Using a dialup modem over a MagicJack link
Rôgêr
dialup connection, it's already on a 12Mbs cable connection. What I'd
like to be able to do is test a laptop that only has a dialup modem for
internet access. Not to use on a regular basis, but just to test if the
modem is communicating.
I've tried it of course but the connection never goes through, even with
a known good dialup modem. MagicJack's tech support seems to think it's
not possible which is why I'm picking the brains of this erstwhile froup.
Aardvark
> this erstwhile froup
'Erstwhile' is definitely not the correct word in this context. Do you
know what the word means?
Rôgêr
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/erstwhile
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/erstwhile
While the argument could be made that this group ain't what it used to
be and the adjective was used correctly, I'll amend the question to
"worthwhile" froup. ahem.
Aardvark
Nicely done. My comment was sincerely meant to be helpful and you accepted
it in that vein.
Bucky Breeder
news:yNWdnfu59Nt6zbPX...@pghconnect.com:
The reason you can't do it: MagicSmack is VoIP... the "P" stands for
protocol. Dial-up modem connection uses analog. So, when you plug your
[laptop] in, using its dialup modem, you're attempting to convert analog
to digital via the connection itself.
"Modem" means modulator-demodulator. Which is nothing like beans and
potaters, but the principles can be used for demonstration purposes...
on the other hand, try this:
http://communication.howstuffworks.com/ip-telephony.htm
http://www.99main.com/support/how56kworks.shtml
Basically, your 56k modem is for telephone networks and your VoIP
access if for Internet networks. The plug may fit, but the protocols
don't mesh.
--
I AM Bucky Breeder, (*(^; ; and *NO*, that's NOT a snake in my pocket; I'm
NOT particularly happy to see you; and, I'm NOT the Octomom's baby-daddy!
"Waterboarding Muslims is *NOT* '"torture"'; it's merely giving them
Arabs free-choice : the 72 virgins or not!" --Anonymous Bush Staffer
Repent! The end is near.... So, smoke 'em if you got 'em.
Rôgêr
> R�g�r <ab...@your.isp.com> deflatulated this with
> news:yNWdnfu59Nt6zbPX...@pghconnect.com:
>
>> First off, just to be clear, I'm not wanting to use MagicJack over a
>> dialup connection, it's already on a 12Mbs cable connection. What I'd
>> like to be able to do is test a laptop that only has a dialup modem for
>> internet access. Not to use on a regular basis, but just to test if the
>> modem is communicating.
>>
>> I've tried it of course but the connection never goes through, even with
>> a known good dialup modem. MagicJack's tech support seems to think it's
>> not possible which is why I'm picking the brains of this erstwhile froup.
>
> The reason you can't do it: MagicSmack is VoIP... the "P" stands for
> protocol. Dial-up modem connection uses analog. So, when you plug your
> [laptop] in, using its dialup modem, you're attempting to convert analog
> to digital via the connection itself.
>
> "Modem" means modulator-demodulator. Which is nothing like beans and
> potaters, but the principles can be used for demonstration purposes...
> on the other hand, try this:
>
> http://communication.howstuffworks.com/ip-telephony.htm
>
> http://www.99main.com/support/how56kworks.shtml
>
> Basically, your 56k modem is for telephone networks and your VoIP
> access if for Internet networks. The plug may fit, but the protocols
> don't mesh.
>
Thank you, this is pretty much what I've been thinking too. I was hoping
that someone may have an easy workaround. This won't make or break my
whole day, but would be nice as the location of the MagicJack has no
dedicated land line.
Bucky Breeder
7PXnZ2dnU...@pghconnect.com:
Nice that you identified the issue... All the ads on TV and product
availability at Walmart, BestBuy and RadioShack, etc., I've been thinking
about getting one just to have an extra line for cheep...
Best regards.
Rôgêr
>> Thank you, this is pretty much what I've been thinking too. I was hoping
>> that someone may have an easy workaround. This won't make or break my
>> whole day, but would be nice as the location of the MagicJack has no
>> dedicated land line.
