Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of ralrick
ralrick

asked on

Not running at 56K

We have a compaq presario 4640 we noticed we weren't running at 56K we are running at 28.8. Our internet service said we should be at 56. Compaq wasn't much help. The computer came perloaded so we can't reload it.What else can we do?
Avatar of Darkness112299
Darkness112299

Two things.  Just because you have a 56K modem doesn't mean you'll actually connect at 56K.  With my 56k USR modem I get speeds anywhere from 28000 to 48 000 (and rarely any higher).  But if you're consistently getting 28.8 (and your ISP actually tells you to expect more) then you can check your settings in Control Panel.  Just open up the Modems Properties box and look under the General Tab.  Check the settings and clear the check mark (if there is one) on the "Only Connect at this Speed" box.  

If this isn't what's causing the problem then please provide a little more info.  Like the brand of modem and if it supports the V.90 standard.  If not then what Flex? x2?
    Often the problem stems from the quality of the telephone line, including whether there are other devices on that line (other phones, fax, PC's), how far from the central office you are (over 1.5 miles?), environmental electrical noise, etc.  Typically, my 56K V.90 modem connects at 37,333; once in a while at 42,000.
I too rarely connect at any rate higher than 42k.  The old analog lines are not capable of transfering data at that rate.  Where I used to live, I was lucky to get higher than 31k on my 33.6k modem.  Since our telephone company upgraded the exchange to digital, I can connect at 42k almost everytime to my ISP.

Another element to consider is modem compatibility.  If you are using a K-Flex modem and your ISP is using X2, then you're modem won't connect at anything higher than 28.8k.  Check with your ISP and see what protocol they support.  Chances are the modem you are using may not support it.

Cheers,

Stu.
Is this a new telephone line you're using? If this is the case, the problem could be related to something telephone companies are using called a DAML.
A DAML (Digitally Added Main Line) is used to split an analog line into two separate lines. They use it to avoid having to send a tech up to locate a free pair on the street. DAMLs work OK for straight voice lines, but definitely will not allow connections over 28.8.
A couple of ways to check. Try all of the phone lines into your house. See if any will allow a 56 k connection. If you have a friend with a laptop with a working 56k modem in it, invite him over to see if he can connect like he can normally. Alternately, you can bring your PC to his house and see if you can connect at 56k there.
The problem: if it is a DAML in your way, telco will not respond to requests to remove these buggers if the only problem is that you can describe is a modem connect speed issue. You may want to "discover" problems with Caller ID, Call Waiting, noise on your regular line, etc.
Be persistant, don't stop until you hear the f word. That's right. Foreman. He can help you.
If it's not this, it's probably firmware or modem inf file. Get the latest one.


ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of gjahchan
gjahchan

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial