Complicated RAS/Modem/IP Problem

[cycledick]

I have a Dell Optiplex 320 running Windows XP Pro SP3 with, as of tonight, all critical updates installed. I'm using a Perle PCI-RAS 8 modem card for OUTBOUND dialing that I updated to the latest drivers via Perle's website (2.6.11.0). I use these modem connections to dial out to multiple Linux-based servers for remote administration via a PPP connection.

Recently, I've developed a two-fold problem. The first problem to develop was my connections would hang at the "verifying username and password" stage. They just do nothing until the connection times out. If I try again, usually it would go through just fine. Sometimes it will hang a second time, but connect fine on the third try. This has been going on for months, but seems to be getting worse.

The second problem to develop is that I lose IP connectivity at seemingly random times AFTER my call is established. I'll get connected and I'll have IP connectivity to the remote PC for anywhere from 2 seconds to 20 minutes, but then it just abruptly stops. I don't get disconnected from the modem and my IP connectivity appears to be functional, but no IP traffic goes across the connection. If I hangup and try it again, it's fine for another random interval. My LAN connection stays working fine.

This happens with dozens of different machines that are all running different versions of OS and are on different platforms so I know it's my computer.

I haven’t installed any software recently. I have reset my TCP/IP stack via the ‘netsh’ command. I have removed and reinstalled the software for the Perle PCI-RAS card. I’ve removed all components from the Device Manager and rebooted my PC. I’ve even tried different phone lines. Same results. I’m baffled.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what the problem may be? Thanks in advance.

-Richard

 

[linney]

Are there any clues appearing in the Event Viewer?

Are you able to connect via "Safe Mode with Networking"?

What security programs are you running, have you tried temporarily disabling these?

310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;310353&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;316434&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560

 

[JockMullin]

Hi, Richard

What immediately comes to mind is the phone line. Is this a dedicated line? Are there any other devices attached to the same line? Is there any chance of incoming calls on the line causing the dreaded call waiting interruption?

You may be having intermittent static on the line which is insufficient to cause a modem disconnect but causes a burst of garbage chars including flow control chars which can break the link.

Can you try another phone line?

Jock

 

[cycledick]

Nothing in the logs
No security software, period.
Safe-Mode with Networking, no difference.
Tried 3 phone lines, same results.

I do believe I've narrowed it down to the Perle PCI-RAS 8 card. I've got a very old AT&T Comsphere 3820 external serial modem, and that connects fine and stays connected fine for as long as I let it sit. Problem is I get 4.8K which is a tad on the slow side.

I did update the firmware. I think I might just be hosed. I got the board off Ebay, so I'm not going to get any support from Perle without a maintenance contract. Plus, it might just be bad I guess. I really only use two ports out of the 8. So let me experiment with the other 6 ports. Maybe I just wore out the first two?