TELECOM Digest Mon, 24 Apr 95 19:49:00 CDT Volume 15 : Issue 208 Inside This Issue: Editor: Patrick A. Townson Annoying Calls: Can We Deal With Them? (Randall Rathbun) Book Review: "NetPages" by Aldea Communications (Rob Slade) Need Help on 50-POTS-Line Setup (Trevor Fiatal) Indian Minister Calls For Computers in Rural Schools (Rishab Aiyer Ghosh) International Rates to Russia (Van Hefner) Mexico: Buying Modems and Muxes (maxthump@aol.com) EIA-232 Specifications - Where Can They be Located? (Chad Ira Hanneman) CIUG Conference (Bob Larribeau) Telecomics (Dave Leibold) TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of public service systems and networks including Compuserve and America On Line. It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'. Subscriptions are available to qualified organizations and individual readers. Write and tell us how you qualify: * telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu * The Digest is edited, published and compilation-copyrighted by Patrick Townson of Skokie, Illinois USA. You can reach us by postal mail, fax or phone at: 9457-D Niles Center Road Skokie, IL USA 60076 Phone: 500-677-1616 Fax: 708-329-0572 Article submission address only: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu Our archives are located at lcs.mit.edu and are available by using anonymous ftp. The archives can also be accessed using our email information service. For a copy of a helpful file explaining how to use the information service, just ask. *********************************************************************** * TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from the * * International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Switzerland * * under the aegis of its Telecom Information Exchange Services (TIES) * * project. Views expressed herein should not be construed as represent- * * ing views of the ITU. * *********************************************************************** Additionally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above. All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages should not be considered any official expression by the organization. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- "Would you like to work at home? Would you like to be freed from the drudgery of a company? Would you like to pick your own hours? etc, etc." This computer auto-dialed voice response advertisement hit our block of 1200 numbers in a CA office prefix and started up the chain of numbers. We have almost 3 dozen DID trunks selectable as a distribution group. Dial our range of numbers, and it comes in on any of our trunks. Continually hitting the attendant operator, the situation soon became very irritating. Our engineers and management were also receiving this barrage of automated enticements, and frankly it was disruptive to our business. We are a large defense manufacturer and don't have the time or inclination to be disturbed by this type of thing. What came as a surprise totally to us, was the response of our local telco when asked to remedy the situation. Here's what we're told (quoted) "We don't have a way to stop this ... we don't have a way of trapping ... you have to have a trap in place ... you have to have your security give us a signed statement ... you have to have a case number assigned to you from the county sheriff's department." In other words, it is just about impossible to even deal with this type of annoying or harassment call due to the complicated, extended and time-consuming legal procedures. The local telco representative added "We've had this thing happen to us, hopefully yours' will stop today" and they acknowledged that a carefully placed roving call would go through virtually impossible to stop. They said they had to have two matches on the same number before they could initiate law enforcement activity in their offensive call bureau. A simple question comes to mind, don't roving calls only hit the number once and then move on? In other words, knowledgeable offensive callers can dial with almost complete impunity and automated dialers are "impossible" to stop. What particularly irks this writer, with extensive knowledge and experience of telecommunications, is that he and a local CO technician can trace and lock down these type of calls within 10-15 seconds after they come in. The local CO technician can even remotely login to other telco sites and trace the call and positively identify its source within a minute or at the most two. In other words, it IS possible to stop these types of calls. Why can't we do something about this growing problem? Have the telco carriers formulated new procedures to handle this growing problem? All the hardware is already in place to deal with this situation. With the advent of the computer autdialers and increasing mechanization during the 90's, this type of thing will only increase. Certainly abuse will only increase once people realize that nothing really will ever be done. Can't we stop this type of thing, rather than throw up our hands and say "oh well, there's nothing we can do about it"? Your comment is appreciated. ------------------------------ BKNETPAG.RVW 950313 "NetPages", Susan Estrada, 1994, U$5.95 %A Susan Estrada susan_estrada@aldea.com %C 2380 Camino Vida Roble, Carlsbad, CA 92009 %D 1994 %I Aldea