Ok, guys, it me again.

[rich_t]

No, this was an intermittent dsl modem. I could do NOTHING to convince that was the problem. They also found some high impedence in the line because the POTS was at a lower volume that it was in Becker.

Ah yes...  I've had that issue with TWC with a few cable modems.

POTS doesn't have a volume level, it means Plain Old Telephone Service.  High impendance is NOT caused by volume when dealing with POTS. 

[Thor]

Well, I'd argue that with you because that's what the technician told me. i forget the specifics. But, to put it simply (telephone volume on handset at full), in Becker, where we had DSL, telephone and video, the handset often had to be turned down. In Ramsey, before the problem was fixed, the telephone handset level at full and I could hardly hear anybody on the other end. Once the tech fixed the problem, the handset worked in Ramsey, just as it did in Becker. (different companies, too) Did he lie to me?? Perhaps. It makes sense to me. A high impedence would effectively reduce the volume at the handset.

[kenth]

Well, I'd argue that with you because that's what the technician told me. i forget the specifics. But, to put it simply (telephone volume on handset at full), in Becker, where we had DSL, telephone and video, the handset often had to be turned down. In Ramsey, before the problem was fixed, the telephone handset level at full and I could hardly hear anybody on the other end. Once the tech fixed the problem, the handset worked in Ramsey, just as it did in Becker. (different companies, too) Did he lie to me?? Perhaps. It makes sense to me. A high impedence would effectively reduce the volume at the handset.

It may have been a bridge tap that he had to disconnect. I had a fun problem with my last dsl, a high open condition, centered on a bridge tap. The telephone guy had never heard of it, but finally relented and started checking connections.

[ardentconservative]

I had a problem with Qwest techs when I first moved to Ramsey, MN. The DSL modem was intermittent. However, it wasn't intermittent enough. They could NEVER "see" the problem remotely. Long story short, I dumped them and went with Comcast. They have their problems, too

Well, I wish I could find wireless but it is not available in my area.  I checked into Hughes, but they want big dollars, for not many minutes. 

 

[ardentconservative]

Sounds like a congestion issue on the DSLAM.  If it begins to happen on a regular basis it might be an issue with the copper wire somewhere (corroded terminals etc.)

Well, rich, you are over my head here, never even heard of DSLAM.  What is it?

[Thor]

DSLAM

This would be similar to the Cable Modem Termination System that I worked on


CMTS

[ardentconservative]

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=computer+repair

Will cost you a few bucks, but might be worth it to you.

rich, must have missed this post, thanks, I will look into the sources you posted.

[PatriotGame]

Well, I'd argue that with you because that's what the technician told me. i forget the specifics. But, to put it simply (telephone volume on handset at full), in Becker, where we had DSL, telephone and video, the handset often had to be turned down. In Ramsey, before the problem was fixed, the telephone handset level at full and I could hardly hear anybody on the other end. Once the tech fixed the problem, the handset worked in Ramsey, just as it did in Becker. (different companies, too) Did he lie to me?? Perhaps. It makes sense to me. A high impedence would effectively reduce the volume at the handset.

Sounds like REN (Ring Equivalent Number) issues. The issue is that the total in-house (your internal home phone network past the demarcation point) impedance of the POTS line, determined by how many devices (telephones, DSL modems, Satellite TV receivers...) hanging off the line, can/will impact the volume level. Couple that with the issue of different areas of the POTS network, determined by geographical location, age/stability of equipment that is servicing that portion of the POTS network, and the actual physical 'health' (wiring age, termination integrity, connection corrosion) of the network.

I would stay on their ass though and MAKE them fix the issues. I used to have Qwest DSL and the same issues. Fortunately my father worked for Mountain Bell, now AT&T in Idaho for 45 years so I kind of know how to talk their talk.

[Thor]

No, it wasn't a REN issue. Most of my equipment had a REN of little consequence. Newer equipment has pretty much made that irrelevant. Besides. I had an HP all in one and a multiple handset cordless system connected. I forget what the upper limit on REN is, I want to say 5, but I know that wasn't the problem.