Frequently Asked Questions about Dial-up (PPP)
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about dial-up access (PPP):
- What is PPP?
- How much does PPP cost?
- Who is eligible to use PPP?
- What is my username and password to connect to PPP?
- How is my IP address determined when I dial into USC?
- I use another ISP to dial to the Internet, since USC is far away. Is there any other way to access electronic resource without dialing into USC?
- What are the PPP dial-up access numbers?
- How do you disable call waiting when dialing into USC?
- Do I need to install any special software to set up PPP at home?
- I have Windows 3.1, can I still use USC PPP to connect to the Internet?
- I have MAC OS 7.5, can I still use USC PPP to connect to the Internet?
- What kind of modem should I buy?
- I get the error "modem is not responding". What should I do?
- If my modem is not installed properly, can ITS help me install it and make sure it works?
- If I'm connected via PPP, is my machine insecure?
- Can I have more than one PPP connection at the same time?
- My PPP is still not working. How can I get more help?
- I do not have problems connecting. However, after connecting, I get disconnected very frequently? Why is that?
What is PPP?
PPP is an acronym for "Point-to-Point Protocol". It is a means of providing Internet connectivity, including access to email, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), Telnet, and the World Wide Web, via modem connections. In other words, it is a way of representing network packets that is compatible with serial lines, including telephone lines. When two computers connect using PPP, they negotiate the parameters of the protocols that will be spoken over the PPP connection. ITS supports the Internet Protocol over PPP connections.
How much does PPP cost?
You are eligible to use USC's free Internet access if you are a USC student, staff, or faculty with a valid UNIX account. We have various dial-up numbers throughout California. Local toll charges may apply.
Who is eligible to use PPP?
If you are a USC student, staff, or faculty with a valid UNIX account, you are eligible to use USC's free Internet access. For more information on USC accounts, refer to the Computer Accounts page.
What is my username and password to connect to PPP?
Your username is everything before the @ symbol in your USC email address. For example if your email address is ttrojan@usc.edu, your username would be ttrojan. Your password for PPP is the same password as for your UNIX or email account.
How is my IP address determined when I dial into USC?
When you dial USC, your machine and the ITS terminal server negotiate the parameters of your connection. During this negotiation, the terminal server tells your home machine what IP addresses to use, both for the home machine end and for the terminal server end. You are very likely to get a different IP address each time you dial into USC. After your PPP connection is established, your PPP software on your home machine knows what IP address it's using, and your PPP software provides a method for you to find out that address.
I use another ISP to connect to the Internet, since USC is far away. Is there any other way to access electronic resources without dialing into USC?
The VPN client software is being distributed for customers who wish to access restricted resources from a remote location. At this time it is not fully supported. The VPN Client is available for download on the Software Download Web Page.
What are the PPP dial-up access numbers?
The main number dial-up number is 213-743-2222. In an effort to improve connectivity services to the university, ITS has added additional dial-up numbers for those connecting outside the 213 area code. Additional dial-up numbers are available online at the Modem Pool Numbers page.
How do you disable call-waiting when dialing into USC?
To disable call-waiting you must dial *70, before the telephone number. For example *70, 743-2222.
Do I need to install any special software to set up PPP at home?
Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6-X have a PPP client built into the operating system and do not require any extra software to establish a network connection. Instructions on how to configure your PPP connection are available online.
What kind of modem should I buy?
ITS does not recommend specific brands of modems. However, we do recommend that users buy a 56Kb v.90 modem for the fastest possible connection to our modem pool.
I have Windows 3.1, can I still use USC PPP to connect to the Internet?
Although it is possible, ITS no longer supports Windows 3.1. This means that we can not provide help for it.
I have MAC OS 7.5, can I still use USC PPP to connect to the Internet?
Although it is possible, ITS no longer supports MAC OS 7.5 and below. This means that we can not provide help for it.
I get the error "modem is not responding". What should I do?
Try to determine the source of this error by checking the following:
- Make sure the phone line is connected to the data port on the back of your modem (usually labeled "data" or "to wall", or "line").
- Make sure that line is not in use.
- Make sure your modem is installed and working properly.
If my modem is not installed properly, can ITS help me install it and make sure it works?
Since there are many brands and types of modems available on the market, it is not feasible for ITS to provide help for modem installation and troubleshooting. In fact, at this point ITS does not provide support for any kind of hardware related problems. Refer to your hardware manufacturer's website, instruction manual, or customer support.
If I'm connected via PPP, is my machine insecure?
Since your IP address changes almost every time you get online with PPP, it is almost impossible for someone to try to "hack" into your computer. ITS closely monitors our network and would most likely stop any malicious activities before they even get to you. Also, "hackers" usually do not take much interest in people's personal data or files. If you believe that there has been an attempt to break into your computer while using USC PPP, please report to us by calling 213-740-5555 or send an email to policy@usc.edu.
Can I have more than one PPP connection at the same time?
Due to the limited number of modems available, simultaneous logins are not allowed. If you have an existing connection, any further attempts to dial and connect again will be denied.
My PPP is still not working. How can I get more help?
To get more help, you may contact the ITS Customer Support Center by calling 213-740-5555 or by sending an email with your questions to consult@usc.edu.
I do not have problems connecting. However, after connecting, I get disconnected very frequently? Why is that?
If your connection is idle for more than 15 minutes, your connection will be automatically terminated by our servers. This is done in an attempt to keep modem lines that are not actively in use available to other patrons. If you are getting disconnected in less than 15 minutes, you should:
- Check your dial-up properties to make sure that your modem is not set to disconnect in less than 15 minutes if idle. To do this, open the properties of the USC connection. Click Connection. For the option Disconnect if Idle for more than __ minutes, make sure that it is set to 15 minutes.
- Make sure that you are using the latest firmware for your modem. Visit your modem manufacturer web site to download the latest drivers for your modem.
Last updated: Friday, June 20, 2008, 17:17PM PDT