Communications, Inc. %O U$5.95 +1-619-943-0101 fax: +1-619-929-0580 info@aldea.com %P 214 %T "NetPages" Godin and McBride did the "1994 Internet White Pages" (cf. BKINTWHP.RVW) and haven't yet attempted an update. Hahn and Stout claim the "original" (cf. BKINTYLP.RVW), and New Riders the "official" (cf. BKNRYLPG.RVW), "Yellow Pages", both of which are in their second editions. Now, Aldea has produced blue, white and yellow NetPages in one volume. It is my understanding that NetPages is intended to be supplied like the phone book, with both hardcopy and online versions being provided free of charge and the project to be funded by the sale of advertising. (My copy, labelled "Spring 1995", was also marked "$5.95".) I assume this is the first edition: for a network directory, it is very slim. The blue pages are a remarkably cogent and concise "at a glance" guide to the Internet. Email components, mailing lists, codes of conduct, good references, and business on the Internet are covered quickly, but with all the major points covered. (The bibliography is terrible, but you can't have everything.) The white pages have first business, and then individual, listings. This is very handy in terms of finding people, but an additional page colour might be of benefit here, to distinguish the two sections. The listing system is automated; you send email to np-add@aldea.com, so there are frequent errors. (Send email to np-faq@aldea.com to get details of the submission format.) In this version, there are fewer than 160 companies listed in the yellow pages. The information in the book states that it will be published twice annually. For information on availability, send email to np-pickup@aldea.com. copyright Robert M. Slade, 1995 BKNETPAG.RVW 950313. Distribution permitted in TELECOM Digest and associated publications. Rob Slade's book reviews are a regular feature in the Digest. Vancouver roberts@decus.ca | "If a train station Institute for Robert_Slade@sfu.ca | is where a train Research into rslade@cyberstore.ca | stops, what happens User Rob_Slade@mindlink.bc.ca | at a workstation?" Security Canada V7K 2G6 | Frederick Wheeler ------------------------------ Hi, telecom netizens. I'm in the midst of coordinating an ISP startup, and I've run into a seemingly-simple problem which has me stumped. Please help me! We had Centel (Sprint's wholly-owned NC telco subsidiary) bring 200 pairs from their CO to our office. We currently have 50 pairs hooked up, and this is where my ignorance begins. Rather than a simple block of RJ-11s, I have two 50-pair blocks of punch-down posts, one labeled "Xmit" and the other labeled "Recv". The blocks appear to be bridged together; I can't tell for sure. Which block should I wire my inside lines to? I'm not certain it would make a difference, but I'd like to get it right the first time. I would also appreciate any tips on how to keep things simple, in terms of what number of conductors to use in any given cable, and good sources for RJ patch panels and the like. Email replies are fine; UNCC is graciously allowing me to use my (former) staff account as an access point until we get rolling. Thanks, Trevor Fiatal---tafiatal@cybernetics.com---tafiatal@ansouth.com Alphanet South -- High Speed Internet Access for the Pinehurst, NC area. USR V.34 Courier modems on every line -- ISDN coming soon! Pinehurst POP projected to open May 1, 1995 -- Call (910)673-3300 for info ------------------------------ Indian Minister calls for computers in rural schools Mr Madhavrao Scindia, India's Human Resources Development Minister who is responsible for education, outlined a range of improvements to the government-run Kendriya Vidyalaya schools across the country, including extensive computerisation. At a meeting with the board of governors of the schools, which are among the better run of the cash-starved public schools that cater mainly to the poor or rural population, the Ministry proposed that schools be connected through electronic networks to the facilities of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Management (IIMs). The Ministry also proposed replacing obselete BBC micros with newer PCs in several hundred schools. In order to make schoolgoing "a happy experience," it has been decided that children up to the second grade will not be given any homework, and all grades will incorporate more "activity-based learning," and "more freedom," with teachers acting only "as guides." An independent initiative from the Department of Electronics, involving the use of discretionary funds controlled by members of Parliament for public spending in their constituencies, aims to provide computers to schools at the district level and connect them through Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite links to ERNET, India's patch of the Internet, forming an "information footpath." This initiative was inaugurated earlier this year; in addition there are already some privately-run schools for the underprivileged that use Internet e-mail for innovative educational programmes. Rishab Aiyer Ghosh rishab@dxm.ernet.in rishab@arbornet.org Vox +91 11 6853410 Voxmail 3760335 H 34C Saket, New Delhi 110017, INDIA ------------------------------ For those of you who make frequent international calls from the U.S. to Russia, I have compiled a factsheet listing rates to that country on