>
> Nice that you identified the issue... All the ads on TV and product
> availability at Walmart, BestBuy and RadioShack, etc., I've been thinking
> about getting one just to have an extra line for cheep...
I can semi-recommend MagicJack. It works OK but there are some sound
quality issues sometimes. But gawd it's a hell of a lot cheaper than
anything that Verizon can provide.
VanguardLH
WHICH "connection" never goes "through"? When you attempt to make a
dial-up connection to your ISP? Does your broadband ISP actually
provide a dial-up service? Or are you talking about making a connection
or phone call using the MagicJack *after* you already connected to your
ISP using their dial-up pool?
MagicJack is a USB device (you actually don't even need it but they
won't tell you that and it requires loading the program differently than
how they tell you). It does NOT sit anywhere in the network connection.
Your host sees it like it sees your USB printer or other USB device.
Dial-up is way too slow to *use* the VOIP service provided by Ymax (the
company that provides the VOIP service and sells the USB device under
the MagicJack brand name).
Does the dial-up modem work when the MagicJack USB device is unplugged
from your host? Otherwise, how do you know the dial-up modem works at
all before trying to determine if there is a conflict?
WHAT kind of analog data modem are you using? Is this an on-board
modem, daughtercard modem, or USB modem? If USB then there would be a
problem with the amount of traffic generated by a VOIP device for a USB
dial-up modem, especially if you put both devices on the same USB
controller (each has 2 channels and why you see USB ports in pairs).
Rôgêr
My condolences, but you receive a great big raspberry for not
understanding the question. Unplugging the the MagicJack to check for
connectivity has the predictable results that nothing works. There's no
dedicated land line at that location. At locations with land lines the
modem connects fine. This question is only to see if there's a way to
connect an analog modem up to a digital (VOiP) port, such as MagicJack.
Take it in good humor, as it is meant.
doS
"R�g�r" <ab...@your.isp.com> wrote in message
news:He6dnbNw4sDG-7PX...@pghconnect.com...
Mike Yetto
I have RoadRunner VOIP for my home line and have had no problems
with it. We were informed that we can not use a dialup modem
over this line and I assumed it was just RR not allowing it for
some reason that makes sense to an MBA.
I suppose it is possible that there is an inherent
incompatibility with VOIP and modem signals.
Mike "you can always tell an MBA, but you can't tell him much" Yetto
--
Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitas.
- William of Ockham
VanguardLH
> VanguardLH wrote:
Those who have the MagicJack know how it is to be used, including its
USB dongle. If your intent was to mislead respondents who don't use the
device into wild goose chases, tough, didn't work with me.
"What I'd like to be able to do is test a laptop that only has a dialup
modem for internet access."
Well, if you have a dial-up modem then just WHERE does the MagicJack
come into play? Whether you have the MagicJack plugged in or not, you
still have the dial-up modem, don't you?
Only a boob thinks they can connect any data modem to the "PHONE" jack
on the MagicJack dongle. What do you think happens when you connect
your telco line to the "FAX" or "PHONE" ports on your data/fax modem
(instead to the "TELCO" port)?
So you have a dial-up modem. Just HOW does that analog data modem
connect to a computer? Hmmmmmmm? You never bothered identifying WHAT
analog data modem you would be using. If it's a daughtercard then
obviously nothing of it would connect to the MagicJack dongle. If it is
an old serial port modem, still nothing of the MagicJack dongle is
involved. If it is a USB modem then the MagicJack dongle is still not
involved because it doesn't have a USB port. And what of the "PHONE"
jack on the MagicJack dongle? What analog modem sends its *data* to the
host through an RJ-11 cable? What RJ-11 port have you seen on a host
that accepts *data* from an external modem?
Too bad, but your post was not humor and trying to pretend now that it
was makes it even more evident that you're a boob with a thin-skinned
ego trying to protect it. It wasn't phrased as such nor indicated as
such. You asked a question, were shown to be a boob, and now you're
trying to cover your ass by pretending it was a joke. The egg is still
on your face no matter trying to put a mask over it.
