Interleaving is forward error correction. Your packet bits are spread in time and interleaved with bits from other packets, so that a noise spike has less chance of causing data loss. This is a design feature which makes video streaming (a la "video on demand) more robust. Remember that ADSL was originally developed for "cable TV on copper loops" but when that didn't take off it was (is) used for highspeed internet access. TCP/IP has it's own error correcting facilities and interleaving is not nearly as important. Fast Path (fastcells, fast switched) disables or greatly reduces the interleaving "spread" of the bits.
Decreased latency (ping times) can improve performance of streaming content and makes browsing more snappy. It can also help with FTP and other densely-packed file transfer protocols. Low pings are critical for online gaming.
If you changed over, you probably would not see any problems unless your line is marginal. TCP/IP retransmits packets which are corrupted and unless your line has high packet loss, can handle the occasional noise burst quite nicely. If you have a very noisy line your modem could lose sync, which is not good at all. This is unlikely.
On Ameritech, if your first and/or second hop into the network is well under about 60 ms (usually under 20) you are already on Fastpath. Interleaved lines will read about 60 ms or higher at hop 2 on a traceroute.
To get changed over, send a message to one of the SBC ASI techs (see /faq/7930 ), with the following information: - Username - Phone Number you used to sign up - Service address - Circuit ID number (on tag in NID or on sticker on front of folder you got when they connected you up) if you have it - request to be changed from interleaving to fastpath
Note: If you are on line-shared self-install or were installed after September 5, 2000 you are already on fastpath.
Also see this thread. A good general explanation of the theory of Interleaving is here.
The General Tweak FAQ is so large and big, it can take a long time to find all the information you need just for your dsl account. I wanted to make a smaller condensed step-by-step FAQ that would apply to Ameritech that a person can do and finish within 10-15 minutes and with only 1 reboot. Some of this will be cut and pasted from the tweak, but it will be edited to make it easy. Before you do anything though, back up your registry by doing scanreg /backup in the MS-DOS Prompt. Editing the registry can be a dangerous thing if you don't know what you are doing. Stay away from the delete and backspace key.
This is for the basic dsl setup for most customers. Enternet 300 software and a NIC/dsl modem combo or 4060. Some steps will not apply if you are using a router or different PPPOE software. This applies mostly to Windows 95/98/ME. Some of the steps do apply to Windows 2000 and NT also, but the registry keys may be different and the setup screens will be found in different areas. Please feel free to submit NT and 2000 specific modifications to the faq.
Before proceeding, you must back up the registry. Go to Start-Run, type in “scanreg /backup” at the command prompt.
1) Download Dr. TCP and raise your RWIN to between 16000 and 65535. Many ameritech users seem to think 32100 works best. Though it will vary from person to person.
2) Set the MTU for your Enternet 300 PPPOE adapter by following this procedure that Pinan(The Tweaks forum moderator) outlined in the Tweaks FAQ. Here is the procedure: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Setting MTU with Enternet. The thing with NTS Enternet is that you can not use DrTCP to tweak the MTU (it will work for everything else though). Another thing is that NTS has limited the MTU (or as they call it, the MaxFrameSize) to a maximum of 1454. Here's what you should do to give you the broadest range for your "possible" MTU.
You have to tweak the registry. Remember NTS has limited the MTU to 1454 while the PPPoE Maximum is 1492. Although this small increase will do you no good if you don't actually have an MTU greater or equal to 1454, it still widens your MTU's upper bound. Open regedit and go here:
(Where "n" is a number, and the registry directory for your Network Telesystems PPPoE Adapter (NTSP3) adapter). It's the one with the actual MaxFrameSize string (this is not the one you edit). Now the thing that you want to modify is the "max" string in that 000n directory. Change that to 1492. Now re-boot. (Even though Pinan says to reboot here. You don't have to reboot just follow the other steps. We can get this all done on 1 reboot at the end. :) ) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ (To be sure that you put the settings in the correct places, go Here and down-load some pictures of the registry): ~~~~~~~~~~~~
3) (Quoted from Pinan) Ok, now that the upper limit on your MTU is good, it's time to set it. Go to:
Start Settings Control Panel Network Network Telesystems Enternet PPPoE Adapter (NTSP3) Click on the advanced tab Do you see that thing called "MaxFrameSize"? Change that to 1492.
