I finally succeeded in connecting to my modem directly via hard wire. I also contacted my ISP who claimed that he could detect noise on the line which he said was probably due to a defective ADSL filter. I told him that I had swapped them all out and that it was still dropping. After turning off my modem and all but one phone he said he could still detect noise. He suggested I contact Ma Bell and get them to come and check the line. They agreed to do so after also detecting noise on the line, but told me there would be a charge if the problem was inside my home and not on their drop to the house. I would gladly pay this if it solves my problem.

I will let you know what happens after the visit from Bell.

Brian