Modem Basics

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56k Modem Basics:

You can configure your modem in the Dial-Up Networking (DUN) properties for your DUN connection.

  • Double click "My Computer."
  • Double click "Dial-Up Networking."
  • Right-Click on your ISP connection.
  • Choose "Properties."


Hint: Add 3+ commas to the end of the phone number for a more stable connection.

Click the drop-down list to select the right modem. (Take note of the modem's name; e.g., US Robotics 56k Win Modem.)

  • Click the "Configure" button.
  • Set speed to 57600.
  • Click the "Connection" Tab.
  • Click the "Advanced" Button.
  • IF the modem is a Win modem select "software data flow control."
  • Place any necessary "init string" in the Extra Settings box. Reconnect to the internet. 
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"Win" Modems

Most PCI slot internal modems are "win" modems. They make the CPU emulate a real modem. As a result, they often need "software data flow" because only hardware modems use "hardware" data flow. External modems, V34 modems and laptop modems are not likely to be "win" modems but manufacturers are starting to produce them.

Common "win" modems are:

US Robotics 56k Win Modem, LT Win Modem, SupraMax 56k, HSP MicroModem, PCTel, Motorola SM56, ESS, Zoltrix, Shark, and anything with an "HSP" in the name.

Note: HCF modems are partially hardware and partially software modems. so try "hardware data flow control" first and if you have trouble maintaining a connection try "software data flow control."

Hint: The following init string works well for PCTel and HSP modems:

AT&F&C1&D2&K3W1

Hint: If an internal modem keeps disconnecting within a few minutes then it might be a "win" modem. try swithching to "software data flow control" and add 3-5 commas to the end of the phone number.

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Modem Drivers

It is important that you have the most recent modem driver software.

You should try the web site for the manufacturer of your modem or you can try to find updated modem drivers at websites like www.modemhelp.org or www.56.com. You might also try doing a web search for your modem using a search engine such as www.google.com or www.yahoo.com.

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V34 Init Strings

Sometimes you can get a more stable connection from your 56k modem using a V34 init string. Here are two popular V34 init strings:

ATS37=19 or AT+MS=V34 (no spaces)

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Computer Not Receiving Response From Modem

This could be caused by an incompatible "init string." It is also possible that the DUN properties are pointing to a non-existent modem. You should double check all of your connection settings and restart your computer. (If you have an internal modem completly power down your computer for ~30 sec. then restart. if you have an external modem power down your computer, reset the modem, then restart you computer.)

Check to see if the correct modem is set in the DUN properties:

Open the DUN properties and click the drop-down list to see if the right modem is selected. If so, try restarting your computer. If that does not fix the problem try removing the modem from the Modem Section of Control Panel. Restart the computer before reinstalling the modem. Afterwards, go back to the DUN properties and make sure that the "connect using" box has the new modem selected. 

Check to see if a bad "init string" is implemented:

  • Click the "Configure" button in the DUN properties.
  • Choose the "Connection" tab.
  • Click the "Advanced" Button.
  • Write down any "init strings" in the "Extra settings" box.
  • Remove any init strings in the "Extra settings" box and then try using the modem again.

 

Resources

http://www.modemhelp.org

http://www.56k.com

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