Internet connection stalls

[curwin]

Why is it that often after being connected to my ISP
for a period of time (usually around 20-30 minutes)
the connection stalls, and I can no longer browse
the web or check my mail? When this happens, I disconnect
from my ISP, redial, and usually I can browse again.

Any ideas?

[handy]

What ISP?

[Koxinga]

Do you have call waiting? If you do, and someone tries to call you, your connection is probably broken.

DHR

[Crusoe]

Many ISPs automatically disconnect you after around 20 minutes of inactivity to free up lines for other users.

[curwin]

For clarification --

This has happened with more than one ISP, and it is not after 20 minutes of inactivity, but after 20 or so minutes of web browsing.

[Wood Thrush]

I suggest you call your ISP's customer service hotline. Use a cellular telephone if your computer is connected to the same line as your home telephone.

[douglips]

Yes, but do you have call waiting?

[Northern Piper]

I've found that an incoming telephone call can make my internet connexion crap out - don't know why. (I don't have call waiting.)

[sailor]

It's happened to me ocassionally that the connection is still on but nothing gets through and I have to reconnect. I have no idea why it happens but my guess is that the modem at the other end "froze".

[handy]

If it happens withe more than one ISP its probably the modem or the modem driver or the jack wiring. I live near the sea & the phone jacks get crud on them so I put a new one in now and then, about $3.00.

The way to figure that out is to directly wire to the phone box outside to the computer for a test.

Its probably the modem though.

[tygre]

Some ISP's will cut you off after 20-30 minutes, period.

What time of day is it happening? Is it happening at the same sites?

I'd get the modem checked & upgrade the drivers if neccessary, but call the ISP first and see what their policy is on cutoffs.

--ty