This is a collection of Frequently Asked Questions on a variety of technical topics.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Technical Support and Tech Info
CTSI Support - Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]

The information in this document was last updated on 11/11/06.

Internet Technical Support
Q: How do I keep my computer system secure?
Q: How do I change my Internet password?
Q: How do I check e-mail using only my web browser?
Q: How do I contact the Internet Helpdesk?
Q: What do I need to know before calling for help?
Q: What other steps should I take before contacting the helpdesk?
Q: I've heard of the Help Forum -- what is it, and where is it?
Q: Can you suggest some other tech sites I might find useful?
Q: Can I use my CTSI/BrightNet Dial-up Internet (modem) account from other cities?
Q: Does BrightNet have an 800 number where I can get on the Internet from anywhere?
Q: Can I use my dialup account on multiple computers, or share it with friends or relatives?

Personal Web Space
Q: What is personal web space?
Q: Where can I learn more about creating a web site?
Q: What are the Terms of Service (TOS) or Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the use of my free Personal Web Space?
Q: How much space am I alloted?
Q: How much transfer capability (hits) am I allotted?
Q: Does your web server have CGI, ASP, or ISAPI capability?
Q: How do I publish to my personal web space?
Q: What will the web address of my site be?
Q: What about Commercial Web Hosting?
Q: What DNS Server information do I provide to my registrar?

Questions on Internet Settings
Q: What are the server names for mail and news?
Q: What goes in "Proxy Settings?"
Q: Why use the Proxy?
Q: What are the dialup settings for BrightNet and the CTSI network?

Modems, Dial-up Numbers, and Equipment
Q: What are the local dialup numbers?
Q: Can I use my dialup account on more than one computer?
Q: Do you support using more than one modem/phone line on the same computer, also known as "Multilink PPP?"
Q: What kind of equipment does your dialup service use?
Q: Would you please explain why I don't get 56K connections, even though I have a 56K modem?
Q: What kind of modem do you recommend for dialup use?
Q: What kind of internal modem do you recommend?

What time is it?
Q: Does Chickasaw have a network time server?
Q: Is there a reason to use the Chickasaw time server or my own local time server instead of some other time server?
Q: What if your clock is wrong?
Q: What's the phone number to call for the precise time?

Arcane Technical Wizardry
Q: How do you interpret TR-08 POTS or D4-FXS/FXO Signaling Bits?

Modem and Router Firmware Upgrades
Q: Where can I download Modem, Router, or VoIP Firmware?



Internet Technical Support
Q: How do I keep my computer system secure?
A: The threat of viruses, trojans, worms, spyware, and other harmful code is continuously on the rise. The MyNetWatchman web site is an excellent reference for keeping your system secure.
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Q: How do I change my Internet password?
A: You can call the business office or the helpdesk and ask a representative to change it for you, or you can go to the BrightNet Oklahoma User Services Page. When you click this link, you'll immediately be prompted for the same username and password of your main account (the one that you use to dial in or that your DSL modem is programmed with); enter your current username and password in the box that pops up, then click on "Change Password" at the left side of the screen.

The change takes effect within 10 minutes. Remember that this will change both your dialup and BrightNet e-mail account password. If you are a DSL user, be aware that your password must also be changed inside your DSL modem. We recommend calling tech support to discuss the iimplications of this, or for other assistance.
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Q: How do I check e-mail using only my web browser?
A: Go to the CTSI Home Page http://www.ctsiok.com/ and log in at the lower left with your username and password. You can do this from anywhere you have Internet access.

This feature is also useful for deleting unwanted, excessively large, or corrupt e-mail -- without having to download first, since the webmail page displays summaries of each e-mail, direct from your mailbox.
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Q: How do I contact the Internet Helpdesk?
A: The Internet helpdesk can be reached 8 am until 10 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday. To reach the helpdesk, please call one of the following numbers:
  • (405) 533-2116 in Stillwater or Perkins
  • (800) 687-0173 Elsewhere in Oklahoma
Please see the next questions before you call.