programs from AT&T, MCI, Sprint, Cyberlink, and Telegroup. I used the best calling programs available from each company on both their commercial and residential programs. The report includes rates from programs such as Sprint Sense International, The Most For Business International, MCI Preferred Worldwide, MCI Friends & Family Around the World, AT&T Global Business Advantage, AT&T True World Savings, Cyberlink International Plus, and Telegroup Global Access USA. An explanation of all available discounts is listed for each program, as well as their base per-minute rates and peak/off-peak time periods (different with each company). Some of these rates are limited-time offers that expire within a few weeks. Also included is a comparison of charges for a typical 3 1/2 minute call using each of the programs (both with AND without all applicable discounts, peak and off-peak). Specific information on billing increments, service charges, monthly minimums, and required domestic services is given. Other info on fraud, six-second billing, differences between programs, access methods and a summary/reccomendation for each carrier is included as well. The file 'russia.txt' can be downloaded from my archive site via anonymous FTP at ftp.northcoast.com in the /pub/vantek/reports directory. All current and back issues of our newsletter Discount Long Distance Digest can also be downloaded from the same site in the /pub/vantek directory. Van Hefner Publisher Discount Long Distance Digest vantek@aol.com ------------------------------ 4 0 7 - A F c o . V i l l a r re a l C o l o n i a B u e n a V i s t a M a t a m o r o s , T a m a u l i p a s , Me x i c o Telephone: 011 (528) 813-9398 Fax: 011 (528) 813-9398 E-mail: ping123@aol.com B U Y I N G NEW, USED, OR REFURBISHED We are "BUYING" the follwing items for customers in Mexico: Modems & Multiplexors in ANY of the following Brand Names: UDS 9648T & 9645's NET (NETWORK EQUIP. TECH) TIMEPLEX DATATEL TELEBIT CODEX UDS MULTITECH MICOM AT&T PARADYNE HAYES GDC NEC MICROCOM RACAL MILGO / RACAL VADIC CODEX AT&T 2048 T'S MISC. Cisco Bridges & Routers (T-1) VERILINK (T-1, CSU/DSU) PRINTERS: OKIDATA (MICRO LINE FAMILY-300 SERIES) EPSON (ANY) Pleases respond by phone, fax, or E-mail to Grady Young: With the Model #'s and Quantities you have available. Note: All transactions including receipt will be in U.S.; and , in U.S. currency. ------------------------------ I am looking for the EIA(RS)-232 specification. Would anyone know where I could find it? Any information via E-Mail would be greatly appreciated. I'm also looking for the 422, 423, 449, and 530 specs as well. Thanks in advance! ------------------------------ úÿ The California ISDN Users' Group Conference DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING ISDN APPLICATIONS May 31 and June 1 LAX Marriott For more information and a registration form see below our take a look at http://www.ciug.org/ciug/ciugmeet.html or send more information to "info@ciug.org" Bob Larribeau ------------------- REGISTRATION Please fill out this form and mail with payment to: CALIFORNIA ISDN USERS’ GROUP P.O. BOX 27901-318 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127 or, for credit card orders, phone or fax us: (415)241-9943 Phone (415)753-6942 Fax Payment: __ $100 Full Conference (includes membership fee) __ $75 Full Conference (for members only) ___+ $25 Exhibits Only (includes membership fee; exhibits-only FREE for CIUG members Name____________________________________________________________________ Company, Job Title ___________________________________________________ Address, Mail Stop ___________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________________________ Telephone, Fax, email ________________________________________________ _ Visa __ Mastercard __ American Express Credit Card Number. Expiration Date _____________________________________ Name, Signature _____________________________________________________ HOTEL INFORMATION Los Angeles Airport Marriott 5855 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90045 (301)641-5700 Call the hotel to make your reservations. The Marriott will hold a block of rooms until May 17. at a special rate of $85 per night - single double. Be sure to mention the California ISDN Users' Group when you make your reservation. The LAX Marriott is located conveniently by the Los Angeles Airport. The hotel provides transportation from the airport. EXHIBITS We will have exhibits and demonstrations by 40 ISDN companies on both days with a reception Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. PROGRAM Registration Open* Wednesday 9:30 AM The Registration Desk will open at 9:30. Issues and Tutorials * Wednesday 10:00 - 12:00 Several informal meetings and tutorials will be held, including: New Members Orientation - S. Kluz, Chairman (10:00 - 11:00) ISDN Issues - S. Kluz, Chairman - (11:00 - 12:00) ISDN Tutorial - R. Brennan, AT&T (11:00 - 12:00) PPP MP Interoperability Workshop - R. Larribeau (10:00 - 12:00) Plenary * Wednesday 1:00 - 2:30 Stan Kluz - Chairman, LLNL Welcome and discussion of CIUG activities. Keynote - Pat Krause, McDonald's A discussion by an ISDN pioneer based on his experience of what it takes to be successful in designing and implementing ISDN applications. Bob Larribeau - Program Chair Conference Program Wednesday 3:00 - 