4) Stay in the Network control panel. Double click on tcp/ip for your NIC or Speedstream 4060 modem. Specify an ip address here 192.168.1.10. Specify the subnet mask 255.255.255.0. Click Ok and click OK again. If it asks you to reboot, say no.
5) Right-click "My Computer" and select properties. Click on Performance. Make sure you have at least 80% system resources free. Click on OK. If you don't have at least 80%, you can remove some programs from starting up every time you boot windows. There are 2 ways to do this. A) Go to Start-Run-explorer. Go to C:WINDOWSStart MenuProgramsStartUp. Remove the shortcuts you see here unless you want them to come up during startup, such as scanner software, printer software, cd burning utilities, firewalls, antivirus. Those are good things to keep. Close the window when you are done. B) The second method is for the advanced computer user. Go to Start-Run-msconfig. Remove the wrong thing here and you could mess up your PC.
Reboot the PC after doing A or B. Check system resources again. If it's not over 80%, that's fine as long as it moved up higher your PC will still work faster. This is your only reboot. :)
6) After reboot, Double click on Internet Explorer, Go to Tools-Internet Options. Click on "Delete Files" in the Temporary Internet Files folder and put a check in "Delete all offline content". Click OK. Then, click on "settings" in the Temporary Internet Files Folder. Set the option for it to automatically checked for newer versions of stored pages. Change the Amount of Diskspace to use to 1 MB. Click on the Connections Tab. Click on Lan Settings. Make sure everything here is blank unless you use a proxy server. Click OK in this window and in the Internet options window.
Surf around and you will see it browse noticably faster even though your speed tests and file transfer rates are the same, your browser will be faster.
This is a good start for most beginners. Thanks to Pinan and all the great posters. I have gathered a lot of information from here into one nice page. If this looks good, please let it be added to the Ameritech FAQ. :)
Again, be careful with the registry. If you get in trouble, and need to restore the registry. Reboot the PC by CTRL-ALT-DEL twice or power off and power on, and hit F-8 as it starts up and the first screen fades away, choose command prompt only at the boot menu. Type scanreg /restore. Choose the day before you did the changes and your registry will be restored. You may want to wait at least 2 days after your installation to do these tweaks. That way you will have a good copy of your registry after the installation but before the tweaks.
ASI is SBC's Data CLEC, Advanced Solutions, Inc. They operate similar to Covad, for example. ASI is the result of FCC and local PUC regulatory requirements that services such as DSL *not* be provided by the telco arm of SBC, as part of the smoke-and-mirrors "competition" that regulators hold up as an example of what FCCs and PUCs do for us.
CSI is Customer Self Install, which is the help desk that works with new installations to get them up and running. When you call CSI you may be talking to any one of SBC, ASI or Convergys (the call-center contractor who handles tier-1 tech support), and they may be just about anywhere except the Ameritech region--thanks to bean counters and their idea of efficient operation, none of the tech support is based where Ameritech DSL is available.
DSL available for 1 line but not other? Hey, I called SBC today because I found something queer using the online qualification. I tried my primary number and to no avail, i was not availble for DSL, but on my second phone line it was available. So I called and asked why, she told me it must be an error. I've asked a street tech about a year ago, when I was getting the lines installed while moving into my new house, to test my loop length while he was on the pole, and he said it was just over 12,000 feet. I also asked the lady on the phone if either line was RT or CO based and they both are CO, so i'm confused, anyone got any ideas? Bill
one line can be pair gain, another straight copper. or one can be non-DSL comatible pair gain and another is DSL (RT) compatible pair gain. I have two DSL circuits in my house. One is DSLAM from CO, another is RT circuit. Each line has a unique characteristic, there is no sure science for determining why or why not. it is just what was available at the time of you connecting your lines as far as facilities. Is it normal for one line to qualify and another not - Yes it is normal. -- ..MISTAKE RECOGNIZED IS HALF CORRECTED..
