Why can't I connect at 56K?
First of all, nobody connects at a full 56k. The FCC limits the signal level on phones and there is some overhead that comes into play that reduces the maximum to about 54,666. We have a few members that connect at that speed but most users with good modems and phone lines connect between 48k to 52k. Some of the less expensive modems connect in the upper 30s. We see the best results with 3Com US Robotics modems. The next best are the Lucent LT modems but only with the latest software updates (December 99 or later). Many of the brand name computers come with Rockwell Kflex modems that do not perform as well as the 3Com and LT modems especially if your phone line has problems. Least useful are the modems that use the PCtel chipset and the Motorola SM56 modems.
To far from your phone company's switch.
If you are over 3 miles from your phone companies local central office, they may have installed a "load coil" to improve the voice signal. This load coil prevents any digital signal from passing. No digital signal means the most you can get is 28,800 baud.
Modem may not be compatible or capable.
Our modems are 3Com US Robotics and are compatible with the "x2" and "v.90" standards. Many of the less expensive brands and modems that are "thrown in" with bargain computers are "Kflex" compatible and software based. Check to be sure your modem is v.90 or x2 compatible and that the driver/software is up to date. Many times, even with brand new computers/modems you may need to download the latest software from the manufacturers web site. It should be dated after July, 1999 if it is to be v.90 compatible.
To much noise on phone line from you in-house wiring/devices.
Test this by unplugging all of your phones, answering machines, fax, callerID, and anything else that uses a phone line. If your connect speed improves, then one of these devices is the culprit. Phone line extension devices that plug into electrical outlets will not work for a modem. A further and more complete test would be to plug your modem directly into the gray telephone interface box on the outside of your house. This will definitely tell you if the problem is inside or outside your house. If the your speed improves, the problem is with your inside wiring and the phone company won't help you. If your speed stays the same, there may be a problem with the phone line that the phone company can correct.
To much noise on phone line outside your house.
Bad phone lines can reduce your connect speed. Pick up your phone and dial one digit
and then listen. If you hear static or hissing or crackling then this could be the
problem. To prove that the problem is with the phone company, plug your modem directly
into the gray telephone interface box on the outside of your house. This will definitely
tell you if the problem is inside or outside your house. If the your speed improves,
the problem is with your inside wiring and the phone company won't help you. If your
speed stays the same, there may be a problem with the phone line that the phone company
can correct. They are only required to provide 9,600 baud speed but if your can hear
any noise on the line they are required to correct that. Public Service
Commission Information
Ameritech call 800-924-1000
CenturyTel call 800-872-4016
GTE call
800-483-4600
Our modem recommendations
We have many subscribers who have switched to hardware based (non-winmodem) US Robotics modems with great results. If you wish, you can bring your computer to us and we will install and configure a USR modem in your computer for $90. If you want to do it yourself, we provide the modem for $75. For purchase information click here. In almost all cases, this eliminates disconnect problems and gives you a faster connection. If you need a less expensive alternative, we would suggest an "LT" modem based on the Lucent chipset. These work pretty well as long as you have a current driver (version 5.39 or above) and a fairly fast computer (Pentium 166 or better with at least 32 MB memory). We don't recommend the Connexant HCF, HSP, Motorola SM56, or PC-tel modems. Under ideal conditions, they may work satisfactorily but usually not as fast as the others. Under less than ideal conditions, you will have trouble connecting and will experience disconnects.
For more information, try these links
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