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I like this old summary of various ways to trick a modem connected server into outputting +++ATH0, which would disconnect it.

https://opennet.ru/base/usersoft/3.txt.html

It did work on some modems with loose requirements around the timing and pauses.

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It’s because Hayes held the patent on the modem having to pause for one second before it could receive commands.

Other modem manufacturers implemented the “time-independent escape sequence” to get around the patent[0]… the only issue being binaries that contained control codes and meddlesome kids.

[0] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_Independent_Escape_Sequ...

Heh, I was one of the first in my group of friends to get DSL and the ping trick was a wonderful way to troll people. Before the DSL line, I too had a modem that was vulnerable so trying to send the ping would kick me off instead of the target.

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