file download stalls

[Trio3b]

Newb has new dialup connection with Intel 536ep internal PCI modem in MDK 10.0.(kernel 2.6.x) Modem drivers on disk were outdated so used latest Intel 536ep chipset drivers and that installed and compiled OK. Configured in Kppp. Connection seems fine but occasionally Konqueror freezes and have to restart. I have not yet determined a pattern. Also, downloading files from different sites to test modem, but all keep stalling, then I guess there is a reconnect and it continues..stalls....continues...etc. I am able to dwnload 1 to 3mb files but anything more is a hassle. This modem tests out OK on a Wxp Pc on the exact same phone line. Also notice that if someone calls in it disconnects, but I do not have callwaiting. Maybe some settings in the modem commands dialogue box?

The settings in the Kppp are:
modem device: /dev/modem
flow cntrl: hdwr (have tried none)
line term: cr/lf
conn speed: I have tried 38000 to 115200
lock file: checked
mdm timeout: 30 sec.
Authentication PAP/CHAP
preinit delay- 50
init string -ATZ
post init dly -50
dial speed -70
init resp -ok
no tone det -atx3
dial string -atdt
conn resp -connect
busy resp ? busy
no carrier ? no carrier
no tone ? no tone
hangup -+++ATH
hngup resp -ok
answer strng -ata
ring ? ring
ans -connect
dlp resp -digital line detected
escape +++
esc resp ? ok
guard time -50
vol off/lo/hi M0L0/ MIL1/ MIL3
SECURITY SETTINGS ARE ? poor
firewall set to ALLOW CONNECTION TO EVERYTHING

maybe someone can see a simple error and help out.
Thanks

[Ethyriel]

Did you try the old drivers and have the same or other problems? Newer doesn't necessarily mean better.

My parents had a 536ep based modem and whenever the module was loaded on a 2.6 kernel X would slow to a crawl. It would take 5 minutes for Gnome to load up, another minute and a half for Firefox, etc. I came to the conclusion that either Intel's drivers suck, or there's too much variation between 536ep based modems for the drivers to function properly. I just gave up and bought them a new 3com 2976 for solstice and all is well.

I haven't worked much with Mandrake 10.x, do you have the option to use a 2.4 kernel? Try dialing with wvdial or a standard /etc/ppp/options and the pppd command instead of kppp. You can find a guide on doing that here.

[Trio3b]

Being new to Linux I am not sure of how to run 2.4.x kernel.
Thanks for the tips

[Ethyriel]

Well, running the 2.4 kernel in a distribution like Mandrake which is highly integrated around 2.6 probably isn't the best idea, if possible. It's more a solution for someone who absolutely must run that distro, and just can't afford a new modem.

Let me know if you get things working.

[Trio3b]

Konqueror does not seem to be hanging up much. If it does, then I stay connected and just open a new occurence of Konq. I have KBear which is an FTP file interface for KDE, but I've never used it. Do I need to use this. I'm used to Windows downloads that don't involve the user in configuring....it just asks where do you want the file.
Thanks

[Ethyriel]

No, you shouldn't be having these kinds of problems, there's definitely something wrong, probably with your modem and it's drivers. Have you tried any of those alternatives to kppp yet? You might try a live CD from a different distribution too, though I know they can be tough to get on dialup. Morphix has a fairly small one (I'm thinking the XFCE flavor) that I've had good luck with, and it's fairly easy to configure the modem using pppconfig.