[Hidden-tech] Verizon blockage problem (long post)

[Charles Uchu Strader]

Marcia,

When we've had our own customers experience similar issues, a restart of the DSL 
modem (or cable modem as case may be) would usually clear the issue out.

But sounds like you got a whole new modem entirely and it's still happening.

When we've seen the issue persist, one common thread has been a high level of 
IMAP use.  Meaning a few to several computers each checking a few mailboxes 
using IMAP.  Some email clients like Apple Mail have much more excessive IMAP 
connection use than others, even when settings are tuned down on how often it is 
supposed to connect.

So the dual action of restarting the modem and minimizing overlapping IMAP use 
may help...and/or trying to get a higher-end DSL modem from Verizon (or sourcing 
on your own) that can deal with the traffic pattern better.

Best wishes,

Charles Uchu Strader
charles at gaiahost.coop 1-800-672-8060 x803
-----------------------------------------------------
GAIA Host Collective, LLC    http://www.gaiahost.coop

        "Reliable Internet hosting services
    from a worker-owned cooperative dedicated to
      environmental and social sustainability."

general support email:          support at gaiahost.coop
urgent support issues:              1-800-672-8060 x0
-----------------------------------------------------


On 9/15/11 7:50 AM, Marcia Yudkin wrote:
>     ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>     ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
> Hi techies!
>
> Since last Saturday, I've had a weird problem with Verizon DSL and have finally narrowed down the possibilities.  It appears that Verizon is blocking me from accessing certain web sites - including at times my Pair.com mail server, sometimes my own web sites hosted by Pair, and almost all the time my shopping cart site.  Everything else appears to be working.
>
> Here's what we have eliminated:
>
> 1)The problem occurs identically on all three computers hooked up to our home network.
>
> 2)We thought it was a faulty modem, ordered a new modem and that didn't seem to change the results.
>
> 3)We went to the library and confirmed that all the unreachable sites were reachable there on their computer.
>
> 4)We brought a laptop to the library and were able to access everything by connecting through the library's network.
>
> 5)If I try a proxy server, I'm able to reach all the problematic sites.
>
> When my husband tried to trace the route between our computer and the sites we can't get, it appears that the signal gets stuck at the hop just beyond our modem.
>
> I have three questions:
>
> 1)Has anyone else had this problem with Verizon DSL?
>
> 2)What can I tell them that will get them to fix the problem for me?  Or is there a way to escalate the problem to someone who can fix it?
>
> 3)If I can't get Verizon to solve the problem (their ability/willingness to help is limited and oh so time-consuming!), then is there a safe workaround involving some kind of proxy server?  Since one of the sites I can't reach is my shopping cart site, and that is a service I can't afford to open up to hackers, any workaround needs to be secure.  I read a little about proxy servers and it looks like I would need some kind of paid service, which I don't mind as long as it's not expensive and is trustworthy.  But this is over my head, technically.
>
> I'm grateful for any pointers in the direction of a solution.  Please be mindful, though, that if you get really technical in your answer I may not understand what you're talking about!'
>
> Thanks,
> Marcia Yudkin
> Goshen
> _______________________________________________
> Hidden-discuss mailing list - home page: http://www.hidden-tech.net
> Hidden-discuss at lists.hidden-tech.net
>
> You are receiving this because you are on the Hidden-Tech Discussion list.
> If you would like to change your list preferences, Go to the Members
> page on the Hidden Tech Web site.
> http://www.hidden-tech.net/members
>