Powering down the external modem?

[Humboldt]

Hey folks. I have a Speedstream 4060 for my DSL connection (I know, I know, cable's better, but not the 1 cable provider where I live). Every so often when I try to connect, it's not able to make the connection and times out. I've been told by the PacBell techs to "power down" the modem by unplugging the USB connection from the modem for a minute or so, then plugging it back in. The modem loads its firmware again, and when I try to connect this usually works. Other friends with different DSL providers have gotten the same "power down the modem" advice. Why is this even needed in the first place?

[Storm90]

I would just leave it on and save the pain and time it takes to reset. I never turn mine off I leave it on24/7. I have never had a problem with it.

[Brent]

because usb is bad

get a real setup, PCI NIC with Cat5 to DSL Modem

[glc1]

Originally posted by Humboldt:
Other friends with different DSL providers have gotten the same "power down the modem" advice. Why is this even needed in the first place?
It's like restarting a computer. It's good to do it every now and then. Definitely dump USB and get a NIC/Ethernet modem, if possible.



[This message has been edited by glc1 (edited 10-25-2000).]

[Humboldt]

What is NIC, a different way of connecting the modem to the computer, or different port plugs, or...? And why would the modem refuse to make a connection, then do it after a power down? I understand, within my limited realm of knowledge, that this is common for DSL and cable modems. Is there anything you can do besides powering down, anything that can be changed ahead of time? Thanks

[Humboldt]

Looked around, read a (very little) bit about NIC. How would a Network Interface Card let me bypass the USB port? I'm a hardware newbie and would appreciate any advice. Is this an internal modem that bypasses the need for a USB connection between the computer and an external modem?

[glc1]

Originally posted by Humboldt:
[B]Is this an internal modem that bypasses the need for a USB connection between the computer and an external modem?Nope, a NIC is a device that allows ur system to participate on a LAN (Local Area Network) and broadband ISPs also use them w/modems. The problem is u have a USB modem so if u wanted to use a NIC, u would have to get an Ethernet modem (if supported by ur ISP).



[This message has been edited by glc1 (edited 10-25-2000).]

[Humboldt]

Ahhh. I see the light. So unless I want to get a new modem, then I have to put up with the powering down. Not too large a hassle, certainly not worth a couple hundred dollars to me. Are NIC better the USB in other ways, more stable or more secure, anything that might make me want to pony up the money? Thanks GLC1, you've been a big help.

[glc1]

Originally posted by Humboldt:
Are NIC better the USB in other waysUSB adapters/modems take up CPU cycles and r generally more prone to conflicts. Plus, not all OSes support them. The reason y ISPs use them is b/c they r easier/cheaper. I, and many others as well, just prefer the NIC/ethernet modem combo.


Originally posted by Humboldt:
anything that might make me want to pony up the money?Tell PacBell that u want to upgrade to Win2k and u don't want to use the beta Win2k drivers so they need to give u a NIC and Ethernet modem. When I had PacBell DSL, an SMC NIC and Alcatel ethernet modem was included in the install cost.