So, I've made absolutely no headway with my DSL modem problem. I ended up posting a comment about it on the forums at dslreports.com. I've received reassuring comments that people out there are able to do this with the specific modem I've purchased so at least I know it's not something I'm doing wrong.

I'll fight this some more tonight, assuming I can find the time. But, I may be forced to call the modem maker's "advanced networking" support group if I can't get this straightened out in short order.

On top of that, my car's in the shop. The AC stopped working some time last summer. Initially, it seemed like the problem was due to the switch to turn on the AC failing. But, the dealer replaced that and it still didn't work. The frustrating thing is that the service tech. didn't bother testing the AC after replacing the switch! So, I took it back in to actually get this repaired. I was waiting for a call on Sat. afternoon with an update and never got one. Odd. They usually call me with an update. It turned out that they called and left a message on my office voice mail. Frustrating since I left my mobile number on the drop-off sheet! Needless to say, they still have my car, they replaced what they thought was the faulty part and the AC still doesn't work. So they need more time. Complicating matters is that the service folks who work Saturdays work a Tue. through Sat. shift. I called and complained to the dealer and they can't get me in today at all. Completely booked. So, it's going to wait until tomorrow whether I like it or not. I asked about a loaner and they may not even have any of them available. Frustrating to say the least.

But, I think I'm going to take tomorrow off because I need to get this DSL problem fixed and I can't if I can only work on it at night. If I can't get this DSL thing licked, we may be forced into looking at managed hosting for Shelly's or both domains depending on cost. It would mean giving up our current ISP whom I've been very happy with. We got a static IP for no additional charge when we went from dial-up to DSL and they don't block any ports. But, it would also give us the possibility of going with cable broadband since we're no longer running a server at home. That would get us back onto truly high speed broadband. We had to reduce our DSL service to 256Kbps because of the distance from our house to the nearest CO (or DSLAM).