Problems Getting the Modem Connection

The first step in the connection phase is the modem connection. The client dials the telephone number of the modem connected to the server, and the two modems communicate to set up the connection.

The following log file extract shows the log messages that are generated when a client fails in an attempt to establish the modem connection:

11/13/95 19:57:44 - Connection requested to miles
11/13/95 19:57:45 - Dialing number P365 ...
11/13/95 19:58:09 - remote host is busy

The connection request never reaches the server; therefore, there are no corresponding messages in the log file on the server.

The message remote host is busy is displayed whenever the client fails to make the modem connection. This may mean that the server modem is already in use by another client, or that it has failed to terminate a previous connection cleanly. It may also mean that there is a problem with the equipment. In this example, the error was provoked by using tone dialing with an office exchange that expected pulse dialing.

Try telephoning the number directly to make sure that you can reach the modem. If you cannot reach the modem, check the telephone number the client is dialing.