Although I don't know the exact distance between my home and my local exchange, I estimate that I'm between 3-4km away.
I use a Dynalink USB ADSL modem on Win98SE. My sync times are usually about 20-30seconds but about twice a month it takes 5minutes to sync.

Although I'm not sure myself, I suspect Craig is right.
However, some people (like me) don't have an Ethernet card/OnBoard Ethernet controller on their PC and therefore chooses to get PCI or USB-based cards.

I would still be getting a USB/PCI ADSL modem but I would make sure with the retailer if I can return the hardware if the modem doesn't sync properly or takes a long time to sync every time.

>Its a common problem with cheap Internal/USB based DSL Modems. They
>basically take ages/won't connect to DSL Lines with are "not very >good".
>Looking at your stats either you have a physical fault on your >line , or you
>live a long distance from the exchange. If you contact your ISP (Who >will
>talk to telecom on your behalf) , they should be able to tell you >which one
>it is.
>
>For anyone getting DSL.. I suggest they _don't_ get an Internal >Modem (or
>USB based one) unless you know you are within 1-2Km of the exchange. >and if
>you are futher get a good modem which will connect even on lines >~8km away
>like the Alcatel Home or Pro (both of these in my tests are the bext >on
>connecting on long distances from the exchange.
>
>Thanks
>Craig Whitmore
>New Zealand DSL Information
>http://www.nzdsl.co.nz
>
>

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