Subj : BBS vs. the ISP
To   : alt.bbs.synchronet
From : Paul Emmons
Date : Tue Sep 13 2005 07:16 am

From Newsgroup: alt.bbs.synchronet

I would dearly love to be a sysop again, and Synchronet would be my first choice of software.

But before I can proceed, I need to be able to receive a Telnet connection.  And I'm afraid that my
ISP (Verizon) simply does not allow this.

I have installed Synchronet on two computers, one with Verizon DSL and the other with dialup access
to another ISP via an ordinary modem.  With dialup online and Synchronet running, I can use MT32 on
my DSL machine to call it successfully.  But I cannot do the reverse.  MT32 says "connecting....
timeout" and Synchronet just sits there "waiting for call."  I believe that I am using the correct
four-number ISP address of the moment.  (after aiming Internet Explorer at one of those sites that
reports it.)  It makes no difference whether my firewall is operating or not.   

Obviously, it is practical to run a BBS only with a broadband connection that is working whenever
the computer is running.

Is anyone else running a BBS with Verizon DSL?  Is it usual for a broadband service to provide
incoming Telnet?  If not, what special arrangements do you need to make and what do they cost?

I have asked two separate Verizon technical support men about this issue, and they both say that
they know nothing about telnet and can't help me.

The main alternative to Verizon in my area is Comcast (cable).  It is not only more expensive, but
according to their informational web site, they specifically prohibit the customer running a server
of any kind with the ordinary account.  It would be necessary to have a commercial account, which
would be well over $100 a month ($200 if I recall).

I'm afraid I'm at an impasse unless someone can give me some pointers as to how they manage to
maintain a BBS without paying their ISP more than their car insurer.



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