View Full Version : 64k ISDN to 128K - Please help
Fulton17
13-08-2005, 08:22 AM
I have looked at moving to ADSL, but with all the uncertainty regarding pricing, caping etc have decided - for now - to stay with ISDN. I thought I would try 128K as I am now using 64K.
BUT, not as easy as I thought. I changed settings on my computer (network connections) and even though both lines should be dialling in, I end up with my old 64K connection. After having connected a message comes up about account and lines bundling (or something in tht region). Initially both lines had dialled in, but after a brief period, the one line drops. :confused:
My ISP said that Hellkom needs to come change something on my side, but to the best of my knowledge that is rubbish. All I need to do is change a setting, and that should be fine.
The support person at my ISP was not sure of everything and he said that I need a new password and different log in details etc. He is investigating the matter.
Anyone offer any help and suggestions? Is it worth paying for two calls and getting the extra 64K
Thanks in adavnace.
Fulton17, I used to have ISDN 128, and it worked great while WorldOnline and Tiscali had it. Once MWEB took over, I found that the throughput on the 2nd 64 did nothing more than annoy me. It was spiky at best and had disconnections (even on the 64k).
That eventually drove me to ADSL - it's sad to say, but it now works me out cheaper than the erratic response I had.
You see, you have no control over your 2nd connection. If it disconnects and reconnect (in the blink of an eye), you will not even be aware of it as authentication already happened on the 1st 64k. You will notice it on throughput and on your Telkom bill!
To answer your original question. Two things need to be done.
1. Your ISP has to have your account enabled for 128k
2. You have to make sure the ISDN driver installed has the 128k MP option selected. (Be careful not to select "on demand" <-- expensive mistake). You will also need to look that "multi link" option is selected.
Thanks it. Good luck! (And watch the phone bill!)
brooko
13-08-2005, 02:02 PM
Yea, nothing needs to be done to your line, you already have two 64k digital lines ariving at ur place. You do just need to make sure that Multi-Linking is selected under the advanced options of the connection somewhere and that'll take care of the dual chanel connection if its not working now...
Does your modem show up as 2 modems or 1, usualy if it shows up as two you must just make sure that the check boxes for both are selected, and multi-linking is on, and windows does the rest.
What type of modem do u have?? I had many problems with ISDN when i first got it when trying to connect dual-channel, but in the end it turned out to be a *** modem..
The ISP doesn't need to give you two passwords and logins, just having 128k ISDN enabled on the account does it. Anyway there is no way to assign diffrent usernames & passwords to the diffrent channels... Make sure that they have activated the 128k option on their side, as it sounds like both channels are connecting, and then the one is being dropped during its authentication (it happens a few seconds after the first line) by the ISP cuz ur account doesnt allow 128k... The ppl u spoke to at ur isp dont sound like they know what they are talking about... As i said, telkom DO NOT need to make any changes to ur line...
Fulton17
13-08-2005, 08:41 PM
What type of modem do u have?? I had many problems with ISDN when i first got it when trying to connect dual-channel, but in the end it turned out to be a *** modem..
(Sorry brooko, but do not know how to put quotes in a message)
I have a Mecer external modem.
I have also dialled in twice, so have had two 64K connections, but all that seems to happen is that the one is like it is on stand by, and there is pretty much no traffic. If I disconnect the "active" line, the standby one takes over. I had hoped maybe that it would work that way, but appears not.
Thanks for your help and input - I am sure all will be working soon. Do appreciate the warnings for sure
Fiveby5
13-08-2005, 08:53 PM
I remember the days not so long ago when Telkom didn't check to see if you had a 128K or 64K account :D
Lotsa times I got away with a 128K connection, but they check now. I don't see why though, they still make double with the call costs.... bastards!
They even called to ask if I knew that I was dialing in with both lines. Yeesh.
-toady-
13-08-2005, 09:08 PM
The most interesting thread this is in ages... having received two horrifying accounts from Telkom out of the blue... it would, judging from your posts be the fault of the modem... quite happy with a 64 but have been charged for 128 for some inexplicable reason (*winks at Telscum) for the last three months...having purchased a considerably more expensive modem recently we now wait with interest to see the next account.
Thanks guys :D
BitRogue
15-08-2005, 10:18 AM
How are Teklom checking and enforcing line bundling? I have a 64K account with them, but have from time to time bundled my lines - mostly to check that it can be done and how effective it is - and I must admit it works like a charm, but have had no disconnects or phone calls to say "Please Stop!" or the like.
Fulton17
15-08-2005, 04:54 PM
Thanks, BitRogue for your feedback. Makes me realise it can be done hassle free and is worth it.
BitRogue
15-08-2005, 06:10 PM
Thanks, BitRogue for your feedback. Makes me realise it can be done hassle free and is worth it.
heh heh, no problem, but I have to put a disclaimer in - I havent run a full weekend with lines bundled yet. Just a few evenings here and there to make up for the lack of time I would normally have on a long weekend.
My setup is a little P2 333 running Fedora Core 3 and an internal Microcom (winmodem) ISDN terminal. It gets used for nothing else than as an internet gateway and file/print server. I automatically dial out on 64K, but if I feel like it, I have a script that will add the second line on demand - and another to disconnect it. My ISP is Telkomsa (as much as I dislike them, they do have a rock solid setup)
Fiveby5
16-08-2005, 04:10 AM
How are Teklom checking and enforcing line bundling? I have a 64K account with them, but have from time to time bundled my lines - mostly to check that it can be done and how effective it is - and I must admit it works like a charm, but have had no disconnects or phone calls to say "Please Stop!" or the like.
No arugments, it's does work like a charm, but you're lucky that they have not enforced the 64K thing on you. I think I got this when they changed the pricing on the 64 and 128K accounts a while ago. I can't connect to 128K since then. Might be because I stayed on like entire weekends on 128K :D
Fulton17
16-08-2005, 04:53 PM
No arugments, it's does work like a charm, but you're lucky that they have not enforced the 64K thing on you. I think I got this when they changed the pricing on the 64 and 128K accounts a while ago. I can't connect to 128K since then. Might be because I stayed on like entire weekends on 128K
Sorry Fiveby5 but still have not got the hang of how these quotes inserts work :confused:
But, if I have the infintcall option, surely this should not be a problem. Guess I will have to phone our friends at Hellkom internet and see if they can shed some light on this option.
IceQB
16-08-2005, 11:06 PM
In the 2 years hat ive had isdn i have been paying for 64k but connection @ 128k with telkom a isp...
Never had any connection problems except for the first two connections i made which had quite a "few" errors.
Telkom techie sorted it and told me then hat i could bundle it like that without them knowing, he has been doing it like that for years!!!