Problems With AOL Broadband

Greetings all.

I've subscribed to AOL Broadband since mid-July (that is when my DSL
line was activated), and it worked fine until mid-September. Suddenly,
it just lost connection, and it has been like that ever since.

My router says that it is unable to connect to ATM. I've heard rumours
on some newsgroups that AOL have changed their networks from PPPoA to
PPPoE. I have requested AOL for a 'service name' for use with PPPoE.

However, while using the BT Voyager 105 modem supplied by AOL, I get
different error messages altogether. Using the diagnostics software, I
get error code 676 ('phone line is busy'). I have tried this using 2
computers, both of which run Windows XP Service Pack 2 and AOL 9.0 .
However, I built up a computer from scratch today, installed Windows ME
on it, and tried using the modem. This time, I got error code 680 ('no
dial tone'). This does appear strange because I used the same modem,
using the same DSL filter (as I have a fax device on the same line),
and using the same socket.

All telephony devices (including the fax) work fine, using the DSL
filters provided by AOL.

My configuration is as follows:

OUTSIDE LINE
|
|- Sky Digibox 1
|
MAIN (INTERNAL) SOCKET (GPU) ----- SOCKET 1 (phone + Sky Digibox 2)
| | (wired into same connector)
| - SOCKET 2 (phone/fax + DSL modem)
|
|
SOCKET 3 (phone)
|
|
SOCKET 4 (unused at the moment)

----------------------------------------------------------------

I have been repeatedly in contact with AOL's sub-standard Customer
Services (through e-mail and telephone), and they have offered me a
large number of software-based solutions (reinstall modem drivers,
reinstall/repair AOL Connectivity Services, I think you get the
picture...), but none of these have worked for me so far. I have yet to
try using the router using the PPPoE configuration, as I'm currently
waiting for AOL to supply me with a 'service name' parameter.

More importantly, AOL have said to me, in an email, that they have
tested the line remotely (I presume through BT) and they say that there
is no problem with the Broadband line.

Anyone here have any idea what's going on? Any help would be
appreciated gratefully.

Many thanks in advance,

Llyr Jones

> I've subscribed to AOL Broadband

There's your problem

Don't worry, I'm sure AOL 10 (or whatever number they're up to now!) will be
out soon, and everyone with a PC older than 6 months, will have to install
new drivers!

I really can't see why anyone would cripple their PC with AOL's software. My
fiancee's family has been with AOL for years and years. Eveytime a new
version of AOL came out, they'd have trouble.

All I have from my current ISP is a username, and password - Simple! I have
*No* spamming, crippling, "software" installed on my PC!

Matthew Long

Matthew Long wrote:
>> I've subscribed to AOL Broadband
>
> There's your problem
>
> Don't worry, I'm sure AOL 10 (or whatever number they're up to now!)
> will be out soon, and everyone with a PC older than 6 months, will
> have to install new drivers!
>
> I really can't see why anyone would cripple their PC with AOL's
> software. My fiancee's family has been with AOL for years and years.
> Eveytime a new version of AOL came out, they'd have trouble.
>
> All I have from my current ISP is a username, and password - Simple!
> I have *No* spamming, crippling, "software" installed on my PC!
>
> Matthew Long

I'm with AOL and don't use their software... your point is?
--
huLLy
Mobile phone 07976 123278
ICQ 136-987-925

"Llyr Jones" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) ups.com...
> Greetings all.
>
> I've subscribed to AOL Broadband since mid-July (that is when my DSL
> line was activated), and it worked fine until mid-September. Suddenly,
> it just lost connection, and it has been like that ever since.
>
> My router says that it is unable to connect to ATM. I've heard rumours
> on some newsgroups that AOL have changed their networks from PPPoA to
> PPPoE.

That's not a rumour it's a fact. You should have received warning messages
on screen from AOL together with a link to download the software you need to
'migrate' your modem from the old network to the new one.

(kim)

kim wrote:
> "Llyr Jones" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed) ups.com...
> > Greetings all.
> >
> > I've subscribed to AOL Broadband since mid-July (that is when my DSL
> > line was activated), and it worked fine until mid-September. Suddenly,
> > it just lost connection, and it has been like that ever since.
> >
> > My router says that it is unable to connect to ATM. I've heard rumours
> > on some newsgroups that AOL have changed their networks from PPPoA to
> > PPPoE.
>
> That's not a rumour it's a fact. You should have received warning messages
> on screen from AOL together with a link to download the software you need to
> 'migrate' your modem from the old network to the new one.
>
> (kim)

I just got confirmation from AOL a few days ago. They hadn't contacted
me prior to that (regarding that matter), and I didn't get any warning
messages on screen either. Thanks anyway.

I have been able to find the PPPoE server using my router, but it is
unable to authenticate successfully. The username/password combination
is correct. I'm using 'PPPoE LLC' or 'PPPoE None' encapsulation,
VPI/VCI of (0,38), G.DMT modulation, and CHAP authentication (as
instructed by AOL Customer Services). Still it won't authenticate.

I have also read about the possibility of DSLAM ports being jammed. Is
there any possibility of having them unjammed (if that does indeed
prove to be the problem)?

"Llyr Jones" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) oups.com...
>
> kim wrote:
> > "Llyr Jones" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> > news:(E-Mail Removed) ups.com...
> > > Greetings all.
> > >
> > > I've subscribed to AOL Broadband since mid-July (that is when my DSL
> > > line was activated), and it worked fine until mid-September. Suddenly,
> > > it just lost connection, and it has been like that ever since.
> > >
> > > My router says that it is unable to connect to ATM. I've heard rumours
> > > on some newsgroups that AOL have changed their networks from PPPoA to
> > > PPPoE.
> >
> > That's not a rumour it's a fact. You should have received warning
messages
> > on screen from AOL together with a link to download the software you
need to
> > 'migrate' your modem from the old network to the new one.
> >
> > (kim)
>
> I just got confirmation from AOL a few days ago. They hadn't contacted
> me prior to that (regarding that matter), and I didn't get any warning
> messages on screen either. Thanks anyway.
>
> I have been able to find the PPPoE server using my router, but it is
> unable to authenticate successfully. The username/password combination
> is correct. I'm using 'PPPoE LLC' or 'PPPoE None' encapsulation,
> VPI/VCI of (0,38), G.DMT modulation, and CHAP authentication (as
> instructed by AOL Customer Services). Still it won't authenticate.
>
> I have also read about the possibility of DSLAM ports being jammed. Is
> there any possibility of having them unjammed (if that does indeed
> prove to be the problem)?

You lost me at 'router' )

Just to mention that if AOL crashes for any reason the installation disc
restores the old network settings and you have to go through the migration
process all over again. It's happened to me a lot lately.

(kim)