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KevinL

656 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#126868 22-Jul-2013 17:48
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I've had a strange issue over the last few weeks where my modem (a <1 month old TP-Link 8960N) will be unable to negotiate a PPP connection - in the router system log it just loops the two following lines:

syslog: PPP: Start to connect ...
kernel: netdev path : pppoa0 -> atm0

over and over again.

Curiously enough, if I call the helpline (having gone through the normal troubleshooting steps including isolation tests and factory resetting the modem/checking login details/settings, using a different router) and have them request a port reset/refresh, the connection springs back into life and I'm able to connect again.  This would be great, however it seems that I lose the connection again when I restart my router...

Having called the helpline three times for a port refresh in the last month or so, I requested a Chorus callout - he plugged a DSE modem in and was able to get an authenticated PPP session running.  After speaking to someone on the phone, his conclusion was that it had to be a problem with my computer configuration, the router configuration or incorrect ISP login settings (all of which are clearly not the issue since the router isn't even getting to the authentication stage).  After a bit of haggling, they've agreed to switch me onto a different port.

...I'm now afraid to restart the modem in case I lose the connection again!

Has anyone had a similar experience?  I'd be willing to blame the modem, but it's practically brand new and my old modem (an older revision of the TP-Link 8960N with different hardware/firmware) has the same issue.

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DravidDavid
1907 posts

Uber Geek


  #864755 24-Jul-2013 00:37
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Im afraid it does not matter how old electrical equipment is these days. It could have been manufactured with a fault in it. Ive seen a lot of TP-Links display similar behaviour. It is often solved with a factory rest and correct setup.

Since the Chorus tech plugged his modem in and got immediate sync/PPP it would seem to be clearly a modem issue rather than a port issue. Try changing the MTU on your modem from 1500 to 1492, VPI 100, VCI 0, VC-MUX, PPPoA...etc...etc. Reboot and pray.

Otherwise, test another modem. It could be that that modem is suffering from micro-dropouts. It drops sync long enough to interrupt PPP and cause an issue.

Hope you were not charged for that call-out. No fault found fees are expensive.




KevinL

656 posts

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  #864763 24-Jul-2013 01:34
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I was able to replicate the same issue with three different modems - my new TP-Link W8960N, my older revision TP-Link W8960N and a Dlink G604T. A factory reset and "correct setup" did not fix the issue - as mentioned the only thing that fixes it is a port refresh.

Someone has suggested it may be a compatibility issue between the router(s) chipset and the Chorus ISAM (as happened a year or two ago when they last upgraded the software/firmware).

Downhillnz
62 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user


  #879156 15-Aug-2013 21:38
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KevinL: I was able to replicate the same issue with three different modems - my new TP-Link W8960N, my older revision TP-Link W8960N and a Dlink G604T. A factory reset and "correct setup" did not fix the issue - as mentioned the only thing that fixes it is a port refresh.

Someone has suggested it may be a compatibility issue between the router(s) chipset and the Chorus ISAM (as happened a year or two ago when they last upgraded the software/firmware).


PPP is a tunneling issue. Nothing to do with the chipset. Sync speeds can differ with modems because of chipset differences.

Get a chorus tech to do a port change. or to rebuild the VC.

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