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Why won't my modem connect at speeds higher than 33.6K?
Our entire system is 100% 56K capable using V.90 protocols.
If your modem has this protocol built into it, then you should
be able to achieve a connection within an acceptable 56K range.
It is common to see speeds anywhere from 38000bps (bits per
second) to 50000bps. Keep in mind, however, that speeds of 38400,
57600, or 115200 are not actual connection speeds. There are
several factors that affect the speed at which you connect,
however:
The quality of your phone line - depending on the quality of the phone lines
inside your home, you could experience varying degrees of
connection speeds. Make sure you have an undamaged line going
from your computer to the wall. Also consider the age of the
phone lines inside your wall. If your wiring is 10+ years
old, you may want to consider replacing it. The most common
sign of this type of wear is static or noise on the phone
line.
Other devices connected to the line - consider the fact that
the more devices you have connected to the phone line you're
using, the more problems you will run in to. This applies
to phones, answering machines, fax machines, etc. that are
connected to the line, even if they're in other rooms. Try
removing all other devices from the line you are using and
connect.
The distance between your computer and the wall - if the
phone line you use to connect your computer to the wall is
longer than 10 feet, then you might want to consider a smaller
phone line (most modems come with a 6 foot cord for that very
reason). Also, if you have splitters, or other connectors
between the modem and the plug in the wall, these can affect
your connection. Try removing them, with only the cord between
the wall and the modem.
Drivers and Firmware updates - check with the manufacturer
of your modem to ensure that you have the newest drivers and
firmware updates for your modem. An excellent resource for
finding these is 56K.com.
If you can upgrade your modem from K56Flex to v.90, it is
highly recommended as you may see better performance from
the modem.
Why do I get an error code when I try to connect?
Error codes help our technical support department accurately
find the cause and solution to many problems with dial-up
networking connections in Windows 95/98/98SE. The following
list of common error codes can help you discover how to solve
any problems you may be running into:
Error 602 - this means that another program
or device is trying to use the serial port that your modem
uses. Make sure that there are no other programs open that
use your modem, such as terminal programs, or fax
software. If you don't find any such programs open,
then restart your computer. Many times Windows will open a
port and not close it properly, therefore requiring you to
restart your computer.
Error 629, 650, 678- this error can occur
for several different reasons. The most important thing to
check is the kind of modem you have. If you see any reference
to a "Soft" modem, or "Winmodem" , then
it is what is commonly called a controllerless modem. To solve
the problem, double click on the "My Computer"
icon on your desktop, then double click on "Dial-up
Networking". Click on the "COMSATS"
icon using the right mouse button. Select "Properties"
in the pop-up menu. Then down towards the bottom of the box
that appears, click on the "Configure"
button. Then select the "Connection" tab,
then click the "Advanced" button
and make sure that "Flow Control"
is selected and that it is set to "Software (XON/XOFF)".
If it wasn't, then make the change and press ok until you're
back to where you started. The problem should now be solved.
Error 691 - Your password and/or userID
have been typed incorrectly. Verify that you are typing them
in exactly as you provided them to us when you signed up.
This includes making sure you put lower case and upper case
where it is supposed to be. If you're not sure whether your
userID/password is lower case or upper case, it is probably
lowercase. You may contact us at 111-700-800
to verify your userID and password. If this doesn't solve
the problem, try restarting your computer. Many times this
corrects the problem when all else has failed.
Where can I get the newest drivers/firmware updates
for my modem?
56K.com provides links to most
major modem manufacturers. It is important to update your
drivers and firmware on your modem so that connection problems
are reduced, and you will receive fixes for known problems
with older drivers/firmware updates. This is especially important
for K56Flex or X2 modems so that you can
use the v.90 protocol, or if you own a controllerless
modem such as a Lucent Technologies (LT) Winmodem. |