Remember also that Complex Business Internet and other Special Circuits (these will have a 6-digit CTSI circuit ID, such as CTSI #210598) and are handled by the repair department, not by the helpdesk, which is for end-user technical support. If you have a special circuit and do not know your 6-digit ID, call us now so we can provide that information for you before you need it in an outage situtation.
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Q: What do I need to know before calling for help?
A: Here's a list of things you'll want to know or do before calling in. It will save time for you, as well as for our technicians. It will also lead to a less complex support call if you check these things in advance.
  • Are you Dialup or DSL? The technician may not have access to this information, or may not be aware if you have recently switched from one to the other.
  • Your username. You chose this when you originally signed up. This is typically also the name before the "@brightok.net" in your e-mail address.
  • Your password. Your password needs to be something easy to remember for you, but difficult to guess for anyone else. You chose this when you signed up as well.
  • Your computer. Is it an IBM, a Compaq, a Dell, a Gateway, or did your neighbor build it for you? When was it purchased? How much memory does it have? Are you running Windows 95, 98, Millennium, NT, 2000, or XP? Maybe a Mac with OS X? Or Linux?
  • Your web browser. The two most common browsers are Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape. Also prominent are Firefox and Opera. There are differences between the browsers, and differences between the versions of each one. Click on "Help" and choose "About..." to learn which version you're running. Unless you have deliberately chosen a different browser, the default is Microsoft Internet Explorer.
  • Your e-mail program. This generally would be Outlook Express, Netscape Messenger, or possibly Eudora.
  • Your modem make and type. When you're experiencing dropped calls or slow connection speeds, this can be most significant contributor to the problem. Modems are a classic illustration of "You get what you pay for." Just bought a new computer? Unfortunately, that says nothing about the quality of the modem the manufacturer may have installed.
  • Scope of the problem. Is the issue new, or has it existed previously? Has it ever worked?
  • Error messages. You'll save time and trouble if you write them down, word for word. It may seem nonsensical if you don't understand the meaning, but sometimes the most arcane error message helps a trained technician pinpoint the problem quickly and can help us avoid wasting your time.
  • Be at your PC. The best place to call from is right by the computer. If you don't have a telephone nearby, you'll want to move one nearby. Going back and forth between the PC and the phone can be quite frustrating. Have your computer turned on, started up, and ready to troubleshoot. If you only one phone line, and you are using dialup Internet, having your cellphone handy can save frustration, if you can spare the minutes.

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Q: What other steps should I take before contacting the helpdesk?
A: There are some basic things you may want to make sure you check before calling for assistance. Here are some quick suggestions:
  • Reboot your computer. Even better, go through a complete shutdown and power off, then restart. Many times, especially on older computers running Windows 95 or Windows 98, a reboot is all that it takes. It's unfortunate, but the way Windows 95/98 work, sometimes that helps.
  • Power Off/Power On your DSL Modem. If you use DSL, you should try this once before calling. Make a note of what the lights on the DSL modem are doing. Power off and back on, then give it a few seconds and see if the lights are different. This is not something that needs to be done frequently, but is worth trying once before calling for help.
  • Power Off/Power On your Router. If you own a router, reset the power on the router and wait a few seconds to see if this clears the trouble.
  • Having password trouble? Please check your "Caps Lock" key. Check the "caps lock" light, usually in the upper right hand corner of the keyboards. This light should be off.
  • Are you using the Internet on the phone line that you normally talk on? Plug a phone into the line and make a call. Listen to the line, make sure it has no static or noise. If you hear noise or static, STOP! Noise and static interfere with both dialup and DSL modem transmissions. Have the telephone company get the noise trouble fixed first, and the Internet trouble may take care of itself.

