We've got a Netopia 3500-series DSL modem/router at our office. It's actually configured as a bridge, since it feeds a SonicWall VPN router which wants a static IP.

Every so often (sometimes several weeks, but twice in the past ten days), SBC somehow interrupts the line (I think probably very briefly) and the modem loses the connection.

So far, the only way we can get it back is to go power-cycle the (*&#@$ modem and let it start up from scratch. This is rather annoying, because it sometimes happens when no one's there which means someone has to drive to the office just to pull the plug and put it back. I've had it happen a couple of times when I was out of town and had to wake someone up to go do this.

My question is, does anyone know of a way to set the Netopia to self-reboot or otherwise restore the connection (Netopia doesn't, so far - at least not in bridged mode) OR know of a DSL modem that DOES restore the connection by itself?

Also, one of my clients pointed out the existence of a power switch with a phone connection that can be turned off and on with a phone call (although he hadn't seen one for years, he used to use them on remote SCADA equipment in the oil patch) - which might be usable - anyone know brand names for these?

Haven't used it but Google for the words "remote" "power" "control" came up with several hits. Looking at the first one led me to the following link:

http://www.dataprobe.com/power/pwr_sa.html

It has a device that says you can dial in from any phone in the world to reset a single AC outlet. I haven't used it but it sounds like what you may want.

Another idea: If you don't care about it being down for some period but just want it reset at a certain time you might want to get a timer. I used to have a very simple one for a lamp at home. It had little plastic tabs where you could set when to power off then when to power on.
I've seen these timers on occasion at grocery stores or home improvement stores like Home Depot/Lowes.

Yeah, that's pretty much the thing ( I googled "dialup" instead of "remote") - I saw that one and another one pretty much like it, but, hell, they're $250-300... the DSL modem/router was under $100... so I'm hoping there's one that DOES re-connect when the DSL signal goes away. The dial-up power switch is kind of a last resort, unless there's one that's not quite so pricey!

Thanks for the response, I appreciate it!

Sounds similar to my cable modem. The problem was that my ISP stop supporting my modem. I had to go get a new one that my ISP supports. My modem and router is not one component, so it was no big deal. Combo units are not as reliable as people think. If a part goes, so does other components. A few years ago, my router/switch did not work. I dismantel it and I found out that it was only the router board failed, so I just use the switch board. Do not buy combo units for an office even if you are on a tight budget.

There is such a device that can turn devices on and off using a phone.

Velleman Kits - http://www.velleman.be/ - K6501
Jaycar Electronics - http://www.jaycar.com.au/ - KC5274