The real scoop about 56k modems

Did you know that 56k modems are limited by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to 53k maximum connect rate due to power level restrictions?

Chipsets- The chipset in a 56k modem will determine the connect rate. There are three major manufacturers of the chipsets that go into most 56K modems. The three don't always communicate well with one another. For example: A Rockwell modem will only connect at 28800 when connecting to a US Robotics modem. (Refer to More on 56k & v.90 below.) CTC Net uses US Robotics modems and is completely v.90 compliant. For the best possible connect rates, use a modem based on the US Robotics (or 3Com) chipset, and make sure that it is v.90 compatible.

Updates- Many modem manufacturers periodically improve their product, and often updated modem drivers can be downloaded directly from your computer manufacturer's web site.

Software Modems- There is one other modem issue to consider, and that is the topic of Software Modems. To reduce the price of their computers, some companies are installing a low performance, low cost type of modem in their systems known as a software modem. This type of modem replaces much of the expensive electronic components on the modem with software on your computer, making the computer itself simulate part of the modem. This type of modem is available with both Rockwell chipsets and 3COM/US-Robotics chipsets. These modems are known as RPI, HFC, SoftModem or WINModem. If the modem's box indicates that Windows is required, it is likely that it is a software modem. If at all possible, stay away from, or replace this type of modem. You spent a lot of money on your computer for it to be a computer, not a modem. Internet usage with this type of modem is typically unsatisfactory.

More on 56k & v.90

There are two competing 56k protocols; K-flex and x2. The two protocols don't communicate well with one another, so V.90 was invented. V.90 is the ITU standard that was agreed upon to merge the two competing 56k protocols, Flex and x2. CTC Net has upgraded it's x2 modems to the latest V.90 protocol.

V.90 is the cure-all, right? NOT!  Still, K-flex modems dialing into x2 or v.90 modems are limited to 33.6 speeds and usually don't achieve that. Many K-flex modems say they are v.90 compliant, but we've found that most modems have Flex and v.90 or x2 and v.90 capabilities, but don't have the latest v.90 protocols installed. Check your computer manufacturer's web site to find out if an upgrade is available for your particular 56k modem.

You are absolutely sure you have the latest v.90 upgrade available on your modem, so now you're in business right?  You still may need to disable the 56k (K-flex or x2) portion of the modem.  Flex-V.90 modems in particular can experience frequent disconnects when connected to a x2-v.90 modem. Or, when they do connect, everything is verrryyy slooowww. Disabling 56k will usually solve that problem. You can find the modem strings to disable 56k here.

Top