Ans:

In order for data to be transmitted over the Internet, the modems on either end of the connection must be in sync, and agree on such parameters as a speed with which to exchange the data. For example, if one modem transmitted data at 28.8 kilobytes per second, and the other one only supported up to 14.4 kilobytes per second, those two modems would have to agree to exchange data at a speed that was accessible to both -- in this case 14.4 kilobytes per second would be the highest common denominator. The handshaking process occurs when the two modems detect each other over the Internet, and adjust themselves within parameters that both of them can handle.

Q2. I'm running Windows 95 with a 28.8 Kbps modem attached. When I connect to the Internet through my provider I can only connect at 1200 Kbps. How can I speed this up? I know my provider supports 28.8 Kbps modems.

Ans:

Check your modem's setup properties in your Internet software, and make sure you've indicated that you have a 28.8 Kbps modem. It's possible that the software assumes you have a 1200 Kbps modem unless you indicate otherwise. Also make sure the Internet access number you're using is for a 28.8 Kbps connection, since many ISPs offer different phone numbers for different access speeds. While extraneous factors such as clogged phone lines can sometimes reduce speed, it's unlikely that such a factor would cause your modem to perform at so low a speed. If you've checked your software and the settings look OK, something may be wrong with your modem. When modems are defected, they will usually default to the 1200 Kbps speed.

Q3. What's the difference between a modem and a Winmodem? I've noticed that Winmodems are less expensive.

Ans:

Winmodems are internal modems that work exclusively with the Windows operating system and Windows communications software. They are generally less expensive than other modems, but not because of their Windows orientation. They are less expensive because unlike regular modems, they do not feature ROM, which is the part of memory that stores the modem's code. Instead, the Winmodem's ROM is stored on the PC's hard disk, saving money for the modem manufacturer, which leads to savings for the consumer. Since the Winmodem's ROM is stored on the PC, users don't need to replace chips to upgrade the modem; they need only install or download an upgraded software driver.

Q4. Winmodems are good alternatives only if you know you won't be using any other communications platforms, including DOS. Is it true that all 56K modems won't be compatible with each other? I thought that as long as you had two modems of the same speed on opposite ends of the connection, there would be no compatibility problems.

Ans:

Manufacturers of 56K modems have not yet agreed to a unified standard. As a result, 56K modem manufacturers fall into two basic camps. Rockwell Semiconductor Systems Inc. and Lucent Technologies Inc. have spearheaded one standard, called K56flex, while US Robotics Inc. Is pushing another standard, called x2. While modems within each of the two divisions will work together, a K56flex modem will not be compatible with a x2 modem, at least until the two sides agree on standards. In the interim, online service providers may support only one of the standards, so check with your ISP before you purchase a 56K modem.

Q5. I recently purchased a software product that claims to "turn your computer into an answering machine." When I installed it, it didn't. Someone told me it could be a problem with my modem.

Ans:

It sounds like your modem doesn't support voice capabilities. Some communications packages, such as 01 Communicate Laboratory's Communicate, will let you use your computer to set up voice mailboxes, but your hardware has to support the capability. Years ago, modems were used only for transmitting data, and fax programs such as Delrina's WinFax Pro were sufficient for most users' communications needs. Today, fax programs are disappearing in favor of full-featured communications programs that let users send data, voice messages and e-mail. While many older modems don't support voice and data, the capability is becoming commonplace in newer models. Since communications packages will only get better at exploiting voice technology, make sure any modem you buy supports voice capabilities.

Q6. I've been doing research on modems and keep seeing references to POTS lines. What is POTS, and how do I know my modem will work with POTS lines?

Ans:

POTS stands for none other than Plain Old Telephone Service. If you purchase an analog modem, it will work over POTS. In contrast, ISDN modems cannot be used to transmit data over POTS. Rather, ISDN modems require the use of special digital-communications lines for transmitting data.

Q7. I have heard the term "rpi" used to describe modems. What does this term mean?

