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What are typical connect speeds for 56k modems?
- As with 33.6 modems, your results will depend
heavily on your phone lines. Typically, 42-46k for Kflex is considered
good performance. Some people are getting better results, some
are getting worse. There are many factors that come into play
with 56k.
Why am I not getting a 56k connection?
- Make sure you're calling the right number for
your modem. There are different 56k protocols (Kflex or V.90).
- Check to see if there is a recent firmware upgrade
for your modem. Many people's problems have disappeared when they
have installed a new version of the firmware. You can find some
upgrade links here.
- Visit the inits and drivers page to see if there
is an init string or better yet a driver for your modem. If there
is, download and install it. You can see examples of init strings
and drivers here.
- Try disconnecting additional telephone devices
(fax, phones, answering machines, alarm systems, etc.) from the
phone line. This is a basic and useful step in modem troubleshooting
- You can also be more than 18000 ft. from a local
telephone switching station, which will have an effect on the
connection speed.
- You may have more than one analog-digital conversion
from your phone line to the server (which will depend on the route
your phone line takes).
Why am I not connecting at 56K (i.e. 45K)?
- Phone lines limit V.34 and 56K connections. These
connection speeds are decreased by line noise in Analog phone
signals. Since there is an analog portion in an 56K connection
(between your home and the CO) this will limit the connection
rate. The length and quality of the phone lines between your home
and the first CO are the determining factor of your connection
speed. Normal 56K connection speeds will be in the range of 42K
to 47K. The highest connection speed, because of the FCC regulations
should be 53K.
Why did 56K work for me at one time or work from other locations?
- 56K may work for you then suddenly stop or never
work then suddenly start working at any time. Also you may plug
you modem into to another location around the corner and obtain
56K connections or dial another access number or provider and
obtain 56K. This is all normal because the availability of 56K
depends on your call routing which may change at anytime. You
also may notice you can obtain 56K connections only at certain
times. This is because your phone company may have different routing
schemes based on the time of day. Again there is nothing an ISP
can do regarding these issues.
How do I test for line noise?
- If you have any connection problems it may be
related to "Line Noise" from your phone line. In order
to really listen to your phone line you need to get rid of the
dial tone. Lift up the phone handset and dial any number valid
for your location (i.e. try dialing a 1). Once the dial tone is
gone you have about 30 seconds to really listen to your phone
line (after about 30s the line may change to a busy signal). Listen
closely to the line and verify you do not hear any pops, bangs,
crackles, creaking or faint voices in the background. Any of these
noises can cause your modem connection to fail.
- Maybe a loose screw on a connector block somewhere
between you and the exchange or water in one of the Telco cable
ducts where the water-proofing (around the cable joints) has started
to break down. It could also be a bad connection in the house
somewhere and not necessarily on the line extension that is feeding
your modem. Voices (or crosstalk) are not so easy to find and
are usually more likely to be further into the system. The noises
can also be coming from your phone or external wiring. So plug
another phone directly into the wall jack and repeat the procedures
above.
- Cordless phone jacks and extra "outside
wiring" near the phone jack should be removed. If you have
a double phone jack on the wall try disconnecting the other phone
line. All of these items may cause interference and connection
problems.
What do I tell the phone company?
- Be ready to advise them that you have Line Noise
and/or Low Line Level. Explain to them you are using a modem (do
not hide this) and tell them normal voice communications is fine.
If you do not tell them you are using a modem they will run a
"quick" test and say the line is fine. This is not an
accurate test, it is always best to have someone come on-site.
If possible ask for a Data or "Fax" specialist. Ask
if your digital exchange has a setting to have AGC (Automatic
Gain Control) turned off and your line setting at the exchange
set to position 5. Also ask the phone company to perform a trace
from your home to our equipment (trace the call from your home
to our local access number). Have them check the signal strength
and quality through each Central Office. It may take several visits
to locate the true source of the problem especially when Line
Noise is present.
How do I cancel my services with Combase?
- Send us an email to
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or call us at 813-681-9342 to cancel any service with us. If you
email us you will receive a conformation email from us canceling
your account. If you call us it will be done immediately.
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