Problem:
When I dial into BSC-Net, I dial-up, authenticate, and then after about a minute, I lose my connection. I can send and receive e-mail with little problem. Normally, Black Sheep is very reliable. All of my friends can stay connected indefinitely. Should I reinstall dialup networking, reinstall the modem, or just try a different browser?

Answer:
If you user Outlook Express as your email program, you might try checking your settings in Outlook Express.

There are a number of possible problems that could be causing your random disconnections from the internet. But the most likely culprit is line noise. In general usage, the term "line noise" can refer to any unwanted signal that finds its way into your line or a loss of signal that should be there. Before you reach a diagnosis of "line noise," you'll need to rule out other problems. First, make sure you've configured your modem correctly. If you've been using the modem with good results, you're probably OK.

Now test the quality of your connection. To do this, you'll need a terminal communications program that allows you to issue modem commands while you're connected. HyperTerminal in Windows 95 & Windows 98 is a perfect application to use since you already have it.

To test the connection, use the terminal communications program to call the BSC-Net dialup access number. When you're connected, enter three plus signs (+++). Then issue the AT%Q command. The modem will return a number between 1 and 127, which indicates the level of noise currently on the line. A reading of 15 or lower means you're in good shape regarding line noise, so the problem lies elsewhere. A reading of 50 is high enough to put you in danger of getting disconnected.

At this stage, if you're sure you have line noise, the next step is to determine what's causing it. A good test is to call a few local bulletin boards in different telephone exchanges. Getting good connections here will establish that the noise isn't originating from your own line.

If noise shows up in connections to other numbers, look for things around the house that might cause a problem. The flat type of wire that runs from your wall to the modem isn't particularly good for data transmission and can allow the signal to degrade if the cable is too long. The usual recommendation is not to use a length more than eight feet. If yours is longer, consider moving your computer close enough to the phone jack to allow for a shorter wire.

Try disconnecting other phones on the line. They can cause noise, especially if they have features that draw power when the phone is hung up, such as an LED display. Electrical devices close to the phone line can also interfere with the signal. Unplug any such devices, and if you see an improvement, move the device that seems to be causing the problem away from the phone line.

In addition, a line noise filter, a small device that plugs into your phone line is another possible solution for line noise. You can purchase a line noise filter at your local electronics store. However, buying a filter should be a last resort simply because a filter can't solve all line noise problems.

The telephone company's switching equipment is another possible source of noise. But if the switching equipment provides adequate quality under FCC regulations, the phone company isn't likely to do much about it.

Nonetheless, FCC-compliant systems should consistently give you a reliable connection at 14,400 baud or higher. Increasing it as high as 33,600 baud can become problematic; such a high speed requires more bandwidth than some phone lines can handle. Some people may not be able to connect at 33,600 at all.

Line noise can originate from a number of sources, but a bit of investigation and experimentation may prove helpful if not informative. Start with the simplest and closest-to-home possibilities, work your way outward from there, and you'll have a good chance of finding at least a partial solution.

Or you might trying slowing down your modem or ports:

In Windows 9x, go to Start, Settings, Control Panel, and open Modems. On
the Modem Properties dialog box's General tab, your modem should be
highlighted; click Properties, and in the 'Maximum speed' drop-down list,
select the next lower setting. Although this may slow your modem down,
it'll keep it from dropping your Web connection. Next, click the Connection
tab and take the same approach with the Port Settings button. Drag the
slider on each of the two bars back a notch and see if that fixes your
problem.

 In Windows 2000, go to Phone and Modem Options,
and click the Modems tab. Highlight your modem
and click Properties. The General tab lets you drop
the maximum port speed. Clicking the Change
Default Preferences button under the Advanced tab
brings up a dialog box with a General tab that lets
you set your preferred port speed.

In Windows Me, open Control Panel, select Tools, Folder Options, click the
View tab, and check 'Display all Control Panel options and all folder
contents.' There are two drop-down lists, each with the choices Low,
Medium, High, and Maximum.

Or, This one might work.

If you get disconnected frequently, try this extra modem setting:

Go to Modems in Control Panel (Start > Settings > Control Panel)
Double Click on the "Modems" icon.
Highlight your modem by single left clicking on it. 
Select the "Properties" Button, select the Connection Tab, click the Advanced button. 
In the Extra settings dialogue box, enter S10=50.
Select "OK".
Restart the computer and log on to the Internet. 

This will force the modem to stay connected without a carrier, up to 5 seconds.