Perry,
It sounds like you have had server problems indeed. I'm afraid that this week will be rough as QC is taking down servers to fix Y2K related problems, leaving lots of users moving from server to server which slams the good ones. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how early you log on to a bad server, if it is slammed or if your connection to it is lacking throughput, your quality of service will suffer (but then you already know about that).
Here is a link to a free ping plotter:
neoworx.com
This software continually pings your connection and monitors in real time (every 5 seconds) the quality of your connection. You can print a report or just look at it on your screen which will allow you to evaluate which nodes or hops along the internet path are causing you the most problems.
The key, I believe, is to optimize your setup to the server you are using. Here is a couple of the things I have figured out (the hard way-- trial and error): Different servers have different routes (even if on the same server farm). I have found that I could change local access numbers on my local ISP server and obtain a totally different route. I know that sounds bizarre, but I assure you it is true. There are a lot of variables, however, when you find a combination which gives you good data flow (and that only comes by trial and error-- the ping plotter is just a tool to help you measure your results), you need to lock that combination in and not rely on chance to get you there consistently.
If I can help further, let me know.
Matt |
