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Connecting and Disconnecting Your Modem

Connecting to the Modem Pools

To connect to the UW Technology modem pools, follow the operating instructions for your modem and software. The procedure is something like this:

  1. Dial the number for the UW Technology modem pool of your choice. Depending on the software you are using, you may or may not be prompted for a username and password.
  2. If you are prompted for a username and password, enter your UW NetID and password.

When you have logged in, if you are using the UW Internet Connectivity Kit, you are ready to begin work--running FTP or Internet Explorer, connecting via Telnet to a computer, etc.

Common Problems When Attempting to Connect

NO CARRIER OR MODEM NOT RESPONDING

When you try to start a session, your communications software may give you a warning such as "No Carrier" or "Modem Not Responding." Usually this means you forgot to turn on your modem or connect the phone line to your modem.

BUSY SIGNAL

All the UW Technology modem pools are heavily used, especially on weekday evenings and near the middle and end of quarters. At such times, you may have to try several times before you get a connection. Remember to try the express pool for short sessions.

Disconnecting From the Modem Pools

When you have completed your work and wish to disconnect:

  1. Completely close all programs that require a PPP connection. (If you were using a departmental computer or a UA computer such as Dante or Homer, logout. If you were using Netscape or FTP, from the File menu choose Exit or Close.)

    The software closes your session and hangs up your phone.

  2. Terminate the network connection. If you are a Windows 95 user, in the Connected To window, click Disconnect. If you are a Macintosh user, select the FreePPP menu (it looks like a phone) and then select Close PPP Connection. If you are a Windows 3.x user, you will know this has happened when the Trumpet Winsock icon disappears from your screen. If the icon has not disappeared after five to ten seconds, you should close any open dial-in programs.

IMPORTANT: Do not turn off either your computer or your modem before you have properly disconnected. If you do, it may leave the modem hung or your host session open.

If you have connected to the express modem pool, you will be automatically disconnected after 15 minutes. A warning message will be sent to you 20 seconds before your session is cut off, but (depending on the application you are using) the warning may not be visible to you.