118 www.gateway.comChapter 9: Troubleshooting■ Disconnect any answering machine, fax machine, or printer that ison the same line as the modem. Do not connect these devices tothe same telephone line as the modem.■ Make sure that you are not using a digital, rollover, or PBX line.These lines do not work with your modem.■ Check for line noise (scratchy, crackling, or popping sounds). Linenoise is a common problem that can cause the modem to connectat a slower rate, abort downloads, or even disconnect. The faster themodem, the less line noise it can tolerate and still work correctly.Listen to the line using your telephone. Dial a single number (suchas 1). When the dial tone stops, listen for line noise. Wiggle themodem cable to see if that makes a difference. Make sure that theconnectors are free from corrosion and all screws in the wall ortelephone wall jack are secure.You can also call your telephone service and have the telephone linechecked for noise or low line levels.■ Try another telephone line (either a different telephone number inyour house or a telephone line at a different location). If you canconnect on this line, call your telephone service to fix the originalline.■ Try connecting with the modem at a lower connection speed. Ifreducing the connect speed lets you connect, call your telephoneservice. The telephone line may be too noisy.You cannot connect to the Internet■ The ISP may be having technical difficulties. Contact your ISP fortechnical support.■ See if the modem works with a different communications program.The problem may be with just one program.■ Review the troubleshooting information under “Internet” onpage 114.Your 56K modem does not connect at 56KCurrent FCC regulations restrict actual data transfer rates over publictelephone lines to 53K. Other factors, such as line noise, telephone serviceprovider equipment, or ISP limitations, may lower the speed even further.
