Dialup Modems Remedies

Comcen

Remedies for your Dialup Connection

Modems up to and including the 33.6k/s speed were standard modems with standard protocols. However, the 56k speed modems were released with two protocols. That being the K56Flex (the most common type and the type supported by COM-CEN Internet Services) and the X2 (by 3com and US Robotics).
These two modem types are compatible at all speeds up to and including 33.6k/s. They are NOT compatible at 56k/s and so you cannot connect an X2 compatible modem to a K56Flex modem and expect superfast speeds.
Most 56k modems (depending on how well they communicate and also depending on the quality of your telephone line) will connect between 40k/s and 50k/s. Very few will connect at any speeds faster than 50k/s. If yours does, congratulations, you have a unique modem.

You should NOT have any other phones/faxes/etc plugged into the same line as your modem, or connected to the same number as this may cause problems.
Please note that because your modem connects fast to one ISP, it doesn't necessarily mean it will connect to every ISP the same way or at the same speeds. Some ISPs have single modems for each connection, some have terminal servers and others use their own methods. Not all are 100% compatible because of the different protocols. Even some K56Flex modems are not 100% compatible with the 'Standards'.

Due to FCC limitations, speeds of 53kbps are the maximum permissible transmit power levels during download transmissions. Actual data speeds will vary depending on line conditions.

Here are some fixes that may help you connect better:

Check the network settings.
Go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel and doubleclick on NETWORKS.
Make sure only TCPIP and DialUp Adapter are in there.
Click on TCPIP and then PROPERTIES.
Select WINS Configuration and see if WINS is disabled (as it should be).
Try changing the modem speed from 115,200 to 38,400 or vice versa (No it won't slow you down).
Try using the standard 28.8k modem driver that comes with your Operating System.
You may also need the latest FIRMWARE UPGRADE for your 56k modem.
You can download this from the website of the manufacturer of your modem.
Some modems have been found to need an 'Initialisation string'. Please contact your modem manufacturer for one of these.
Please remember, if you aren't ACTIVELY surfing the internet (eg. you are reading/writing a long email/webpage) you will be disconnected after 20 minutes.