If you have a sbcglobal.net user ID, or "migrated" your ameritech.net account, you can access your 15MB of disk space at SBC Yahoo! GeoCities site. What you get free is 15MB of space with ADS, no FTP access.
If you are a legacy ameritech.net customer who never migrated to Yahoo!, you can access your 2 MB of personal web space at the Ameritech.net Member Site.
(01-05-2004) Rumor has it that the "legacy" webspace is going away soon. Better retrieve anything you have stored there for safekeeping.
(09-26-2004) Seems that you can actually link to items stored in your Geocities "free" webspace these days. Someone will be fired for offering a useful feature, so enjoy!
If you did migrate to SBCYahoo, use your username@ameritech.net login and password to access your Geocities webspace. It may be prudent to create a subaccount for webspace use since the URL contains the whole email address...
The Ameritech Region 5 Static IP packages are PPPoE. There are 4 packages that offer the 5 static IP addresses and all of the static packages have a -S appended to the name. The Static IP Addresses are accessed via one PPPoE session.
The Router used has to be able to accept the subnet of IP addresses via the one PPPoE session and use them accordingly. Most of the less expensive Routers available will only do 1 to 1 NAT and access only one of the static IP's (the wan/gateway).
The username/user ID format changes for the -S packages, make sure you are logging in using the Master Account Member ID only to get the proper address blocks assigned: yahootheclown@static.sbcglobal.net yahootheclown@static_ameritech.net (legacy accounts)
The Compatible routers (i.e. 5861, 2-wire 1800, 3546) can perform multi-nat, and/or apply the public IP's directly to computers.
SBC/Ameritech bridges the subnet across 1 IP, your router takes up 1 IP, and there is the 1 broadcast IP, so in a class C range (which is what you get from SBC/Ameritech), you have 5 usable ip's (8-3=5)
The SBC/Ameritech Region is only offered a single 5 IP block unlike other SBC Regions which can order larger IP blocks.
This is an example of a SBC/Ameritech Routed Subnet with a total of 8 IP's 5 usable:
169.129.154.7 Broadcast (programmed in the RedBack, not useable by customer) 169.129.154.6 Router (WAN interface/Gateway) 169.129.154.5 Free for use on Lan(public/routable IP address) 169.129.154.4 Free for use on Lan(public/routable IP address) 169.129.154.3 Free for use on Lan(public/routable IP address) 169.129.154.2 Free for use on Lan(public/routable IP address) 169.129.154.1 Free for use on Lan(public/routable IP address) 169.129.154.0 Network (programmed in the RedBack, not useable by customer)
The usable Static/Public IP addresses are the 5 immediately below what your Router is assigned. The one before that and the one after the Router's IP complete the 8 IP block.
The WAN interface/Gateway is the only IP address that a Linksys, Netgear, SMC, D-Link Router would get/use. The last routable IP address is always assigned to the router.
An 8 IP subnet can also be called a /29 in regards to the Subnet Mask 255.255.255.248 The wan/gateway address is not in the same Subnet Mask as the /29 block 255.255.255.252
SBC/Ameritech will provide registration information for the IP address block Your billing name and subnet block will be in a ARIN entry. Use the link below for information to check and/or have the ARIN registration information changed: I have a fixed IP how do I remove my private information from ARIN
Existing users can upgrade to a static package with a $250.00 installation fee and the SBC supplied router/modem. It would be wise to check SBC's website for current pricing and/or equipment promotions, special conditions that apply to the -S packages.
There is no difference between a static and dynamic installation on the customer end except for the router and it's configuration. You can easily do that yourself. You don't even need their equipment as long as you know what you are doing. On SBCIS's end, it's a RADIUS entry and a different Redback assignment, all done in software. The installation charge for static accounts is a huge expense since the technician will configure the Router to NAT the static IP to the LAN, and use the Router's address as a gateway.
New users can sign up for a dynamic package and wait 2 to 3 weeks and "re-rate" to the desired -S package. This may be the best option because every copper loop is different and there is a significant price difference from dynamic to -S.