Rôgêr
> Those who have the MagicJack know how it is to be used, including its
> USB dongle.
Au contraire, most serious one. I've had the MagicJack for several
months and wasn't sure if this could work or not.
> Only a boob thinks they can connect any data modem to the "PHONE" jack
> on the MagicJack dongle.
I've been called worse, even by much more articulate people.
> So you have a dial-up modem. Just HOW does that analog data modem
> connect to a computer? Hmmmmmmm? You never bothered identifying WHAT
> analog data modem you would be using.
It's an old IBM laptop with a built in modem. Tomorrow I could supply
you with the model number of the laptop, but somehow I sense you
wouldn't give a shit.
> If it's a daughtercard then
> obviously nothing of it would connect to the MagicJack dongle. If it is
> an old serial port modem, still nothing of the MagicJack dongle is
> involved. If it is a USB modem then the MagicJack dongle is still not
> involved because it doesn't have a USB port. And what of the "PHONE"
> jack on the MagicJack dongle? What analog modem sends its *data* to the
> host through an RJ-11 cable? What RJ-11 port have you seen on a host
> that accepts *data* from an external modem?
I could be wrong, but ALL the dialup modems I've used had an RJ-11 cable
going to the wall jack.
> Too bad, but your post was not humor and trying to pretend now that it
> was makes it even more evident that you're a boob with a thin-skinned
> ego trying to protect it. It wasn't phrased as such nor indicated as
> such. You asked a question, were shown to be a boob, and now you're
> trying to cover your ass by pretending it was a joke. The egg is still
> on your face no matter trying to put a mask over it.
Me pretend? hehe ... and I don't care if there's egg on my face or not,
I've quite a few pets that would be happy to remove it. But thanks for
being of absolutely no help whatsoever.
Rôgêr
> magicJack can't work without first having an established Internet
> connection. Your OP read as if you were trying to use VOIP from your
> dialup Internet connection. In order to establish a dialup Internet
> connection you must first have an active landline source.
I suppose the first sentence was too ambiguous when I said "First off,
just to be clear, I'm not wanting to use MagicJack over a dialup
connection, it's already on a 12Mbs cable connection."
>> This question is only to see if there's a way to
>> connect an analog modem up to a digital (VOiP) port, such as MagicJack.
> magicJack's RJ-11 port is meant to be connected to a telephone to
> actuate its electronics. It's not meant to be connected to a modem.
I think you're right.
Hu Flung Dung
swaggering here, ye aired:
< I've had the MagicJack for several
> months
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v155/n3937/abs/155459a0.html
HTH
VanguardLH
> VanguardLH wrote:
>
>> Those who have the MagicJack know how it is to be used, including its
>> USB dongle.
>
> Au contraire, most serious one. I've had the MagicJack for several
> months and wasn't sure if this could work or not.
Your MagicJack USB device didn't come with a label on the back showing
"Phone" for its RJ-11 port? Did you peel it off? Just where did you
plan on plugging in the USB prong of the MagicJack dongle? It won't fit
in the RJ-11 ports of your modem.
http://coconutwireless.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/magicjack.jpg
That's the USB prong (male). It goes into a USB port. Your modem
doesn't have a USB *port* (female).
http://images.macnn.com/macnn/news/0804/10-magic-1.jpg
You get a shortie USB female-to-male cable. Obviously the female end of
this cord goes to the male end of the dongle. That still leaves you
with the male end of the cord to plug into a female port but your modem
doesn't have a female USB port.
http://www.getusb.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/042308b.jpg
That's the RJ-11 *port* (female) into which you plug an endpoint device,
like a telephone.
http://djo.ca/magicjack.jpg
http://www.devilsworkshop.org/files/2009/04/magicjack-2.jpg
Simple setup. Plug the MagicJack dongle (male end) into a USB port
(female). Optionally plug in a telephone's cord (male end) into its
RJ-11 port (female).
> I could be wrong, but ALL the dialup modems I've used had an RJ-11 cable
> going to the wall jack.
