[Dxbase] Re: Internet Cluster Question

[Terry at k8smc.com]

Maybe the following will help some of you.

I've run a node since DX-PacketCluster was introduced.  I started 
with DX-Packet Cluster, tried some of the freebies, then AR-Cluster 
and then switched to CC Cluster when VE7CC introduced it.  At first 
nothing went through the Internet, everything was RF connected and 
just keeping the node going for over two days was a treat.  When 
backbones started through the Internet and RF was still in used with 
AR-Cluster things improved a lot, Internet connections were still 
lost for many reasons I'll go into later, but with the decrease of RF 
USERs many of them would stay connected solid for months.

But even I finally decided over a year ago to drop all of the RF and 
strictly only run an Internet connected node, I was down to 4 RF 
USERs and 3 of them had 24/7 Internet.  Sysops have always exchanged 
information on the Node reflectors about many different problems, 
lost connections was always at the top of the list.

Before I continue I should mention I've been a DXbase user since it 
was DOS and currently now run 2007.

Internet connections can be lost for many different reasons here are 
several I can think of:
First realize that each node has it's own usually unique set up, some 
are on networks like business or schools, some are on cable systems, 
some yet on phone line connections, some on T-1s or better and 
more.  Each has to connect to the Internet through many different 
devices, I won't go through them all but I will take you through what 
happens here and indicate where possible problems can happen.  Also 
keep in mind that some Nodes use Static IP addresses usually the case 
with those that have their own Domain like mine, you can usually tell 
this if the node can be connected to with a static IP address, in my 
case 69.2.20.5.

I'm connected to my ISP through a Wide Spectrum RF link directly from 
my QTH to the ISP office.  We have to start some place so lets start 
at my Node computer.  Since I have my own network all my computers 
are behind a router.  So here we go with a path to the Internet, from 
node computer to router, then to ISPs switch, then through ISPs 
spread spectrum radio on my end to ISP office, to ISPs server to 
Internet.  What route it takes through the Internet is totally 
dictated by all of the different connections through out the 
world.  You could be in the same state and have 7 or 8 different hops 
through the Internet, you could have 20 or more from east to west 
coast or as little as 5 or 6.  Same could happen from country to 
country, you just never know. A lot also depends on the size of the 
pipe to the Internet from the ISPs, some may not have a big enough 
pip to handle everything at high usage times.  So keeping this all in 
mind any place could have a break down.  Your connection this month 
may be different next month to the same node.

Each Sysop has his own set of problems to deal with, three weeks ago 
Mother Nature zapped my tower and got router and all of the ISPs 
equipment on my end, about 20 hours of down time until all equipment 
was replaced.

So lets get to the best possible scenario to keep you connected 
realizing that any of the above pieces of equipment or connections 
could be at fault causing your connection to time out.

Guess I should put in a disclaimer here:  "I have no pecuniary 
interest in CC Cluster or VE7CC's programs, I only use them"

After all these years I have found that CC Cluster is the best 
performer, you can go to his web site and read all about it or find 
more information on my Web Pages at k8smc.com.
If one uses Lee's FREE CC USER program which will work on other nodes 
you can make your connection problems take care of them selfs.  You 
can have CC USER connect to the node you wish and then connect your 
DXbase logging program to CC USER.  This allows CC USER to maintain a 
connection, takes care of everything including auto reconnect.  Your 
DXbase will then always stay connected to CC USER unless you have a 
computer problem.  CC USER allows you to make filter changes and so 
much more very easy compared to running commands from your DXbase window.

CC Cluster has made my Sysop duties almost nonexistent.  The node 
doesn't even have to be shut down to update data files, I get a 
screen that tells me new stuff is available and I just 
execute.  USERs never disconnected to update program, only if the 
Winsock program is updated, and that hasn't been needed for about a 
year.  Almost all nodes in the world are connected together, so it 
doesn't mater which node you connect to you should get the same 
spots.  Many Sysops boast or pride them selfs with the amount of 
USERs they have, I'm not the biggest node and here on a Saturday at 
noon time I have only 31 USERS and 12 Nodes connected.  I've had well 
over a 100 during contests, but this is not important to me, just 
that I can serve them the best I can.  VE7CC has hundreds of USERs.

So if you haven't done so, go check out VE7CC's CC USER program, 
you'll like it, and remember it's FREE !!!!

Terry, K8SMC . . .

Above for comments below...................

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I believe you are correct in that it takes either an Internet problem 
or the cluster itself to drop you. But if the Internet connection 
"blinks", it will not reconnect - I have to reboot DXbase to reconnect.
regardless.
............................................
I have a PC running Windows XP Service Pack 3 with DX Base 2007.  I 
have used to connect to our club's cluster without failure for three 
years now.  We had a "keep alive" function activated on our cluster 
that prevented connection drops.  My connection has only dropped when 
there was a problem with my Internet service.  It sounds doubtful 
that it is a DX Base problem, at least on my end....
............................................
I'm not so sure. There are several cluster sites I use. One will drop 
me 6-7 times in a day consistently. Another will let me go for the 
better part of a week. I am computer illiterate but this seems to 
point to something on the other end.
............................................
I almost wonder if the "comatose connection" problem isn't a Windows 
bug.  I used to see my DXSpider node drop it's connections like this 
when I had it running under Windows 2000, but my connections have 
been rock-solid since I switched to the Linux operating system a 
couple of years ago. My Windows PC (which I have DXB running on) 
continues to momentarily lose connectivity in the manner 
described.  I should check to see what happens if I connect to the 
node from the Windows PC without going out over the Internet, but I'm lazy.
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