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Q: I've heard of the Help Forum -- what is it, and where is it?
A: The Help Forum is a a support system which facilitates the exchange of ideas, problems, and solutions among customers. It's read by Engineering, Helpdesk, and other technical personnel, as well as a large number of users who are willing and able to provide peer support for technical problems. Visit the BrightNet Help Forum at http://www.brightok.net/forum/. (Available only to BrightNet subscribers. If you access the forum from outside BrightNet, you will need your username and password.)
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Q: Can you suggest some other tech sites I might find useful?
A: Try these...
  • Tech Support Guy - There is no stupid question, but sometimes you could say they are the easiest to answer.
  • What Is...? - If you're having trouble, wondering about the meaning of a specific term, or just want to learn more, this is a great site to take some of the frustration away.
  • Learn The Net - Are you interested in becoming a better net citizen? Learn what you and your computer can accomplish here.

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Q: Can I use my CTSI/BrightNet Dial-up Internet (modem) account from other cities?
A: Yes, but long distance charges may apply, so make sure the local number is really a local number. For a complete list of cities with local dialup numbers into the BrightNet System, see the document at http://www.ctsiok.com/dial.html.

There are no surcharges for using any of the access numbers published on this list, but it is your responsibility to make certain, before dialing, that the call you are making is a local call from where you are dialing.

If you have any questions about our roaming policies, service availability in other cities, etc., please call us.
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Q: Does BrightNet have an 800 number where I can get on the Internet from anywhere?
A: Yes. There is a 10¢ per minute charge for each minute you are on the Internet when using the 800 number for access; however, this is still often times more cost effective than making a calling card call or making a direct-dial call from a hotel room. Using the 800 access number requires a no-charge advance signup. Please call our business office for assistance.
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Q: Can I use my dialup account on multiple computers, or share it with friends or relatives?
A: Generally, No.

Much like a restaurant owner doesn't want you to come in and pay for one buffet meal and share off your plate with your companions, the same reasoning applies to dialup service.

That said, there is an exception. You can use your account anywhere at any time, as long as there is never a time when more than one computer is connected simultaneously to the system.

If your account is used by more than one computer (or person) at the same time, our audit systemwill assume that one of the two following possibilities has happened:
  • You are sharing your username and password, in violation of our acceptable use policies, or
  • Someone is using your account without your permission.
Either of these events will cause an automatic suspension of your dialup provileges until you contact the business office or the helpdesk for assistance. You will be asked to sign up for additional accounts for your companions or relatives, or you will need to change your password to make sure the unauthorized 3rd party use does not continue.
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Personal Web Space
Q: What is personal web space?
A: This is space on a web server that ISP's have traditonally provided to customers. It is used for posting personal content (not commercial content).
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Q: Where can I learn more about creating a web site?
A: There are a number of sites on the Internet with helpful information on writing HTML (HyperText Markup Language, the text formatting language web browsers understand). Here are a few of them, presented in no particular order:

  • The Web Teacher - Learn some fundamentals and improve your skills in this computer classroom.
  • WebMonkey - Thorough documentation on the ins and outs of HTML and its extensions.
  • Spotlight on HTML - Learn how to build your own personal website.

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Q: What are the Terms of Service (TOS) or Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for the use of my free Personal Web Space?
A: First, please review the entire Terms Of Service and Acceptable Use Policy for all CTSI Internet Services. (Here). Specifically with regard to personal web space, the following are especially forbidden, and may result in termination of your account, or may result in an increase in your monthly fees, as appropriate:
  • Sexually explicit material, including images, text, or links to sexually suggestive or explicit material on other servers, that would be deemed obscene or indecent by prevailing community standards OR any such material involving minors or that is otherwise in direct violation of the law; profanity, obscenity, "hate" speech, or material that is unlawful or criminal in nature or otherwise incites or encourages the commission of a crime or poses a homeland security threat (Immediate Termination. Fees will not be refunded. Law enforcement agencies may also be contacted. CTSI is the final arbiter of acceptable content.)
  • Copyrighted material for which you do not own the copyright or have documentation of permission to use from the copyright holder. (You may be notified, then your account terminated if you do not remove the content.)
  • Advertising of products, services, or companies, including your own. Personal web space is "personal" -- a "personal" site -- describing or telling about you, your family, your hobbies, or your interests. Of course, if you wish to place images of and/or links to services that might be of interest to your guests (such as "In Association with Amazon.com") you may do so, as long as the page's obvious primary purpose is not for accumulating click-through compensation. Business services are available that are free of this restriction, at a higher monthly rate.

