I have always put this down to the ISP's having a bank of modems in a
round robin type setup.  Every time you dial in you may jag a good
modem or a bad modem.  I found it interesting to note that at peak
periods the chance of getting a modem that just didnt want to connect
was very high.

I considered that modems at the isp end are simply not tested regulary
and any that are a bit flacky may simply go un-noticed.

I have no source/info to prove any of this it is just a theory I have
to explain my experience.

regards Justin

On 5/25/06, Dave Lag <davescomputer@rogers.com> wrote:
> Aaron wrote:
> > Now that my rebooting work PC problem has been solved, --see [EE] USB
> > devices resetting PC upon plug-in--  I have another question.
> >
> > I bought a new laptop for home a few months ago.  My modem typically
> > connects to my ISP at 35-40 kbps.  However, maybe 10% of the time it
> > only connects at 20-26 kbps.  What kind of factors can cause this
> > radical variation in connection speed?  Is it possible that my ISP is
> > limiting my connection speed during times of peak activity?  I haven't
> > been able to detect a trend regarding time of day or weather.  Or static
> > electricity. :)
> >
> > My old PC only ever connected at a max of 26 kbps.  Well, actually,
> > before moving from Columbus, OH to the country 5 years ago I had the
> > same modem in an even older PC and it would reliably connect in the 50
> > kbps range...
> >
> > Good thing I have a fast connection available at work!
> >
> > Aaron
> >
> Might be during busy periods you are routed over older trunks of
> different technology. Google "pairgain" to read about some unhappy
> campers. You are in the country :)
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