No! You'll pay the same rate
for 56K modem access.
What
determines if a modem is Single Mode (supports K56flex or
V.90) or Dual Mode (supports K56flex and V.90)?
If the modem has a 1 MB chip,
it will probably only have space for one (1) version of firmware
(K56flex or V.90.) If the modem has a 2 MB chip, it may hold both
versions (K56flex and V.90.)
Should
I upgrade my modem to V.90?
Generally, upgrading your modem
to the latest supported code will optimize your Internet connection.
Check with your modem manufacturer regarding specifics on upgrading
your modem. If you upgrade though, it's generally a good idea
to keep your old modem code so you can downgrade again if the
new code doesn't work for you.
What
is V.90?
Modems function and establish
connections based on standard protocols which allow them to communicate
with other modems and networking equipment. V.90 is a protocol
that has been established by the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) for 56K modems. You should be able to use any brand
of modem that supports V.90 with your account, whether it is USRobotics,
Zoom, Lucent or other vendor.
Do
I have to buy a new modem?
In most cases it will be possible
to download new code from your modem's vendor that will update
your current modem to V.90. This is true if your modem uses flash
memory to store its firmware, which is the internal modem code.
However older modem types may have ROM-based memory, and in that
case, a new replacement modem would be needed to move up to V.90.
Flash memory can be erased and re-written by simple software programs
while information stored in ROM memory is more permanently set.
If
I purchase a V.90 modem, will my connection speed increase?
Several variables will affect
your connection speed, so there is no guarantee your connection
speed will actually increase. If you're currently experiencing
speeds of around 28.8 Kbps or 33.3 Kbps using your 28.8K or 33.6K
modem, you'll likely see an increase in connection rate using
a V.90 modem.
How
do I upgrade my current modem?
If your modem is capable of
a flash upgrade, then the next step is to go to your modem manufacturer's
Web site and search for their firmware upgrade section. Another
option is to search one of the following sites: http://www.56k.com/, k56flex.com, or http://www.v90.com/. Most of the major
modem vendors will have an upgrade wizard program or something
similar that will help you properly upgrade your modem. Once you
have the firmware update loaded onto your modem, it becomes a
V.90 modem.
Does
my modem need to be a "Dual Mode" modem to support V.90?
A dual mode modem is one that
has the memory to hold the code for both V.90 and one of the proprietary
56K modem standards such as K56flex or X2. A dual mode modem generally
has 2 MB of memory to store the two versions of code, while a
single mode has 1 MB to store only one version of code. If your
modem can only support one protocol at a time, once you upgrade
to V.90 you won't be able to connect (at speeds greater than 33.6
Kbps) to a service that doesn't support V.90. This won't cause
any problems for BellSouth® Internet Service users
since all our facilities are upgraded to support V.90, but if
you dial into another service that supports only 56flex, you will
only be able to connect at V.34 speeds (up to 33.6 Kbps).
Do
I need any new Internet or dial-up applications to use with the
new V.90 standard?
No. The V.90 standard is a
modem code used to establish high speed download connections and
only affects the connection and transfer aspects of connecting
to the Internet. You will still be able to use all the same software
you used before.
Which
brand or type modem should I purchase?
If you're purchasing a new
modem, we recommend purchasing a V.90 compatible modem as this
will give you the best chance of increasing your connection speed
once the BellSouth® Interent Service facilities
in your area are upgraded to support V.90. Purchase from a well-established,
national brand-name company that has several years of modem manufacturing
experience. Visit V90.com for some online
guidelines. Your local modem retailer will likely be able to provide
you with several suggestions. Or if you're purchasing a modem
online, search PC World
or Tech Web for current 56K modem
evaluations. Purchasing a low-cost, generic modem can be risky.
Compare manufacturers' warranties and ask about return policies
just in case your new modem does not increase your connect speed.
Where
can I learn more about V.90 modems?
Visit the V90.com site for more information on
V.90 modems.
Will
BellSouth® Internet Services still offer K56flex
connections?
Yes. A modem that employs the
proprietary standard of K56flex should still be able to connect
at the same speeds as before the V.90 upgrade.
Where
can I learn more about K56flex technology?
The developers of K56flex
are Lucent and Rockwell. This
standard proposes a 56 Kbps downstream rate and a 33.6 Kbps upstream
data rate. The technology is referred to as K56flex and a wide
variety of vendors have pledged support. The majority
of the modems on the market today use Lucent (formerly AT&T)
and Rockwell chipsets.
Where
can I learn more about X2 technology?
U.S. Robotics' X2 protocol
offers a 56Kbps downstream data rate and a 33.6Kbps upstream data
rate. U.S. Robotics has a Frequently Asked Questions page
which can be a helpful introduction to their offering. Other X2-compatible
modem manufacturers' home pages also offer information about the
underlying technology.
Can
I really get 56Kbps transmission speeds?