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Q: How much space am I alloted?
A: Your site is configured to allow 100 megs of data, and will return an error message if you exceed this. Contact us if you need more space.
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Q: How much transfer capability (hits) am I allotted?
A: We don't set a predetermined allotment for free personal web space, because the majority of personal web space sites account for a very small proportion of the overall server traffic we handle every day. We do set flags on accounts that appear to be using an excessive amount of server resources, more for the purpose of resource management than for billing or restricting -- It is very unlikely if you are using your web space for personal publishing that you will ever trigger one of these flags. If you do, we'll contact you and discuss how to proceed.
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Q: Does your web server have CGI, ASP, or ISAPI capability?
A: Sorry :( Personal web space is for static content only.
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Q: How do I publish to my personal web space?
A: Connect to our free FTP server at ftp.brightok.net. Log in with the same username and password you use for dialup. Find the folder called "public_html" and place your content in there. Make sure your top page is called "index.html" -- all lowercase. That's it. You can use FTP for DOS, utilities like CuteFTP, or you can type ftp://username:password@www.brightok.net/public_html into the address bar of Internet Explorer, and then just drag and drop your content in. (Using your own "username" and "password" of course).
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Q: What will the web address of my site be?
A: The address will be http://www.brightok.net/~username ... where "username" is your username.

By the way, the squiggly line (~) is called a "tilde," which can be pronounced "tilled," or "till-dah," or "til-day." It's computer-ese (Unix) for "the homepage of..."
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Q: What about Commercial Web Hosting?
A: We do offer commercial web site and virtual domain web and e-mail hosting. Download an application form here or see http://www.ctsiok.com/go/web for some additional information on web, domain, and mail hosting.
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Q: What DNS Server information do I provide to my registrar?
A: The Chickasaw DNS servers for hosted services are:
  • ns.brightok.net [69.8.2.15]
  • ns2.brightok.net [69.8.2.12]

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Questions on Internet Settings
Q: What are the server names for mail and news?
A: The incoming mail server for normal e-mail accounts is a "POP3" server, called "mail.brightok.net" and the outgoing server is an "SMTP" server, called "mail.brightok.net". The news server is "news.brightok.net". All servers use standard ports. If you have a custom domain or special e-mail configuration, the server names will be different. The network administrator at your office should have this information.
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Q: What goes in "Proxy Settings?"
A: "Use a Proxy Server" should be checked, and the name "proxy" should be in the box. (For DSL customers on DHCP, just "proxy" in the address box will suffice.) The port is "3128". "Automatically Detect Proxy Settings" should not be checked. Neither should "Use automatic detection script."
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Q: Why use the Proxy?
A: Use of the proxy is optional for most subscribers, but we encourage it because it serves three important purposes:
  • Faster Connections -- the Proxy accepts requests from your PC, then uses its very fast Internet connection to go out on the Internet and retrieve the page you're requesting. This is faster than your computer having to do all of the work.
  • Local Cache -- the Proxy server keeps local copies of certain things, so that if more than one subscriber goes to the same site within a short period of time, the content is already loaded, so the page displays faster. Secure sites and personalized content are never stored in the Proxy.
  • Error Reporting -- probably everyone who's ever used the Internet has run into the intolerable "A connection with the server could not be established" error message. Not only is it annoying, it doesn't explain *why*. The Proxy server generates intelligent, helpful messages, to let you know why you aren't able to access a certain site.

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Q: What are the dialup settings for BrightNet and the CTSI network?
A: Your "Dial Up Networking" DNS Server addresses are provided automatically by our access servers; however, you can manually set your DNS server entries to 205.162.224.251 (or 69.8.2.15) and 69.8.2.12. "Server Assigned IP Address" should be selected, and "WINS Servers" should be left blank.