Does the USB prong of the MagicJack dongle fit into the RJ-11 port of
your modem? Nope. The MagicJack dongle's USB prong requires a female
USB port.
How would you connect the female RJ-11 port on the MagicJack dongle
(marked "Phone") to the female RJ-11 "Phone" or "Fax" ports on your
modem?
> Me pretend? hehe ... and I don't care if there's egg on my face or not,
> I've quite a few pets that would be happy to remove it.
I'm picturing the joke of the dog owner wanting to get rid of unwanted
dinner guests, so he has the dog lick the plates and puts them away into
the cupboard. The guests see this and choose not to dine there again.
Rôgêr
What in the bloody hell are you blathering about? I asked about hooking
in the modem of a laptop to the MagicJack. I didn't mention USB ports,
dongles or any of that shit. No mention of female RJ-11 ports, all the
figment of your imaginary question that I didn't ask. But I appreciate
the imagery of putting freshly cleaned dishes in the cupboard. I'll try
it this weekend.
DevilsPGD
Mike Yetto <mye...@nycap.invalid> was claimed to have wrote:
>I suppose it is possible that there is an inherent
>incompatibility with VOIP and modem signals.
It's not technically impossible, but it's technically difficult, and
will rarely work reliably in practice.
VanguardLH
> VanguardLH wrote:
Oh, and what do YOU think constitutes what is "MagicJack"?
Whiskers
I wonder if an acoustic coupler would work using a VoIP telephone handset?
(Just mad enough for someone to try it, I suppose).
--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~
DevilsPGD
No, that would just add more interference.
The underlying issue is that VoIP is generally lossy in a number of
ways. First, several of the common codecs use lossy compression
optimized for human ears rather then data. Second, only certain
frequency ranges are transmitted, which significantly narrows the
available bandwidth for a modem. Finally, when packet loss occurs, the
codec will attempt to cover up the loss in a way that is less jarring to
a human listener, but disrupts a data connection.
It's not strictly impossible to run a modem over VoIP if you can use
uLaw with a high enough bitrate and have a reliable enough connection to
the termination point, and also if you keep the baud rate low enough
along with error correct.
None of these are likely things you can control using MagicJack or
Vonage.
Research fax-over-IP to get a better grasp on the technical issues, and
keep in mind that faxes are at best 14,400bps and VoIP faxes tend to
fall to 4800bps before getting near what you'd call stable and reliable.
Bucky Breeder
news:slrnh2vfpa.a...@ID-107770.user.individual.net:
You *must* be desperate for the phone-secks.
Rôgêr
> Whiskers <catwh...@operamail.com> deflatulated this with
> news:slrnh2vfpa.a...@ID-107770.user.individual.net:
>
>> On 2009-06-10, DevilsPGD <Death...@crazyhat.net> wrote:
>>> In message <slrn200906090819...@may.eternal-september.org>
>>> Mike Yetto <mye...@nycap.invalid> was claimed to have wrote:
>>>
>>>> I suppose it is possible that there is an inherent
>>>> incompatibility with VOIP and modem signals.
>>> It's not technically impossible, but it's technically difficult, and
>>> will rarely work reliably in practice.
>> I wonder if an acoustic coupler would work using a VoIP telephone
>> handset? (Just mad enough for someone to try it, I suppose).
>
> You *must* be desperate for the phone-secks.
>
muscle power myself.
Bucky Breeder
> Bucky Breeder wrote:
>
>> Whiskers <catwh...@operamail.com> deflatulated this with
>> news:slrnh2vfpa.a...@ID-107770.user.individual.net:
>>
>>> I wonder if an acoustic coupler would work using a VoIP telephone
>>> handset? (Just mad enough for someone to try it, I suppose).
>>
>> You *must* be desperate for the phone-secks.
>>
> I tried phone secks one time but quickly realized
> I had to supply the muscle power myself.
I tried the phone secks *only* once myself...
And the phone got stuck in my butt...
