PE> 1. We get a 28800 connect on a noisy line.
PE> 2. We get a lot of noise on the line, so the modems decide to
PE> retrain immediately
PE> 3. It takes more than 0.75 seconds for the retrain to happen
PE> 4. By then, the time has expired for a V42 connection.

IS> That's entirely possible.  If you're seeing this happen much, you (and/or 

We are.  Still collecting stats, but it's something like 40%
failed calls (28800, no EC).  

IS> the other person) will likely do better by adjusting the modem to demand a 
IS> higher quality signal (lower bit error rate) for a given negotiated speed.  

Suggestions for the USR Sportster V.34 or Netcomm M34F?

IS> As long as fallforward isn't disabled, the modems may shift back up later 
IS> anyway, if line conditions are mutually deemed to have improved.

Sounds fair.

IS> I may have said it before, but 24000/Lap-M is likely a better, more 
IS> productive (and as fast) a link as 28800/none.  26400/Lap-M certainly is.  
IS> Some people round here achieved just such results on a Motorola lifestyle, 
IS> by that method.

Two points:

1. Why isn't 28800 just as productive, assuming fallback is enabled?

2. The problem is more fundamental than that.  Even if the lines are
noisy at 28800, EC should still be negotiated.  EC was not something
designed to be used purely on good lines, after all!  And if the
lines are so lousy that you can't get any of the EC characters
through, the modems with their default settings have no right to be
connecting at 28800.  That is lying and cheating.  They should be
connecting at 19200, or whatever the lines REALLY allow.

BFN.  Paul.
@EOT:

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