I have a 56K modem. What do I need to get 56K speeds?
Three things:
A 56K modem with a current v.90 driver dated after May-June 1998.
There are plenty of 56K modems on the market, with more arriving every day.
These manufacturers have web sites where you can download the latest
drivers. BUT: Not all 56K modems are created equal! beware "HCF, HSP or
other "software controlled" modems (AKA Winmodem). They're much
cheaper, but rely on your computer's processor to operate. Thus, when you
use your modem, your computer's overall speed will drop. In some cases,
running lots of processor-intensive applications on your computer while
using the modem can cause disconnects, lockups and even slower connect
rates. We recommend
the US Robotics Sportster (not the Sportster Winmodem) It currently sells
for around $85, and is the most popular modem in the world- for good
reason. It works well and doesn't burden your computer's processor
An Internet service provider that supports 56K V.90
Once you have your 56K modem, you have this taken care of by signing up with
Pulaski Networks.
A phone line that supports 56K This is a big one that will prevent some people from using 56K. For 56K to work,
you can only have one analog-to-digital conversion between your location and
Connect. If there's more than one, your connection will be limited to V.34
speeds (a maximum of 28.8K or 33.6K). It is possible that your telephone company
may upgrade the lines in your area at a later date, enabling 56K, but for
outlying or rural areas, there is no guarantee of this.