Make certain that on the "Server Types" screen that the only boxed checked are "Enable Software Compression" and "TCP/IP." All other values must be un-checked.
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Modems, Dial-up Numbers, and Equipment
Q: What are the local dialup numbers?
A: The dialup numbers may be found at the bottom right side of the screen, on the Contact Us Page.

CTSI cannot be responsible for making sure that the number you choose to call is "local" or toll-free when dialed from where you are. A phone number that shares your area code or appears to be located in your area may not necessarily be a "local" call to you. Large long distance bills will result from dialing a number that you do not verify as "local" to your location or your subscribed calling plan.
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Q: Can I use my dialup account on more than one computer?
A: Yes, but not at the same time. Dialup accounts are restricted to one concurrent login. If your account is used to dial in from more than one computer at the same time, your account may be suspended without notice, and you will need to call us to have your service restored.
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Q: Do you support using more than one modem/phone line on the same computer, also known as "Multilink PPP?"
A: Yes. There is an additional charge for this service, and a special dialup number is used to make sure both of your calls connect to the same server rather than "shotgunning" among the servers in the modem pool.
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Q: What kind of equipment does your dialup service use?
A: For v.90/k56flex modems, we use the all-digital Cisco Access Servers. The Courier v.Everything modems are in a classic USR MP-16 chassis with a Cisco 2500-series router.
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Q: Would you please explain why I don't get 56K connections, even though I have a 56K modem?
A: All three 56k standards — v.90/v.92, K56Flex, and X2 — require that the Internet provider's telephone lines be all-digital, and that the path to the subscriber through the public telephone network has no more than one analog-to-digital conversion.

On Chickasaw's network, many of the issues listed below are not a problem, because we are building our cable plant from the ground up, with all-new materials, and using network equipment in most cases that carries the signals in an all-digital format all the way to your neighborhood. However, many of our Internet subscribers and some of our telephone customers are connected to other telephone companies' lines or wires. It's important to remember that telephone lines were designed to carry speech — data is an add-on.

Here are some of the obstacles to 56k connections:

Universal Digital Loop Carrier (Also called UDLC, TR-57, or Double-Ended Carrier). Many phone lines travel direct from the central office switch to the customer on a continuous pair of copper wire. Other times, especially in areas in cities where home construction or telephone line ratios per residence have exceeded predictions, and in rural areas more distant from the central office, Digital Loop Carrier (DLC) systems, also known as Subscriber Carrier systems or Pair Gain systems (PGS) are used.

Subscriber carrier equipment is sometimes referred to casually as a SLC (pronounced "slick"), which is actually the brand of one manufacturer, and allows telephone companies to provide more telephone lines to an area than there are physical copper cable pairs available from the office. Although there are many varieties, subscriber carrier systems can achieve a 12:1 or better concentration ratio of lines to cable pairs. Considering the expense of long copper cables, this makes excellent economic sense. Subscriber carrier also allows telephone service to be extended with higher voice quality and reliability into rural areas. There are two basic types of carrier — universal and integrated. Integrated carrier does not cause connect speed problems, and in rural areas can actually improve connect speeds by eliminating repeaters, loop extenders, and load coils (discussed below). Universal carrier, on the other hand, is another matter entirely. Universal (or "double-ended") carrier makes 56k connections impossible, because universal carrier systems perform two analog-to-digital conversions (one where your line enters the carrier equipment, at the telephone company Central Office, and the other, where your line leaves the carrier equipment, on the way to your home). This makes 56k connections impossible, and typical connect rates are closer to 26,400. The designers of 56k modems were aware of this limitation, but somehow seem not to have been aware of the extensive use of universal digital loop carrier in the United States.

So why don't all telephone companies use integrated carrier systems? Integrated carrier is newer technology, and some central office switches are unable to... well, integrate... with integrated carrier.

Subscriber carrier allows telephone service to be extended much more economically than pulling new copper cable... and the quality of telephone service derived from carrier equipment meets or exceeds the standards of voice quality mandated by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. These two governing bodies set the standards for telephone service. The law does not require that telephone lines provide lines capable of such high speed data transfer, and extending lines capable of 56k calls into areas served by older carrier equipment is often cost-prohibitive, costing dozens of times the price to the telephone companies.

