["Followup-To:" header set to alt.os.linux.]
Atokata enlightened us with:
Due to errors on the ISP side of the DSL connection, the ActionTec
DSL modem/router provided by Qwest often loses its connection.

This is easily fixed by simply power cylcing the modem. However,
due to the volunteer-based workforce at the station, many times
there is no one availible with the ability to perform this task.

You must be kidding. Same thing happening here, only the modem is at
my room instead of at some station.

Do any of the readers here know of a device which can physically
switch off the power to the modem through a software control?

I don't know one yet, but I'm probably going to build one sometime
soon. I'll put the schematics online when it's done. If you want a
copy, send me an email.

I'm a rank amateur in electronics, but could what I'm describing be
called a "relay," or perhaps a "watchdog?"

A bit of both. A relay is a power-controlled switch. You're probably
going to use that. A watchdog will be the thing controlling the relay.

Sybren
--
The problem with the world is stupidity. Not saying there should be a
capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the
safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?