Currently, FCC rules limit
the signal level that digitally connected server equipment can
transmit into the digital portion of the network phone lines.
The result of this limitation is that the top transmission speed
in the downstream link is 53 Kbps. Other factors (which also apply
to 33.6 and slower modems) such as line noise can also degrade
transmission speeds. Line noise and network constraints (both
at the phone company level and on the Internet) are some of the
factors in the actual speed at which your modem will communicate
with another modem.
In fact, speed and performance
will vary between sessions as well as during sessions,
depending on changing line conditions, the path through the Internet
your data is taking, and the speed at which the Web server to
which you've connected can transfer data. Even so, you'll probably
see higher speeds and better performance than you're used to with
conventional modems. Please note that some customers may not experience
a faster connection rate using a 56K modem.
To be most effective, a
56K modem connection cannot have more than one analog-to-digital
conversion between your home or office and the ISP's dial-in access
site. If there's more than one analog-to-digital conversion in
the connection, your connection will likely be limited to V.34
speeds (a maximum of 33.6Kbps).
The
data-transfer rate displayed by my browser is 115.2Kbps or 57.6Kbps.
Is that accurate?
What you are probably seeing
is the DTE rate (the speed at which your PC is talking to your
modem) instead of the DCE rate (the speed at which your modem
is talking to the remote modem). Check out "Connect Speed of 115.2K
or 57.6K?" in the online help for more information, or check out
information on this topic at the 56K.com site.
How
can I improve the connection rate of my modem?
Even if your modem is new,
we recommend visiting your modem manufacturer's Web site to verify
that you are using the most current released version of the modem
manufacturer's software. Depending on your modem, it may be "flash-upgradeable"
(meaning that you can upgrade your modem via a software download)
or you may have to physically send the modem back to the manufacturer
for an upgrade. If you use Windows 95, you can check your modem's firmware version, and
its ability to be flash-upgraded, yourself. For more information
on upgrading, you can check with the modem manufacturers themselves, or visit the
official K56flex site.
How
do I verify that my modem has the most current firmware?
Whether you have a new
or old modem, you should contact your modem manufacturer to find
the most current version of the firmware available, and how to
upgrade your modem. Then check to be sure that your modem is running
that version of the firmware, and if not, upgrade the firmware.
If you use Windows 95, you may be able to check your modem's firmware version, and
its ability to be flash-upgraded, yourself.
What
are "firmware" and "flash memory"?
Most modems have their
own internal software (or "firmware") stored in two places: "flash"
memory and read-only memory (ROM). You can upgrade flash memory
yourself, using software available on the modem manufacturers'
Web sites. In many cases, this is all you need to do to upgrade
your modem. However, in very old modems, some of the software
that must be upgraded is stored in the ROM instead of the flash
memory. As a result, these modems can be upgraded only by returning
them to the manufacturer. If you use Windows 95, click
here for more information on checking your modem's firmware
and upgrading your modem.
Can
my 33.6K modem be upgraded?
Probably. Check the 56K
Modem Upgrade Guide for information and links to modem manufacturers.
How
can I contact my modem manufacturer?
Check out the 56K.com site for
a list of modem manufacturers.
Do
I need to dial a different access number for my 56K modem?
You may continue using
the same dial-in access number you've been using, unless otherwise
notified by the BellSouth® Internet Service via
e-mail or homepage announcement.
Do
I need a new browser or dial-up software?
Accessing the Internet
with a 56K modem does not require a different browser or dial-up
software. However, if you're upgrading a 33.6 modem to 56K, your
modem manufacturer may ask you to download a software patch.
Must
I use an external modem if I want 56K modem access?
Most modem manufacturers
who are supporting 56K (which is almost all major modem manufacturers)
make both internal and external modems.
I
used to connect at 42000. Now I only connect at 33.6 or 28.8.
Why?
If you had been able to
connect to BellSouth® Internet Service at speeds of 33.6 or
higher, and are now only connecting at 28.8 or 26.4, this can
be caused by several reasons. In some cases, changes are made
at the local switching office. Sometimes calls previously routed
across lines that could support 56K modem speeds are now switched
to lines that are incapable of supporting 56K modem technology.
These changes are usually made due to the increased call volume
across phone lines.
Another reason may be that
your phone line has multiple analog/digital conversions, which
prevents the full use of 56K modem technology. Multiple analog/digital
conversions exist in some residential lines as well as any office
line with a PBX system. You're probably on a PBX in the office
if you either have to dial a number (usually #9) to dial an outside
line, or if your phone line has its own extension.
Possible solutions: your
modem may be running older versions of firmware. The firmware
is what controls your modem connections. If you have Windows 95,
please be sure to check that you have the latest firmware
for your modem.
If you are in an office
environment, plug the modem into a direct outside line. The office
fax machine is usually dialed into a direct outside line. Try
hooking your modem line into the wall jack for your fax line and
attempt to dial out. Or, if your computer is at home, there may
be line noise on your phone line. If you can hear static on the
line, you may want to contact your local BellSouth Repair Center
for assistance in having your lines checked.