The Intricacies of the Telephone Network. Fortunately, in Oklahoma, all central offices telephone switches are digital (as far as we know). But this has not only not always been the case, it has in fact actually been the case in Oklahoma City for less than five years. (Chickasaw has not had an analog switch in its network for over 15 years, but we digress.) In the day of the now-obsolete 1AESS Central Office switch, the central office serving the Internet service provider impacted your ability to achieve 56k connections. If you and the ISP were on the same 1AESS, you could get a 56k connection, but if one of you was and the other was not, 56k connections were impossible, since the 1AESS was actually an analog switch under computer control and had analog to digital conversions on its trunk side. This is now a virtual non-issue in Oklahoma.

Inexpensive Modems. It's a very unfortunate fact that more often than not, brand new computers have poor-quality modems. The desktop PC industry is extremely competitive, and has some of the lowest profit margins of any consumer industry. Computer manufacturers can save quite a bit by installing inferior modems; the problem is that the modem may be quite adequate on a "perfect" telephone line... but such lines are the exception, not the rule. What's more, just because your modem works fine at the computer shop, that neither proves that your modem is not the cause of your troubles at home, nor does it prove that there's "nothing wrong" with your modem. It may simply illustrate the difference in your modem's performance under different circumstances.

An important fact to keep in mind is that the public telephone network was not designed to transport high-speed data over voice circuits -- 56k technologies represent tremendous breakthroughs above what were previously thought to be the maximum transmission speeds for telephone lines. All of the 56k technologies are designed to push your telephone line as hard as it can be pushed -- and when slight imperfections get in the way, your connection speed or reliability may suffer. More expensive (better-engineered) modems can often accommodate the limitations of telephone lines more consistently.

One specific case of an actual subscriber -- inside the city limits, not on any type of carrier system, with a telephone line dedicated to the computer, and had no noise on the phone line. He had a name-brand PC, and had paid well over $2,000 for it. (We won't mention the brand, because this problem appears with many name-brand computers.) With the family PC's built-in "56k modem," they never connected above 28,800, and usually at slower speeds, like 26,400. The change to a USR 56k External modem took their connect speeds to a consistent 49,333kbps! We cannot promise that your results will be the same, but our helpdesk technicians report that this performance difference did not surprise them at all. Sometimes, the modem makes all the difference. This case is merely one of many that comes to mind. There are numerous other cases of "31,200" turning into "49,333" with a change to a USR 56k External modem.

Voice Repeaters, Loop Extenders. In some cases, subscribers a certain distance from the telephone switching office are not on subscriber carrier equipment, but instead are connected to analog repeaters. These devices kick up the voltage and/or amplify the voice signals traveling these long wires, resulting (usually) in better voice quality than if they were not used, but they can introduce an additional analog conversion. Such repeaters may not be as restrictive on connect speeds as universal digital loop carrier, but usually will not support connections faster than 31,200 or 33,600 unless they are set up very precisely.

Behind a PBX. If your "modem line" is actually an extension of a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) -- that is, a private telephone switch, used in large businesses and hotels, and that PBX uses analog trunks to connect to the public telephone network, then 56k is simply out of the question -- once again, there are two analog-to-digital converions in the path... and in the case of a PBX fed by double-ended subscriber carrier, there would be three A/D's in the path -- a definite 56k stopper. PBXes using Digital trunks, such as ISDN PRI or other all-digital T-1 facilities, usually do not have this limitation unless their station-side codecs (coder-decoders -- converts digital to analog) are of poor quality.

Load Coils. Load coils are series inductors that are installed about every 6000 feet on lines not long enough to require repeaters, but too long for good quality voice transmission because of the shunt capacitance of thousands and thousands of feet of copper. If the load coils were removed from a line that needed them, it would have a dull, muffled sound, and speech would be difficult to understand. Load coils do not necessarily make 56k connections impossible, but they may impede performance.

