Faster Linux modem-based connection

jlevie: I've just read the FAQ on the modem maker(Comtrol)'s web site. They suggest putting the following lines in /etc/uucp/ports:
port ttyR0
type direct
device /dev/ttyR0
speed: 115200

Does this have any effect? I mean is setting the port speed in mgetty.config sufficient. Either way, I've tried it, and the connect seems faster, however I don't know how to check the true connect speed from a linux client...or the server. When I connect it says CONNECT 115200..but I would like to know the true connect speed. What do I need to check?
Thanks

I have compression enabled, which helps. I'm not exactly sure how to set the max connect speed. Is it an initialization string issue?
Thanks.

We're talking about dial-in speeds, right?

Init-strings and the like don't come into play for auto-answer mode unless the modem is one of those awful things that can only remember their last state as opposed to a more conventional modem what has the normal AT registers and saved profiles.

On the assumption that it's a conventional modem... When the modem answers the call it's state is determined by the stored default profile (typically they come with reset to default on disconnect configured). It's the content of the default profile that I was referring to that you might want to examine and/or change. You'll probably need to consult your modem docs to find what the default profile is set to and how to change and save a new one. BTW: what modem is it?

jlevie: Thanks. I'll look into that. The modem is a Comtrol PCI RocketModem II. How do I check the connect speed on a Linux client?
Thanks

I don't know of any way to do so. A lot of modems can be queryed when they are in auto-answer mode and on-line, but you can only do so by breaking into the connection (which is going to seriously upset pppd) or having dial-in going to some application that can issue the query to the modem. Linux, or Unix in general, dial-in servers just see serial data comming in, they don't really care (or know as far as I can tell) if it's from a modem or a hardwired serial port.

Dial-out is a different matter. The software (kppp or whatever) knows it's talking to a modem and can issue the query for the connect speed when the connection comes up.

I'm using kppp on a client to dial the server. Where is the setting to ask it to query the modem for the connect speed? I mean the true connect speed, not what it's giving me right now which is the speed of the serial line 115200bps.

Also I've taken a look at the default profile for the modem and it is possible to set up two user profiles in addition to the default profile, which I intend to do if necessary. However in the S-register settings the only relevant registers that I see are S46(Data compression control)-Set at 138 by default and Line Connection Speed(set at 0 by default) Should I change these? and if yes to what for the user profile?
Thanks

Are the docs for that modem on line someplace? It's hard to provide specific advice w/o knowing more about the modem.

Yes, they're at http://www.comtrol.com/cgi-bin/downld.exe?product=RocketModemII&doctype=Any&os=Linux
The files are pdf and it is 200052A.pdf(ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/rmodem/hw_doc/at_cmds/200052A.pdf) that has the default profile and AT commands defined.

Cool I look them over this evening and see what I can find for you.

Try adding W1X4 to your modem initstring. I think you will then see something like

CONNECT 115200
CARRIER 38600

like my modem reports. If not, play withthe other W and X settings.

Do you use setserial for setting the serial port speed? If so, how do you set it?

Thanks Reinier, I'll try that. I tried to use setserial, but it gives me "invalid argument". The reason for that I believe is that this port is not ttyS# it's ttyR# and it doesn't recognize that. It works fine on my client side which has a modem installed on ttyS3

ATW1X4 does give the carrier speed-thanks. It also gives a Protocol:Lap-M. Unfortunately my carrier speed is still only 24600. Any ideas why?

Ok, I've dialed out with the modem to a known 56Kbps provider and the carrier speed is still only 24600. To me it looks like the phone lines, but how can I rule out the modem settings for sure.
Thanks

I've been going through the modem docs and it pretty much looks like the factory default ought to negogiate the highest possible connect speed the remote modem and the phone line will allow.

Have you tried a connection with no dialer init strings? You can do it by running kppp, going into Setup->Modem-Terminal. Then set the verbose mode per Reinier's comment and dial the remote with an "ATDT" command.

You could also get the configurations ther with &V and compare them to what the doc's claim the defaults are.

jlevie: This is exactly what I did. I mean I dialed from Kppp's terminal with atdt to an ISP that I've dialed before from another place, and I've been able to get 52K connects to. When dialing with the RocketModem however, the top speed I get is 26400. So it's either the line or some other setting that I'm missing. I'll try the &V command and get back to you. Thanks for all your help.

Well I've talked to the modem manufacturer, and I've also spoken to the phone company. Both suggest that the problem is most likely the phone line. The &V command does give the specs specified in the documentation. And it seems the modem is set to the highest parameters. Thank you both for your help.

Okay, how about picking a comment you like as the answer & grading it.

Duh... nevermind, we crossed in the mail...