Ans:

RPI refers to Rockwell Protocol Interface, a modem technology that was developed by Rockwell Semiconductor Systems. RPI technology allows two modem functions -- error correction and data compression -- to be performed by the computer rather than by the modem, itself, which is where those functions are traditionally performed. RPI technology translates into lower costs for modem manufacturers, and ideally, for consumers as well. Since this extra work is performed in the computer as opposed to the modem, the modem doesn't have to feature external memories and can use less powerful controllers.

Q8. What is DSVD?

Ans:

DSVD, which stands for digital simultaneous voice and data, is a technology found in some modems that enables voice and data to be transmitted simultaneously on the same phone line. DSVD would be useful for telecommuters or remote users, who could discuss files and data as they are being transmitted.

Q9. I spend hours on the Internet everyday. What is an ISDN modem and how much faster is it than analog modems?

Ans:

ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. There are several variations of ISDN, but most ISDN modems transmit data at speeds of 112 to 128 Kbps. In comparison, today's fastest analog modems are ringing in at 33.6 Kbps (though manufacturers are already working feverishly on 56 Kbps modems). Two of the biggest impediments to widespread ISDN access have been the price and the complexity of ordering the service. ISDN prices have gone down somewhat, yet service providers still assess, in most cases, a one-time installation fee, a monthly service charge and timed usage charges. Since customers are faced with a variety of ISDN configurations to choose from, some computer product manufacturers have begun to offer help in that endeavor. For example, ISDN modem manufacturer Motorola offers a phone-based ISDN service for its customers. Microsoft has also jumped into the ISDN fray with a Web site ISDN service (http://www.Microsoft.com/windows/getisdn) that walks customers through the ISDN ordering process.

Q10. Is it true that your modem only transmits as fast as the modem it's transmitting data to or from? If so, why would it be advantageous to purchase a 28.8 or 33.6 modem since most people don't have such fast connections?

Ans:

It is true that modems only transmit as fast as the modems they are transmitting to or from. When modems transmit data to one another, they must do so at a speed that both of them can support. However, one good reason for purchasing a fast modem is for fast Internet access, since you can access the Internet through different access speeds. Internet access is one of the most popular uses for computers, so more and more people will likely buy faster modems in the future. It's doubtful that you would be making a bad investment by purchasing a high-speed modem.

Q11. I have a 28.8 kbps modem. Would the new 33.6 modems provide faster Internet access?

Ans:

The higher the kilobytes per second (kbps), the faster the modem. A 33.6 kbps modem would, indeed, provide faster Internet access than a 28.8 kbps modem.

Q12. I have a Pentium computer with a 14.4 modem. If I were to revamp my computer rather than purchase a new one, what should be replaced or upgraded? Speed is definitely needed. Working on the Internet seems to be getting slower and slower.

Ans:

If your main priority is faster Internet transmission speed, then you should upgrade your modem. You'd notice a tremendous difference with a 28.8 kbps or 33.6 kbps modem.

Q13. Why my friends 33.6K modem can connect speed up to 115200bps, but I only can reach speed around 26400~28800bps?

Ans:

115200bps presents DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) speed, i.e. speed between PC and modem. 26400, 18800bps present DCE (Data Communication Equipment) speed, i.e. it a real connection/carrier speed. In real situation speed range from 31200~ 26400bps is normal because of bad line quality.

Q14. Why connection speed of my 56K modem only reaches at 28800bps?

Ans:

Please download Firmware upgrade program (flash ROM) to improve it performance.

Q15. What is the best parameters or initial string for 56K modem?

Ans:

If you installed modems with drivers we offered, the drivers will offer a best configuration for 56k modem.

Q16. While I installed modem, win95 prompt me to provide drivers for Wave Device? Is it offered by modem?

Ans:

When modems with voice capability installed in Windows 95, the previous version windows 95A would not prompt you to provide drivers for wave device? But latest version Windows 95B(OSR2) will need one more drivers for wave device? if your modem has voice capability.

Q17. When I completed modem installation, Win95 still detects another one and install it automatically. One shows 56K modem, another is 56k modem#2. What's going on?

Ans:

56k modem is Plug&Play device, it will be detected when windows start-up. Such a case will happen, if you add 56k modem manually, not by windows auto-detect. Solution is you delete all modem types in Control Panel a Modem. Then let windows 95 auto-detect modem, go to Control Panela Systema Device manager a Refresh.