Bridged Taps. Sometimes, as the topology of the telephone network changes, remnants may remain in the form of cables that go in two directions... one toward your house, and the other just an unterminated cable running off in a different direction, or a continuation of your line past your house to an unterminated "open." Other times, the cables in the telephone plant deliberately go in multiple directions to allow provisioning flexibility. Whichever is the case, these taps may impede 56k connections by adding reflections and shunt capacitance, but as long as your telephone line meets minimum quality of signal specifications, the telephone companies are not required to remove them.

Cordless Phones. Some cordless phones, fax machines, low-quality telephone sets, and other electronic devices may introduce periodic noise into your phone line, causing it to be unreliable or slow for Internet use. Disconnecting these devices while online may remedy your trouble, and should be tried.
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Q: What kind of modem do you recommend for dialup use?
A: The 3Com USR Sportster 56K External v.90 modem is one of the best performers on the market. Many PCs, even brand new ones, contain modems that are of low quality. Many modem manufacturers have "cut corners" in the design and engineering of their products, and it shows in connect speeds, stability, and performance. It's not uncommon for a user with unreliable or slow Internet connection experiences to find that the 3Com/USR 56k modem performs substantially better than the one they had previously used.
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Q: What kind of internal modem do you recommend?
A: For best results, we recommend that you do not use an internal modem. Use an external modem. The reasons for this are several:
  • External modems are easy to reset. It's impossible to fully reset an internal modem without physically powering off your computer, since the modem takes its power from inside the PC.
  • Manufacturers can't as easily take as many shortcuts with external modems, such as fostering unnecessary dependency on the computer's main processor.
  • An external modem may reduce the risk of damage from lightning, since it's not physically inside your computer... but regardless of which type of modem you use, we always recommend disconnecting any high-tech equipment during local storms. Your telephone line is protected outside your house by a ground connection and discharge device outside, in your Network Interface, as required by state and/or federal communications statutes. However, protection from direct or very close lightning is impossible to achieve.
  • External modems have lights. We're not just saying that because we like lights (although we do like lights... we *really* like lights). The lights on external modems are extremely helpful once you learn to read them.
    • AA - Auto Answer. This light means your modem is set to answer the telephone automatically. This light usually blinks when your phone rings.
    • CD - Carrier Detect. This light means your computer is connected to the remote computer or server.
    • OH - Off Hook. This means your modem has your phone line "off the hook."
    • TR - Terminal Ready. This means your modem sees your computer, your computer has opened the port to the modem, and this light's absence is a good clue to a bad cable or incorrect serial port configuration.
    • SD - Send Data. Alternately, this light may be labeled "TXD" or "TD" -- in any case, it flickers when your computer is sending data.
    • RD - Receive Data. This light (also labeled "RXD") means your modem is receiving data from the far end.
    Your particular modem may have other lights as well.

