via xtramsn messenger . . . Coincidence? I begin to wonder . . .	ambasluv (1414)
100105	2002-12-10 01:19:00	There are basically 3 type of modem: external, hardware (proper modem) and software (or winmodem) . Software-based modems use fewer chips compared to traditional modems . The work normally done by the missing chips is transferred to software running on the host computer's CPU . Modems consist of two major components: A datapump performs the basic modulation/demodulation tasks for which modems are named A controller provides the modem's identity: this is where the protocols for hardware error correction, hardware data compression, and basic modulation protocols (such as V . 34, x2 or K56flex) exist . The controller is also responsible for interpreting AT commands . A traditional modem implements both features in hardware, as chips inside the modem . I personally prefer external modems, mailnly because they need next to no cofiguration or drivers .	crozier (2004)
100106	2002-12-10 01:23:00	A soft modem is a very cheap way of making a modem. They use the computer and software to do most of the work for them. They are very picky about having the correct drivers etc and will only work with a Micro$oft operating system (although drivers are getting written for Linux and other os's). An external modem is much better as they are a proper modem and don't rely on the cpu & software etc.	rmcb (164)
100107	2002-12-10 01:26:00	Be selective when referring to all external modems as hardware based, as external USB connected ones are usually "soft modems", with even more overhead required of the software. Serial RS232 connected are full hardware based modems.	godfather (25)
100108	2002-12-10 01:40:00	Sounds complicated... Maybe I should Beat up somebody from Xtra until they decide that Foxton [i]does[i] require ADSL... Until then, I'll just get more confused... Is there any way of telling, by looking at the box, the difference between a soft and a hard modem?	ambasluv (1414)
100109	2002-12-10 01:43:00	>Be selective when referring to all external modems as hardware based, as external USB connected ones are usually "soft modems", with even more overhead required of the software. >Serial RS232 connected are full hardware based modems. Goo on ya Godfather. I knew that you were around and I just wanted to make sure that you were paying attention. Glad to see you were! :p	crozier (2004)
100110	2002-12-10 01:48:00	Look on the box, if it say "requires microsoft windows or designed for microsoft windows" it is most likely a soft modem.	rmcb (164)
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