os x & broadband

J

julianem

Registered
why is OSX unstable on a broadband connection?

what can I do to stop it logging off, or even failing to log on unless I unplug the usb to the modem?

Also why aren't there any sounds when i open apps or files? it all seems very remote...

JM
 
OSX is not unstable on broadband, its the USB modems which are unstable. However, the Alcatel 330 seems to be doing okay if you wanting a decent USB modem.

My advice, stay away from USB and stick to ethernet, loads more reliable :)
 
Your USB ADSL modem is getting disconnected because when your Mac goes to sleep, all the USB ports power down, thus disconnecting your modem. You should only consider an Ethernet ADSL modem for use with a mac, for this reason. It would probably be the same with modern PCs as well.
There are downsides to those cheap USB ADSL modems.
 
welll thanks Jeff XCGD and owaters. I am a little clearer about why my alcatel frog drops out - because the mac osx powers down. however I still don't know why I have to unplug the usb durung startup - several times usually - to get it to go through the connection process. This all reminds me of internet connection ten years ago. Surely by now...etc etc...

I could of course trade it in and go for this ethernet thing. I am a sole station user here. Does ethernet work like that? Help?

Julian
 
You can get ethernet ADSL modems with a single ethernet port (for one user) or one's with additional ports.
Ethernet modems cost more than USB one.

The reason your modem is acting odd during start up is a mystery, but remember that the USB ports power up after the computer starts, whereas a ethernet modem usually has it's own power supply, so is on all the time it's plugged in, and isn't depended on the computer for power.
 
I strongly recommend the Netgear DG814. It's a combination ADSL modem and 4 port switch, it is reliable and easy to set up, and it has some nice fetaures (like NAT and some support for VPN).

If you want more information on ADSL hardware, ISPs, and the like, I found the following site to be very useful:

http://www.adslguide.org.uk

Hope this helps!
 
Thanks dudes for all the info. Here are my findings, with reference to virgin.net:

Having struggled for a week with Mac OSX and the SpeedTouch ÒfrogÓ modem I can report the following.

1: Download the latest drivers from speedtouch.virgin.net

2: Download the Diagnostics from Alcatel.

3. Download any Mac OSX updates from Apple - 10.2.2

4 When you switch on disconnect the USB plug. Only plug in when the Mac is up and running - because USB loads last.

5: System preferences. In energy saver, switch the sleep to "never" - USB switches off first and will disconnect the modem otherwise and you will have to restart with the USB unplugged again.

6: Advice to virgin.net. Suggest people with Mac OSX get the Ethernet Alcatel modem - the 550 which is a much more stable platform.

7: Recommend any Mac OSX users sign up with Mac OSX community on line.

julianem. london nov 02
 
Sorry to come into this midway and start asking questions that you've probably already answered but I've just ordered BT Broadband and I'm a little confused as to what I've been reading here. Am I to take it that OSX DOES support broadband and that by getting an ethernet ADSL modem I'm ensuring a more stable connection? Where can I get an ethernet modem from?
 
OSX is fine with broadband, it's just that USB is not up to the task. Maybe you'll have better luck with whatever modem BT supply. I'd be interested to know as my kids have BT access and are clamoring for broadband on their macs.

JM
 
I'm looking in to which modems will support OSX now. My colleague has bt broadband access on his home mac and, according to him, OS9 runs fine but the modem BT supply, (BT ADSL Voyager), is USB and doesn't support OSX.
I'll let you know as soon as the guy from the technical dept calls me back.
 
Well this Alcatel Speedtouch which looks like a green stingray works and Alcatel support it for OSX. But as I describe, it requires a precise log on procedure which if the connection is lost means restarting and carefully following the procedure all over again. However that said using Apple's new Safari browser announced yesterday there seem to be fewer drops outs. Swings and roundabouts.

Good luck

JM
 
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