Newsgroup: it.comp.hardware.modem
Titolo: V.92 Modems and Telemarketer Monitoring

What follows is a diary of my problem.  It was put forth by a radio
talk show host that there are programs in use that automatically dial
phone numbers of potential targets.  These programs only log the days
and times the target answers the calls.  I have received several phone
calls at various time of the day in which no one is on the other end. 
It is my belief that these calls are the result of this type of
program.
My system:  Window 2000 Professional; U.S. Robotics 5699B.
The problem started on Sunday June 8,2003.  While attempting to
connect to AOL, the U.S. Robotics 5699B modem, V.92 technology
hardware, made an odd clicking sound as it tried, unsuccessfully, to
dial.  This was approximately 9:30am.  The previous day at 4:36pm I
was able to log into AOL.  The original thought was the modem was
defective.  After reviewing the receipt I realized that this was the
30th day for a return or exchange from Best Buy.  Uninstalling the
modem I returned to the place of purchase to exchange it.  Later that
night after returning from work, I tested the new equipment by trying,
successfully, to connect to my ISP.  I thought the problem solved.
The next day, Monday, I also was triumphant in reaching AOL.  I was
thwarted shortly by the connection being lost.  I was able to regain
the connection, which lasted for one-half an hour.  I recovered the
hard drive from a Norton Ghost back up; with the thought a setting
became corrupted.  Afterwards scandisk was run to ensure integrity of
the hard drive.  The ensuing connection attempts had the same negative
effect.  Upon returning from school, I replaced my grandfather's
‘home-made' phone line from the interior junction to the upstairs
bedroom where the computer is located with a continuous line purchased
from the local Radio Shack.  This was completed around 9:30pm.  I was
able to connect without incident.
Tuesday morning was another matter.  Shortly after 9:00am the
connection was lost again after 36 minutes online.  I was never able
to reconnect until later that evening after work.  I do not have Call
Waiting but set both the modem and AOL to block this feature.  This
had no effect on the connection.
Wednesday morning I was unable to establish a connection at all.  It
was at this time I contacted U.S. Robotics (USR) via 
1.801.401.1141
(Case#: 299057841).  I was given instructions to set up a
HyperTerminal connection to the USR modem diagnostics line
[1.800.624.5123
].  The attempt yielded a "No Carrier" message.  Upon
returning a call to USR, the representative instructed me to return
the modem to Bet Buy as being "DOA – out of the box."  It was also
suggested I purchase a dedicated surge protector for the phone line
since the surge strip the phone line runs through does not protect
adequately.  This was purchased before work.  Upon returning home and
installing the phone line protection I attempted yet again to connect
to AOL.  This was done with satisfaction.  After disconnecting, I
tried the HyperTerminal again.  This was able to work.
Thursday June 12, 2003, my morning attempts to log on failed.  At this
time I contacted my local phone service's repair service, Verizon, to
shed some light in a possible line or system problem.  I was informed
that since I have an analog line and am connecting via an analog modem
it was of no concern to them.  It was suggested I contact AOL.
Friday June 13, 2003 was a day I did not have to work.  I woke about
8:45am and attempted to run HyperTerminal.  The initial attempt
failed.  Periodically throughout the day other attempts were made. 
The last failed attempt occurred at 8:30pm.  At 9:30pm success was in
hand.  This indicates whatever the cause of the modem disruption ends
between these two times.  It is a law that telemarketers cannot call
after 9:00pm.  Is there a connection?  I am unsure as to when the
earliest telemarketers are allowed to call.
Saturday a HyperTerminal attempt was successful at 5:30am.  An attempt
just before 7:00am was not.  Upon returning from work around 7:00pm, I
booted and shut down the computer three times to clear any stray
settings from programs run between the morning's attempts.  On the
third boot up another HyperTerminal session was initiated.  This
attempt failed also.  In an attempt to narrow the time in which
triumphant are established, I began polling USR's diagnostic link
shortly before 9:00pm.  The results prior to the "Golden Hour" yielded
a ‘No Carrier' message but after the hour connections could be made
and maintained.  Therefore whatever the cause for the disruption is
terminated at 9:00pm. [*Note: the computer clock is set about eight
minutes fast.]
On Sunday, one full week since the start of this dilemma, an attempt
to set up a HyperTerminal link was successful about 5:45am.  Directly
I tried to connect to AOL but could not.  Immediately another
HyperTerminal attempt was initiated which also brought about negative
results.
Tuesday June 17, 2003.  I contacted USR to get the disabling codes for
the V.92 features.  After setting the modems an attempt to dial out
with HyperTerminal and AOL proved unsuccessful.  It is not the V.92
features that are the culprit.
If it is indeed an AOL problem why didn't the HyperTerminal connection
work?
If it is a modem problem, why did the same problem occur to two
different modems?  One was in use for one month and the other fresh
out of the box.  Since my phone number is not on Pennsylvania's "No
Call List", it is my belief that a telemarketing affiliated group or
individual has my phone number monitored for use by some computer
software.  This software is sending a signal that negatively affects
V.92 modems.  It is my understanding this type is a passive device in
which the complete technical aspects are unknown.  The real question
is, "If my hypothesis is correct, who would have the capability to
monitor my phone usage so intimately?"  My phone provider is Verizon.
*Note:  The incomming line is the old single twisted pair type (I
purchased the house from my grandfather).
Now the questions:
Has anyone ever heard of this problem lately?
Can this monitoring be circumvented?
Is there some other settings I could try to make this modem dummer,
i.e. ignore any interference?

 a ?No Carrier' message but after the hour connections could be made
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