So everytime I called tech-support
The New Delhi lady would shout
"OK, Sir, can you speak louder please -
it's sounding like you've got the phone
stuck up your butt?"
So finally, she switched me to her supervisor,
Who I convinced I *really* had the phone
stuck up my butt.
He said "I am quite sorry, Sir, that would be
a plumber's problem, not an issue we
at tech-support should be adressing now."
He sympathetically went on "Would you like
to be connected our plumbing department --
with your valid credit card number?"
I shouted "That would really be nice! Thanks."
He put me on 'hold' for what seemed like forever...
(The Eastern elevator-music sort of tickled...)
Next thing I know he shouted
"Plumbing technicians will be right over, Sir!
It luckily seems they were in your neighborhood."
Shortly, I heard impatient knocking/banging at the door...
but alas, the telephone wire was just not long enough
for me to reach the door to unlock it.
I would run, but the cord jerked me back...
I would jump, but the cord pulled me down...
I would run & jump, but I fell as the rug slipped back...
As I heard the rather loud truck in the drive crank up to depart,
I was so exasperated over my situation that I passed gas...
and *OUT* propelled the phone with a plop to the floor!
Days later, I was telling my grandmother about the experience...
She said "Oh dear, Bucky, can't you just get a cell-phone
like the rest of the kids nowadays?"
I resolutely exclaimed "Don't worry, Grandma,
I'll never be doing that again...
The plumbers charged me for a no-show service call!"
Stacey Chuffo
"M.L." <m...@privacy.invalid> wrote in message
news:bb1u259hd7kbnmtj4...@4ax.com...
>
> I don't think that's the reason they don't work together. The VOIP
> craze started on dialup modems years ago. magicJack doesn't really
> care where your Internet connection comes from but it recommends at
> least 3 mbps bandwidth.
>
You mean like Net2Fone prior to the dotcom crash? Yeah, we all remember just
how well * that * worked.
Free unlimited long distance and the only thing it was really good for was
making anonymous prank calls.
Bucky Breeder
deflatulated this with news:h0rl4d$u2i$1...@aioe.org:
> "M.L." <m...@privacy.invalid> deflatualte with @4ax.com...
>>
>> I don't think that's the reason they don't work together. The VOIP
>> craze started on dialup modems years ago. magicJack doesn't really
>> care where your Internet connection comes from but it recommends at
>> least 3 mbps bandwidth.
>
> You mean like Net2Fone prior to the dotcom crash? Yeah, we all remember
> just how well * that * worked.
> Free unlimited long distance and the only thing it was really good for
> was making anonymous prank calls.
The OP was about plugging a laptop's 56kb/s modem into the
MagicJack phone-plug to get the laptop out on a dial-up service
using the MagicJack > Computer > broadband connection...
NOT about jumpstarting an alcoholic's brain pacemaker using
the fondly remembered 28kb/s FAX analog protocol. Right?
chuckcar
> First off, just to be clear, I'm not wanting to use MagicJack over a
> dialup connection, it's already on a 12Mbs cable connection. What I'd
> like to be able to do is test a laptop that only has a dialup modem for
> internet access. Not to use on a regular basis, but just to test if the
> modem is communicating.
>
That all depends on how your phone jacks are set up. If you don't mind
disabling the voip for a while, you can remove the VOIP hardware and the
filters on the phone jacks. Once that's done, you have a normal phone line
(you *do* still have normal phone service right? otherwise you're wasting
money just to get some long distance calls).
Now, you set up a dial-up adapter for a phone number that allows dial-up
access. There are freenets around worldwide that you could use if there's
one in your area and alternatively, if you have a *local* computer paper,
there might be a listing of local BBS's.
Without an actual number to use, naturally testing it is impossible. You
could try to get a null modem cable and connect both ends between it and
another computer's serial (read rs-232 *not* USB) port, but this wouldn't
use the modem.
Using both at once is probably pointless as you would be lowering speed
for the dialup and possibly interfering with the ADSL connection. It is
theorectically possible, once you get the filters set right: namely before
the modem line and not present for the VOIP hardware.
