----------------------------------------
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO TEST NEW MODEM POOL
----------------------------------------
As reported in an earlier edition of BCPL System News, about three months
ago we upgraded our MultiTech modems to the latest firmware version.  At
first this seemed to improve connection reliability, but then we began to
see a gradual degradation in performance.  By about two months later,
modem connectivity had become extremely unreliable for many users. 
 
About a month ago MultiTech discovered a bug in their flash upgrade
utility that under some circumstances can corrupt the modem's ROM code.
They recommended that we run the upgrade again.  We did so, and the
improvement was dramatic.  Unfortunately we are again seeing the same
pattern, a gradual degradation in modem reliability. 
 
Rather than waste any more time on the MultiTech modems, we have acquired
equipment to build an entirely new modem pool.  The new equipment has been
in place for about two weeks with a small test group of users pounding
away on it.  Reports from the test group are very encouraging, but now we
need to give it a real torture test before putting it into full use. That
requires a much larger test group. 

Anyone who wants to may now use the new modem pool by dialing 296-2771. 
Except for the phone number, your existing PPP dialer or telecomm program
configuration should work fine. We especially urge you to try the new
modems if you are experiencing problems with the old ones. Many members of
the test group who were having serious problems with the old modems are
having great success with the new ones. 
 
There are a few things you should be aware of:
 
o Anyone who uses the new modems during the test period is asked to
  send success/failure reports to me (fold@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us)  or to
  the Help Desk (oz@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us).  We need to know how well the
  new modems work!
 
o After your modem dials 296-2771 there will be a brief pause followed by
  the normal shrieking of your modem and ours negotiating the connection. 
  You will hear no ringing in between. This is normal.
 
o You will not be able to use PPP-based news readers to access Usenet
  News via the 296-2771 number during the test period.  PPP access to
  Usenet News cannot be moved to the new modem pool until it goes public
  on or about September 11.
 
o Bonus!  During the test period there is no three-hour session limit on
  the new modem pool.  The three-hour limit will not be applied until the
  new modem pool goes public.
 
o Another bonus!  If you have ISDN service to your home and an ISDN
  adapter for your computer, give it a try.  The new equipment can
  accept ISDN calls as well as normal analog calls.  During the test
  period we have PPP multilink enabled to allow ISDN callers to use two B
  channels.  When the new equipment goes public, PPP multilink will be 
  disabled, restricting ISDN callers a single B channel.
 
If the remainder of the test period goes well, on or about September 11
the 296-5500 number will be switched from the old modem pool to the new.
At that time the old MultiTech and U.S. Robotics modems will be taken out
of service. 
 
For the technically inclined, the new modem pool consists of four Cisco
AS5200 Access Servers.  Each AS5200 contains 46 Microcomm Select modems,
for a total of 184.  Phone service to the new modems is via eight PRI
lines (two per AS5200), each of which can carry 23 analog or single-B ISDN
calls.  A fifth AS5200 is on order with an expected delivery date of mid
to late September.  This will expand the pool to a total of 230 modems!
 
If you have questions about this or about anything else pertaining to your
BCPL Internet account, please contact the BCPL Internet Help Desk by phone
(887-3297) or by e-mail (oz@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us).