I
can connect some of the time, but it usually takes 3 or 4 tries,
and sometimes I get disconnected for no reason.
When dialing into a BellSouth®
Internet Services, the first tone the modem hears is a special
tone to detect a 56K modem. Some modems think that the tone is
a busy signal and will return the error "The computer you are
dialing is not answering." If you have Windows 95, you may want
to try these steps to work around the problem:
- In Windows 95, on the
upper-left-hand corner of your desktop screen, double-click
the My Computer icon.
- When the My Computer
window appears, double-click the Dial-Up Networking icon.
- In the Dial-Up Networking
window, select (single-click) the BellSouth.net icon.
- In the Dial-Up Networking
window, choose the Properties command from the File
menu.
- This will bring up the
BellSouth.net connection screen.
- Where the Phone Number
is listed, put 3 commas at the end of the Phone Number.
This will make the modem pause for 6 seconds after the modem
has dialed.
- Click the OK
button.
- Close the Dial-Up
Networking window and the My Computer window and
try your connection again.
Unfortunately, the above
steps will not always correct your connection problems. Your modem
may be running older versions of the firmware. Be sure to verify that you have the latest firmware
for your modem.
I'm
having problems connecting with my IBM MWave 33.6 modem. What
can I do?
MWave 28.8 modems will
connect into BellSouth®
Internet Service.
However, 33.6 MWave modems may not connect into BellSouth®
Internet Service.
Customers who have flash-upgraded their MWave modems from 28.8
to 33.6 should be able to downgrade back to 28.8, and thus resolve
the connection problem. Customers who have purchased new 33.6
MWaves will not be able to downgrade to 28.8 and may not be able
to connect to BellSouth® Internet Service.
This is due to an incompatibility
between the MWave modem code and the way the K56flex modems are
configured at BellSouth®
Internet Service.
This difficulty will not be resolved until BellSouth®
Internet Service receives
a new version of code for its modems or IBM releases a new firmware
update. For additional assistance, you will need to contact IBM.
Be sure to have the ATI information available when you speak to
their technical support.
I
have an HP, IBM, Sony, or Compaq PC with a built-in K56flex modem
and I'm having connection problems. What can I do?
HP, IBM, Sony, and Compaq
are major PC manufacturers that have Original Equipment Manufacturing
(OEM) agreements which bundle Lucent-based K56flex modems with
their systems. Most of these modems are WinModems -- that is,
all of the software to drive the modem hardware runs on the local
PC instead of inside the modem. You should contact your computer
manufacturer for any updates that may be available for your modem.
Be sure to have the ATI information available when you speak to
their technical support. You should probably be sure your are
running version 4.x of the Lucent code. If your PC is a 486 or
less, you may have continued connection issues with this modem
even with current firmware. We recommend a Pentium 90MHz or better
system for running a WinModem. Upgrading to the latest 4.xx firmware
version may help resolve this problem.
My
US Robotics Sportster modem isn't performing consistantly. Is
there anything that I can do to make my connection more stable?
Almost all Hayes-compatible
modems have built in 'AT' commands that will allow a user to "cap",
or limit their modem's connection speeds. Limiting the connect
speeds to something like 50,000 bps can perhaps prevent your modem
from making frequent attempts to negotiate speeds that are not
stable under the current conditions of a given call. Even though
this appears to limit your modem's performance, you may actually
see an increase in performance as your modem will spend less time
negotiating different connect speeds.
- In Windows 95, on the
upper-left-hand corner of your desktop screen, double-click
the My Computer icon.
- When the My Computer
window appears, double-click the Control Panel icon.
- The Control Panel
window will appear. Double-click the Modems icon.
- The screen that appears
will show you what kind of modem is installed in your computer.
- Click the Properties
button.
- Click the Connection
tab.
- Click the Advanced
button.
- In Extra Settings,
add the line:
AT&N# (# is replaced
by ONE of the VALUES in the chart)
| Value (substitute for #) |
Corresponding modem speed |
| 27 |
52,000 |
| 26 |
50,666 |
| 25 |
49,333 |
| 24 |
48,000 |
| 23 |
46,666 |
Try the 27 value first
and work down until you find a setting that stabilizes your
connection.
- Click OK, click
OK again, and click OK once more.
- Close the Control
Panel window and the My Computer window, and try
the connection again.
- Close the Dial-Up
Networking window and the My Computer window and
try your connection again.
What
if I have questions or problems?
While we're glad to provide
access for V.90 modems, the BellSouth®
Internet Service cannot
provide modem support. Instead, contact your modem manufacturer
with modem questions. Please keep in mind that your connection
speeds will vary (53K and less). For questions about BellSouth®
Internet Service,
contact the BellSouth®
Internet Service help
desk either via e-mail or by calling 1-800-4DOTNET
(800-436-8638).
