Dial up modem - phone call knock off

[dougjnn]

This is a newbie sort of question, because I don't know about sharing a phone line between computer and voice. I used to have a second line and have had cable modem service for some time now.

But I want to set some nephews and niece of mine up on the internet. There is only one phone line in their home and that isn't going to change soon. Their mother doesn't want internet use to tie up the phone lines for incoming calls, until a certain hour.

I think what happens is that the internet connection is thrown off when a phone call comes through. Because I have heard that people sometimes need to enter some # number code into their phone to keep that from happening. Knocking off is what they want to happen. But if that isn't what happens, is there some way of making it happen? They have call waiting as well. Does that make a difference?

Does anybody know about any of this?

 

[GadgetGuy]

Yes, depending on the modem, go to the manufacturer's website and find out what code to enter into the modem properties. On my Zoom DualMode modem for example, I would enter AZT in my extra settings blank in the modem properties, this way, when a call is coming through, I can either have it disconnect me, or have it to where the modem makes a loud psssssssssss noise (you know the one that happens when its connecting?) and then you can disconnect.

 

[Biggs]

Yes, depending on your location and telco, you need to input a code to disable call waiting. This feature is usually found in your modem propeties page.

 

[goldboyd]

not sure what the above guys are talking about, but if you want to get disconnected when someone tries to call you, you need callwaiting.

 

[DeeK]

Generally, the code to dial in to disable call waiting is "*70,". So is you dial 555-1234 with the modem, change it to *70,5551234.

 

[Gearbox]

DeeK is correct, the code to DISABLE call waitting is usally *70 and you would add this to your to the begining of the number you dial to reach your ISP. Do this if you want to block incomming calls from causing a disconnect when you are using the modem. (You could also check your local phone book to be sure *70 is right for your area).

HOWEVER, in your case it sounds like you really want to have incomming calls interupt your modem session, so you should not use this code.

Since you can not hear call waiting "beep" when using computer you would assume that unexpected disconnect means incomming call. When this happens I think you can do a "flash" to pick up incomming call, but I have not personally tried this since I went for a 2nd line instead.

Hope this helps and is not to confusing.

 

[Thegonagle]

I used to have this problem. My solution was call forwarding for $2~3 per month. I don't have any other features on my line anymore. Whenever I'm online, all incomming calls to my home phone ring to my cell phone. If anyone in the house has a cell phone, this can work out nicely. I know that many modems will NOT disconnect upon a call waiting beep, so you can't rely on that theory. For example, my dad's USRobotics 56K hardware modem would never disconnect. His solution was to order voicemail for $6~7 per month, so callers could leave a message while he was online.

Until the new v.92 (I think) standard with internet-call waiting hits the shelves, there is little else that can be done.

 

[Gearbox]

Another option would be one of the newer "Call-Waiting" modems.

Supposedly they recognize the call waiting signal from your phone company and give a ring indication if your on-line and get an incomming call. Gives you the ability to answer the phone to find out who is calling without loosing internet connection, you then have the option to take the call or go back to internet.

Actiontec "Call Waiting"($65) and Zoom V.92($52) are two examples of a modem with this feature, but I am sure there are more. I have not had the opportunity to use this feature so can not say how well it works, maybe somebody else can.

Hope this helps.