Somewhat related to modem operations - interesting tidbit.

As I write, one of my clients can't connect to my internet site via his
ISP.  He's a MSNET customer, using MickySoft to the fullest.

Being an energetic chap, he pursued the matter, trying to find out why he
couldn't implement "where do you want to go today".

Turned out the problem was in the USA - the MSNET Domain Name Server was
down due to a local power outage (presumably on the MicroSoft campus). 
Implementing a worldwide intended monopoly DNS without nobreak power should
be cause for hanging by improbable portions of one's anatomy.  (And
probably is, as I write..:-)

Why's this here?   This looked _exactly_ like a modem protocol negotiation
fault.  He could dial out, connect, it would handshake partway, freeze, and
a moment or two later, disconnect.  Trace on WinSock finally brought out a
clue, then a very aggrieved phone call on his part to some luckless MS
employee found the actual cause.  Took over an hour to sweat through and
identify.

Moral - it ain't always your own gear - even when it looks like it.

Regards,
Dave Hatch.

--- Msgedsq 3.20