Tips to Improve Your Rural Internet Connection
- Unplug other equipment - try unplugging things like phones, faxes, cordless phone base stations, bells, answer machines, double adapters, extension cords, Sky digital decoders, and monitored alarm systems from the phone line when you are on the Internet. These can reduce connect speeds and cause disconnections. Alarm systems are usually programmed to call into the monitoring station at regular times so check with your supplier that it isn't programmed to call when you want to use the Internet.
- Avoid using telephone extension cords if you can.
- Check the phone wiring - the new two-wire telephone wiring system offers improved performance over the old three-wire system. If you have two or more phone outlets in the house, and they are not the modern two-wire type (with a small two on the face plate instead of an M or S) consider upgrading. Consider installing a new outlet near your computer if you are using an extension lead.
- Check your modem - some modems try to go too fast on more
challenging rural lines causing problems connecting and staying connected to
the Internet. These modems often perform more reliably if you force them to
connect at lower speeds and give more time to negotiate a connection. Check
your modem documentation to find the command to do this.
- For example for a
Dynalink rural modem the "Extra Settings" field
to extend the connection time to 120 seconds is "S7=120",
to limit the speed to no faster than 33k6 is "+ms=11,,300,33600,,"
(In some other Dynalink modems the command is "+ms=V.34,,300,33600",
and in USR/3COM modems "&U1&N16").
- Therefore in the case of a Dynalink rural modem you would:
- enter "S7=90+MS=11,,300,33600,," in the "Extra settings" field.
- To do this under
Windows XP (using a mouse):
- Click on "Start";
- Then go to "Settings", "Control Panel" and click on it;
- Double click on "Phone and Modem Options";
- Click on the "Modems" tab;
- Highlight the modem you are using for your Internet connection by clicking on it;
- Click "Properties" button;
- Click on the "Advanced" tab;
- Insert the modem command string in the "Extra initialisation commands:" field;
- Click on the "Change Default Preferences..." button;
- Change the "Cancel the call if not connected within" value to 120 secs;
- Click "Ok" button;
- Click "Ok" button;
- Click "Close" button;
- Close the "Control panel" window.
- Therefore in the case of a Dynalink rural modem you would:
- For example for a
Dynalink rural modem the "Extra Settings" field
to extend the connection time to 120 seconds is "S7=120",
to limit the speed to no faster than 33k6 is "+ms=11,,300,33600,,"
(In some other Dynalink modems the command is "+ms=V.34,,300,33600",
and in USR/3COM modems "&U1&N16").
- Check your digital mobile-phone - digital mobile phones and other radio transmitters have been known to cause disconnection when near a PC or phone line. Either switch them off while you are on the Internet, or put them well away from your computer, modem and phone wiring.
- Check the modem driver and firmware - make sure you use the most appropriate driver and firmware for your modem. Modem manufacturers release new software and firmware periodically to fix problems and improve performance. Loading the latest driver or firmware may resolve problems you are experiencing.
- Check power cable location - avoid running your telephone cable close to power cables and speaker wires. This can increase the noise on your line and degrade performance. Avoid placing your external modem and/or the computer itself near other high power or electrically noisy appliances (heaters, microwaves, conventional ovens, vacuum cleaners or other appliances with electric motors, fluorescent and neon lights, welding plant, etc). Aim to keep at least 150mm away from these if you can, the further the better.
- Protect against power surges and sags - problems with the quality of your power supply can also cause Internet connection problems. If you have frequent power outages or regularly experience flickering or dimming of your lights you may like to consider getting a true on-line no-break Un-interruptible Power Supply (UPS) to supply both your computer and modem if it is an external one. If you are in an area prone to electrical storms then either a UPS with in-built surge protection or an external surge protector should be installed to protect the UPS and computer.
This pamphlet is intended to provide general tips - please contact your electrician of the problem persists or you need further advice.
Contact for Enquiries
Rural Affairs Coordinator
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 4 894 0675
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0745
Contact this person