5:00 Understanding and Selecting ISDN Services Leading phone companies that offer ISDN services will discuss the important considerations in selecting and using the various ISDN service options. Jack Stewart - MacNeal-Schwendler will give the user's view J. B. Hannis - GTE Mike Sapien - Pacific Bell Dei Hardiman - AT&T Pete Hansen - Sprint Thursday 8:30 to 10:00 ISDN Video Applications Two videoconferencing users will discuss the extensive networks that they have setup along with a presentation by Pacific Bell on how to select and use network based videoconferencing services. Ari Ollikainen - LLNL Jack Fine - Pacific Bell Denise Showalter - Pacific Bell ISDN Voice Applications Users who have implemented large ISDN Centrex applications will discuss their experiences and the benefits they have received. Rich Brennan - AT&T Brian Aumiller - McDonald's Alex Kelley - El Camino College Sheryl Kimball - El Camino College Thursday 10:30 to Noon ISDN Packet & Satellite Applications Discussions about how ISDN can be used with X.25 packet switching networks or in satellite networks to support Chris Brock - Pacific Bell Byron Wagner - Genius, Inc. Frank Piepiorra - Data TeleMark ISDN Data Networking Applications Three users will discuss their experiences in setting up network connections and network access using ISDN. Steve Wheeler - Graphics Plus Bruce Bartolf - Gensler & Assoc. Rick Valasek - Velasek Assoc. Thursday 2:30 to 3:00 ISDN and Netware A panel led by a user that will discuss how to solve the issues that come up in using Netware over ISDN. Includes a discussion of IPX spoofing changes in Netware that facilitate using ISDN. Doug Kaye - Rational Data Systems Joe Gervais - Novell Ham Mathews - Digiboard ISDN Data Equipment Meet the man behind the best ISDN Web site on the Internet. Hear about the kind of equipment that is available on how it performs. Presentation on the PPP MP Interoperability recently held by the CIUG. Dan Kegel - Knowledge Adventure Bob Larribeau - Larribeau Assoc. Bob Downs - Sonic Systems Thursday 3:30 to 5:00 ISDN Work-at-Home Applications Discussion by three users who have implemented programs that allow their employees to work at home. Natalie Clinton - LLNL Dirk Hartogs - Canon Research Chip Parham - Chevron ISDN and the Internet Will cover how and why you should use ISDN to dialup into the Internet. Charles Como - Underground Network Mike Friedman - Yasco Tom Ryan - Scitech ------------------------------ Another sampling of those newspaper funnies featuring fones ... in not too particular an order ... # Sherman's Lagoon, 30 Mar 95: Fillmore: "What's Fidel Castro doing on your autodial?" Sherman: "Fidel and I go way back." Fillmore: "Madonna? Mother Teresa? I think you made these up to impress people..." (and on it goes until it is discovered The Three Tenors didn't live together ... now direct-dial to Cuba is in America now, isn't it? ... meanwhile this comic has an e-mail: slagoon@aol.com) # Dave, date unknown, but in 1995: Featuring the not-so-exciting TV series spun from Rescue 911, "Information 411" # Shoe, 25 Oct 94: Cosmo phones a female, gets her answering machine, and the message "... if this is you again, Cosmo, hang up at the beep." # Shoe, 24 Mar 95: Economy voice mail comes to Shoe's paper... where they "don't get same-day delivery" # Animal Crackers, sometime in '95: Lyle's continuing attempts to communicate with Lana ... this time it ends with her answering machine hanging up on his voice. # Animal Crackers, 27 Jan 95" Lyle vs Lana 2... a no-answer this time... playing hard to get, and in the words of a bystander, "she's winning" # Mixed Media, 4 Apr 95: Dating in the 70's... by phone number Dating in the 90's... by e-mail address # Mixed Media, 1 Mar 95: Alexander Graham Bell is shown, doing his famous summoning of Watson... but "the party at this extension is not available at this time..." ... imagine as Bell had to invent his device with those voice mail/PBX options. # Mixed Media, 20 Apr 95: Mailbox yells at someone to write his mother... "now that's voice mail..." # Mixed Media, 28 Feb 95: The results of cell phoning while race car driving are not nice ... # Mother Goose and Grimm, 31 Jan 95: Mother Goose wants to complain to the postmaster about rising postage rates and slow service ... so the postmaster uses the "fastest and most economical way"... fax # Sylvia, 1 Feb 95: Person on hold waiting for an operator ... "perhaps until your hair turns gray or your eyes bulge out." Fidonet : Dave Leibold 1:250/730 Internet: Dave.Leibold@superctl.tor250.org ------------------------------ End of TELECOM Digest V15 #208 **************************** tedgerly@julian.uwo.ca (Tyron Edgerly) wrote: >Hello, > The new WIN32S is out (v2.0). The new netscape will not run with any earlier >version present, and I have 32-bit applications I need to run. Anyone know >where I can get a copy of the new WIN32S? >P.S. The new netscape is at ftp.mcom.com try http://bongo.cc.utexas.edu/~neuroses/cwsapps.html tedgerly@julian.uwo.ca (Tyron Edgerly) wrote: >Hello, > The new WIN32S is out (v2.0). The new netscape will not run with any earlier >version present, and I have 32-bit applications I need to run. Anyone know >where I can get a copy of the new WIN32S? >P.S. The new netscape is at ftp.mcom.com try http://bongo.cc.utexas.edu/~neuroses/cwsapps.html