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What time is it?
Q: Does Chickasaw have a network time server?
A: Yes. Our time server, ntp.ctsiok.net, provides Stratum 2 synchronization for our customers. It answers both ntp and sntp queries. If you have a large network, we recommend that you set up your own time server to query us, and have your individual PCs query the local server.
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Q: Is there a reason to use the Chickasaw time server or my own local time server instead of some other time server?
A: Yes. In a word, "netiquette." Using our time server conserves bandwidth between us and the outside world and keeps you from running afoul of the operator of another time server elsewhere who may or may not want you using his or her server. Many time servers appear to be "open" or "public" but are in fact intended not for general use. Utilities that set your system clock should generally use the nearest clock. If you have a network, consider setting up your own time server, pointing it to ours, then pointing your individual computers to your local time server to save even more bandwidth. The loss of accuracy when descending a chain of servers is negligible.
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Q: What if your clock is wrong?
A: It won't be. Part of the design of the network time hierarchy assures that if our time server loses its master references, it will go offline and stop answering queries, rather than hand out "local" or "holdover" time.
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Q: What's the phone number to call for the precise time?
A: The United States Naval Observatory's Master Clock in Washington, D.C. can be reached by dialing 202-762-1401. This is a long distance call, and usual long distance charges will apply.
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Arcane Technical Wizardry
Q: How do you interpret TR-08 POTS or D4-FXS/FXO Signaling Bits?
A: With a chart, coming soon.
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Modem and Router Firmware Upgrades
Q: Where can I download Modem, Router, or VoIP Firmware?
A: We are happy to provide the latest or recommended load of software for your router, modem, or other device... for the convenience of our customers; However, please observe the following warnings:
  • Never attempt to upgrade your firmware unless you are absolutely sure you know what you are doing, and why. If you have to ask, you probably are venturing into hazardous territory.
  • Never attempt to abort a firmware upgrade once you have started it. Doing so may render the device permanently inoperable.
  • Firmware updates should be performed by, or under the direction of, a qualified technician. Charges will apply if we are required to assist you with repairing damage done by improper application of firmware. Some damage done by improper application of firmware cannot be repaired. This information is provided for your use at your own risk.
  • Do not attempt a firmware upgrade on a unit that is not already functioning correctly (within reason -- the logical exception of any issue the firmware upgrade is intended to address).
  • If you are not a Chickasaw customer, you should consult your own service provider or equipment manufacturer for advice, support, and software upgrades.
The list below represents the recommended minimum software version when a particular device is used on our network.
Use of earlier versions of software in the device may, in some cases, result in improper operation or poor performance.
Next Level ADSL Etherset, White, Rounded Case.
Next Level VDSL Etherset, White, Rounded Case.
Next Level ADSL or VDSL Etherset, Black Case.
  • No Software Update Required
Next Level ADSL or VDSL Etherset, White, Tall, Square Case.
  • No Software Update Required
Westell ADSL Modem (All Models).
  • No Software Update Required
VisionNet XW203ER-4 ADSL Modem (Label says "ADSL W203-4")
  • Upgrade Status: Recommended
  • Software Version 1.0.0T6.XW203ER-4
  • What this fixes: Various manufacturer bugfix.
  • MD5 Checksum: 263a0f6e346c5f2d4554969a1f6e9bd3
  • Manufacturer's Upgrade Instructions:
    • Download the new code to the root of C:
    • Power Cycle the Modem
    • Make sure the modem comes back up and is pingable
    • Browse to your modem http://10.0.0.2
    • Under [Configuration] click on [Wireless Setup], uncheck "Enable AP" and click Apply.
    • Under [Configuration] Click on [Save Settings], then click on "Save All" and then click "Restart." When the pop-up box prompts you to Restart, click OK.
    • Re-browse to your modem http://10.0.0.2
    • Under [Maintenance] click on [Local Update], then browse to where you saved the firmware file, select it and click on "Update Gateway"
    • Wait patiently for over two minutes. The unit will reboot by itself. If you disrupt this process or the power goes off, the modem will be ruined and will have to be replaced.
    • You should be taken back automatically to the Login page.
    • Under [Maintenance] click on [Reset to Default], then click on "Restore Defaults". When prompted to Restore Factory Defaults, click OK.
    • When the modem comes back up, log back in.
    • Under [Maintenance] click on [Firmware Version] to make sure that the Software version was loaded successfully 1.0.0T6.XW203ER-4
    • At this point, you have successfully completed the firmware upgrade on your XW203er-4.
  • Reconfigure your unit, as the upgrade process unsets all of your previous settings, by design.
InnoMedia MTA 3308 MGCP IP Phone
  • Upgrade Status: Mandatory ** MGCP ONLY: not use with 3308 SIP Phone
  • MGCP Software Release MGCP 2.6.33
  • MD5SUM: 393c357d2c9366b92a79d63cfa60255b
  • What this fixes:
    • Audio dropouts due to g711µ Codec Defects
    • Volume control irregularities
    • Flash Button not sending flash
  • The correct software version will identify itself as:

    Image Version:V2.6.33
    BBS Version:V131.65535.65535
    Controller Code Version:V2.4.121
    DSP Code Version:V1.7.520 10/05 16:33 2004

  • Note: Due to a design defect, the 3308 Must be upgraded from a PC on the same subnet (not the Internet, and not through a router).

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