Q18. Will my 56K modem interoperate with today analog modems such as v.34?

Ans:

Yes. K56flex? modems will automatically detect the capabilities of a remote modem and "automode" to the capability of the remote modem. Moreover, if a combination of network and local loop conditions prevent a K56flex connection, a fall back to a V.34 connection will occur.

Q19. Can two 56K modems connect at rates higher than V.34 when used in home-to-home connection?

Ans:

No. The K56flex? Technology is uniquely designed for home-to-ISP connections with the condition that one end (typically ISP site) has digital access to the telephone network and the other end (typically end-user) connects to an analog phone line. However, K56flex? Modems will automatically connect to each other in V.34 mode when used in home-to-home connections.

Q20. Is a modem useful if the highest speed is offered in only one direction?

Ans:

Traditional Internet access is a highly asymmetrical process in that most data flows from the Internet to the end user (downstream) in the form of graphics or files. Most communications from the end user to the Internet (upstream) is button clicks or address entries. K56flex? is therefore ideal for Internet connections.

Q21. Will the upstream speed be limited to V.34 rates?

Ans:

Not necessarily. The initial version of K56flex? will use V.34 rates for upstream (uploading), which has been selected by the TIA for the U.S. interim high speed modem standard. Lucent is expecting to upgrade its future K56flex? product software, via its RAM based solution, which will utilize additional techniques to enable rates higher than V.34 rates in the upstream direction. Again the key is having digital access at one end of the connection which is not available in a home-to-home connection. With only one analog loop in the path, there are less impairment than conventional V.34 connections (2 loops). Higher rates and better performance than V.34 are expected.

Q22. Is a Home-to-ISP user connection to the Internet the only application for 56K connection?

Ans:

No. This technology is useful for several applications where one end of the connection is digitally terminated. Some alternate applications include enterprise solutions where users connect to a private business server, bridging connections where a service provider utilizes two or more digitally terminated modems and two or more end users call in to these modems and have their data bridged digitally by the service, and finally, end-user digitally terminated modems such as ISDN modems where an end user is digitally terminated and can therefore communicate with another end-user K56flex? modem.

Q23. When can I get the modem driver for Windows 98?

Ans:

We have uploaded the new drivers on our WEB site. http://www.c-com.com.tw

Q24. My modem failed in firmware upgrade program. How should I do now?

Ans:

Before you use our firmware upgrade program, we still need to remind you that the AP only support 95 or 98. If you do the upgrade job under NT, it will fail. Our web site will put the latest version upgrade program. When you type 'AT' in the 'Hyper Terminal' of 95, it will show 'OK'. It means your modem still can accept the AT command and you can use our firmware upgrade program. Once you get an 'error' message after you type 'AT' in the 'Hyper Terminal' of 95, you modem need to repair. Please send your modem to the reseller where you buy, they will repair it and send it back.

Q25. I use Windows NT to upgrade modem to V.90. Why did it fail?

Ans:

As our description for V.90 firmware upgrade, it only works properly under Windows 95 or 98. That is why it will fail under NT.

Q26. Can we know the best initial string for my modem?

Ans:

Because our factory default is already best initial sting.

Q27. Because I don't know what model my modem is, how can I get the correct driver for my operating system?

Ans:

We suggest that you can use our modem identification program to tell you modem model. You can get program from our web site. According to the information retrieved from the program, we can find out that which driver is what you need.

Q28. If my ISP is not ready for V.90, should I upgrade my modem to V.90 right now? What is the influence?

Ans:

Try to use the same protocol type with ISP, and you will get the best connection speed. Only when you make sure that your ISP's V.90 service is ready, you can upgrade your modem to V.90. If they are not ready, please keep the original protocol (like K56flex or X2). Or the connection speed will drop down to 33600 BPS (V.34 connection).

Q29. My modem's connection speed is too slow, most of time it only reached 28800 BPS.

Ans:

Maybe your modem used the different protocol from ISP (e.g. K56flex or V.90). Please use the same protocol type with ISP, and you will get the best connection speed.