It would be wise to keep track of the remaining time of the term and call in and "re-rate" about 3 months prior to the 12th month of the contract. If you don't do this the billing may revert to the then current month to month pricing
Any info on ordering or re-rates are best handled by calling Team-Data or contacting one of the "SBC Official Techs" here on the BBR web site.
The bulk of the above information was culled from posts by: dslknowitall RadioDoc lev schja01 rolande davidg By no means is this list complete,if you recognize your input thank you!!
We get this question a lot, especially because Comcast does have an invisible cap that people don't know about until they've had their service terminated for it. While it's rare to happen to a cable customer, it does not happen to DSL customers.
There are 2 main types of apartment complex door answerphones. One type has its own phone line and is preprogrammed with your apartment telephone number. When someone in the lobby activates it they can usually hear it get a dial tone and touchtone out the number. It calls out to the selected apartment and is usually answered and a touchtone key pressed to open the door. This type of answerphone does NOT interfere with your apartment's DSL signal - it acts just like any other incoming phone call.
The other type of answerphone is connected in series with your phone line (and all the other apartment phone lines in the building.) This type can most definitely mess up your DSL signal. You most often find this type of answerphone in larger apartment or condo complexes, though they can be in small ones as well. A telling sign is if you get a special ring on your phone, such as a fast ring-ring when your code is entered in the lobby answerphone. This type can also beep at you while you are using your phone to let you know someone is downstairs. That beep will also likely cause you to lose your DSL sync momentarily. This type can degrade the quality of your DSL signal to the point of being much slower then you could otherwise get. It may also cause hum and static on your line as the DSL signal is altered by the electronics of the answerphone that does not know what to do with the signal. The fix is to install a DSL filter/splitter between the phone companies demarcation point (the Network Interface Device, NID, sometimes called a NetPop) and the enterphone system. Then to run a home run or use a spare pair to your apartment to bring the clean DSL signal up. How you get this done will have to be discussed with the building management, as the phone companies work ends at the NID, and usually a communications contractor handles the enterphone. Check with your management before calling the phone company or trying to do it yourself.
This usually comes about when there are computers spread out around a house and no wired or wireless network installed to share one modem. Someone attempts to plug a DSL modem in at each computer and have them connected to the same phone line. This does not work, for unlike analog modems that can physically "hang up" the line, DSL modems are always-on and two (or more) can not co-exist at the same time connected to the line.
However, all one has to do is physically unplug the phone line from the DSL modem not in use and the other modem can be used. You can swap back and forth as often as you wish. In other words: Only ONE DSL modem may be connected to the phone line at a time. All others must be disconnected from the line or they will interfere with the connection.
Warning! Recent AT&T phishing attacks and forgeries:
-- Emails claiming your AT&T account will be suspended within 24 hours unless you visit a link and provide confidential customer information. This email is a phishing site and forgery.
-- Emails from the address service@sbcglobal.net asking you to update account information. These are forgeries and did not come from AT&T and these sites are not affiliated with AT&T.
-- Forged emails claiming to be from the FBI claiming that the FBI is monitoring your traffic. The FBI did not send these e-mails and does not send any other unsolicited e-mails to the public, an agency statement said. As many harmful computer viruses are located in e-mail attachments, the FBI said it strongly encourages computer users not to open attachments from unknown recipients. The FBI is investigating the scam. Recipients of these e-mails are asked to report them by visiting the Internet Crime Complaint Center at
-- Emails claiming there is an IRS loophole and promising a tax refund. These emails are a scam and no such loophole or tax refund exists.
-- Emails claiming to be from SNET and directing users to the site www.administration-snet.com. These are forgeries and did not come from AT&T and these sites are not affiliated with AT&T.
-- Emails asking you to update billing information and directing you to www.update-pacbell.com, .net, .org, and possibly more. These are forgeries and did not come from AT&T and these sites are not affiliated with AT&T.
-- Emails claiming that "there is something wrong with: Sbcglobal account." These are forgeries and did not come from AT&T.
-- Emails claiming there has been a server "meltdown" and that we need you to update your information.
Please note that these emails are forgeries and have not been sent by AT&T. Currently we are working to shut down all such sites and filter as many of these messages as possible.
Thank you, AT&T Internet Services Policy Enforcement
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