--
(setq (chuck nil) car(chuck) )
Penn...@derrymaine.gov
Of all the stupid replies, this one screams an idiot wrote it.
>R�g�r <ab...@your.isp.com> wrote in
>news:yNWdnfu59Nt6zbPX...@pghconnect.com:
>> First off, just to be clear, I'm not wanting to use MagicJack over a
>> dialup connection, it's already on a 12Mbs cable connection. What I'd
>> like to be able to do is test a laptop that only has a dialup modem for
>> internet access. Not to use on a regular basis, but just to test if the
>> modem is communicating.
>That all depends on how your phone jacks are set up.
In the wall, and I would install them about a foot high, they are
phone jacks (PHONE) they run to a box most likely to the side of his
house, R�g�r has access to that box but no further.
>you can remove the VOIP hardware and the
>filters on the phone jacks.
Just how stupid do you think the person you are replying to is?
> Once that's done, you have a normal phone line
>(you *do* still have normal phone service right? otherwise you're wasting
>money just to get some long distance calls).
Why ask the question in the first place, if there were no phone
service available.
>Now, you set up a dial-up adapter for a phone number that allows dial-up
>access. There are freenets around worldwide that you could use if there's
>one in your area and alternatively, if you have a *local* computer paper,
>there might be a listing of local BBS's.
Your just babbling at the point, needless information to show that you
might have a clue. It continues to the end of the post.
>Without an actual number to use, naturally testing it is impossible. You
>could try to get a null modem cable and connect both ends between it and
>another computer's serial (read rs-232 *not* USB) port,
Ya, that would be big problem. using a null modem on a USP port.
> but this wouldn't
>use the modem.
But you want everybody to know just how ignorable your post are.
>Using both at once is probably pointless
But you will post this dribble anyhow, the entire reply was pointless.
--
http://topcultured.com/money/35-tip-jars-designed-to-make-you-give-more/
izy...@gmail.com
Mike Easter
> And you're replying to a FIVE YEAR OLD POST????
>
> Idiot.
Except for the facts that:
- the message was posted via GG
- the GGer failed to cite the ancient message it was replying
... the answer to the uncited 5 y/o message was a good/correct one.
--
Mike Easter
FromTheRafters
years ago?
Mike Easter
recent answer. I didn't look back at all of the conversation after the
original question 5 years ago until now.
^1 http://al.howardknight.net/msgid.cgi?ID=140484412600
Here's the thread^2 in GG, from original qx to present, now up to 39
posts by 16 authors prior to my current message.
^2
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/24hoursupport.helpdesk/aBWnBZ-uT2w
--
Mike Easter
gary...@gmail.com
This is the first I've found regarding Magicjack specifically where someone finally comes around to an appropriate answer. As this thread is top of the search results, and exactly what I was looking for, allow me to narrow the answer down a bit more.
Earlier today I ran across the exact VOIP spec needed... it's called Modem over VOIP (v.150.1), and it's similar to Fax over VOIP but not close enough. I think Magicjack supports Fax over VOIP (G.711, I think), or at least faxing works well enough that I haven't had a problem with it. For faxing when I had DSL, due to terrible latency, I had to tweak my fax settings to get the most tolerant connections possible (international mode, slow speed, whatever I could find).
So, my guess is they don't bother including v.150.1 support, probably because they don't want small businesses eating up their services. These days, aside from the occasional hobbyist such as myself and the OP, no one else besides businesses use analog modems anymore.
corb...@gmail.com
Mike Easter
48 messages over 6.3 years, mostly in 2009 June.
> I've been using a fleet of dial up modems at the office for years,
> over VOIP. These are 20 year old, standard, USR 56k modems. I've
> done the same at home with VOIP through TWC.
dialup modems for both ISP connectivity and fax or for data or what?
> You simply cannot do it with a Magic Jack because it's not very good
> VOIP technology.. But VOIP is indeed capable of carrying modulated
> signals to a receiving modem.
--
Mike Easter