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NACS > Network Services > Modems > Modem Timeout Clarification

Modem Timeout Clarification

Summary: This document addresses a number of concerns and questions that were raised as a result of our February 26, 1997 Modem Timeout Announcement of new 824-9000 modem pool timeouts:

  1. The 2 hour time-out on 824-9000 was implemented as planned as of Monday, March 3.

  2. There is no way to provide you any warning before time-out when dialed up using a PPP or SLIP network connection. You must keep track of how long you have been connected on your own.

  3. After reaching the end of a two hour session on the 824-9000 modems, you may attempt to dial-up again for additional two hour sessions. We are not currently limiting access to a fixed number of hours per day per person.

  4. Multiple TCP/IP sessions will continue to be allowed via a single dial-up session. Multiple dial-up sessions via the same UCInetID using more than one phone line will not be permitted. For example, there will continue to be no problem running Netscape, a Telnet session, and an FTP session at the same time.

  5. Downloading large files, where the download time exceeds 2 hours, will now be impossible via UCI's modems. NACS will investigate this situation and look for alternatives. Immediate alternatives include the use of ISPs, departmentally-purchased dedicated modems, or transportable high-capacity storage devices.

  6. During the investigation of potential restricted-access modem pools (such as a "Faculty" modem pool) we will consult the Academic Senate and others. Many have asked that we consider expanding the group of people who could access a restricted modem pool beyond senate members. The nature and source of available funding will likely determine who may use a restricted pool.

  7. Many of you point out that much modem time goes toward purposes other than course-work and University business. As there is no technical way to distinguish this use from recreational and other use, all modem users are asked to refrain from non-University use, especially during the peak hours of 4 PM through Midnight, Monday through Thursday. Although Internet Chatting (IRC) can be of an academic nature, much is not, and falls into the category of recreational use.

  8. Several respondents suggest that 30 minutes is too long to wait before disconnecting a session due to lack of activity, and that 2 hours may be too short for a overall time-out. We will track the situation and consider changes in the future.

  9. The observation has been made that the inactivity disconnect is the best way to prevent users from "reserving" modem lines without using them. Unfortunately, it is an easy matter to circumvent the inactivity disconnect and the only way to prevent tying up modems is via the absolute 2 hour disconnect.

  10. Current and future efforts to provide ethernet (or similar) connections in campus housing and University Hills could in fact ease the need for modem use. There are technical issues that make wiring University Hills challenging. Funding for these projects does not come from the campus, but rather the housing authorities and the people who live there. NACS will continue to support efforts here.

For more information on current remote access plans, see "UCI Home Network Access Plans - 1997".