There are many factors that contribute to connection problems. The following will provide some information on the complexity of connection problems and how different items can affect your connection to BRMEMC.net. We will continue to update this page with new information.
 
Why do I get disconnected? Am I being cut off?
  BRMEMC.net does not frequently disconnect users. Below are several reasons disconnects occur.
If you are connecting through Outlook Express, it may be set to disconnect your connection as soon as it finishes sending and receiving email. To check this setting, open Outlook Express, click on Tools then click Options. When the Options window is open, click the Connection tab at the top of the screen. Make sure there is NOT a check in the box that says, "Hang up after sending and receiving". If it is checked then UNCHECK the box. Once the check is removed, click the Apply button at the bottom of the screen and then click the OK button.
Time spent composing and reading email or viewing web pages that are already stored on your system is not considered active time and your system may be set to disconnect during periods of inactivity. To check this setting, got to My Computer then double click Control Panel then double click Internet Options. Click the Connections tab at the top of the screen, highlight the BRMEMC connection by clicking once and then click the Settings button to the right. In the next box, go down to Dial-up settings and click the Advanced button. When the Advanced Dial-up box opens, the third item listed is a check box you can select to "Disconnect if idle for xx minutes". The Windows default is 20 minutes, but you can change or disable it if you wish. Once you change this setting, click the Apply button and then click OK.
Modems, Line Noise, Phone Lines
  Unfortunately, modems, line noise, and phone lines can cause many disconnect problems. If you experience erratic connections, slow downloads, and slow connection speeds try some of the following options to insure a better connection.

Your modem can only perform to its full potential when it's connected to a phone line that can clearly transmit the tones required for high-speed communications. We realize that the phone company is not required to provide data-grade service, but we do want to assist you in what you need to know for inquiring about your phone service. Most phone companies will only guarantee a standard residential phone line to transmit data at 2,400 kbps. Some phone companies offer special grade phone lines for extra monthly fees. These phone lines provide better signal to noise ratios and should perform quite well with high-speed modems and fax machines.

Remove extra phones and fax machines from the line the modem is using.
The more phones and fax machines on a line, the more likely extra noise or interference will occur. Be careful of phones that have special "ring" effects which can cause more interference. Also cordless phones and answering machines can introduce interference on the phone line that will interfere modem signals.

Modem Speed and Port Speed
56K modems can receive data at speeds of up to 56Kbps, but due to FCC (Federal Communications Commission) restrictions on maximum permissible transmit power levels during download transmissions, speeds of 54Kbps are the maximum allowed by law. Actual data speeds received will vary depending on the quality of your phone lines and how well your modem handles them, which will also affect whether you can connect and stay connected.

Another reason for disconnects is the modem port speed on the user’s computer is set too high (115,200 kbps). This can cause the information sent from your modem to our system to be congested. To lower the port speed in Windows 95, 98 and ME go to My Computer then double click on Control Panel then double click on Modems. Once the Modems window is open, highlight the modem that you are using and click the Properties button. Look at the bottom of the next box and it will show your modem port speed. You can use the down arrow at the right side of this box and scroll down to select a slower speed such as 57,600 or 38,400. To lower the port speed using Windows XP go to My Computer double click on Control Panel then double click on Phone and Modem Options. When the Phone and Modems Options window is open, highlight the modem you are using and click on the Properties button below. When the next window opens click on the Modem tab at the top. In the middle of the screen you will see the Maximum Port Speed. Click on the down arrow at the right side of the box and set the speed to 57,600 or 38,400.
   
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