56K (56 Kbps) and V.90 Modems FAQ

 

What is 56K technology?     top
This technology provides Internet and online downloads almost twice as fast as ordinary 28.8 Kbps modems over standard telephone lines. It is capable of increasing the speed of a standard analog modem connection from the typical 28.8 Kbps or 33.6 Kbps to speeds up to 56 Kbps for downloading information. Be aware that it is asymmetric, which means that you can download information at increased speeds, but the speed of sending information from your computer remains the same.

What are the benefits of 56K technology?     top
56K technology substantially increases the delivery of information and reduces the time spent downloading information from the Internet. It makes access faster, without the investment in special phone lines or hardware required by other technologies. Also, many users are able to transform their existing modems to 56 Kbps capabilities through upgrades.

Where do I get more information on 56K technology?     top
You can go to http://www.3com.com/56k/ to find out more about x2 technology. For K56flex technology, check out http://www.k56flex.com. For the V.90 standard, check out http://www.v90.com. The Web site http://www.56K.com is a good source of information on 56K technology and V.90 modems.

What are the requirements to achieve the optimum connection speed using 56K technology?     top

  • Proper Modem Type - Modem technology must match (i.e., K56flex to K56flex, x2 to x2).
  • Telephone Lines and Switching - If a local call to your ISP gets routed partially through analog switches, you will lose 56 Kbps capability. The telephone company may be able to tell you which type of switches the call is being routed through on the way to the ISP.
  • No PBX Telephone Systems - If you dial a 9 to get an outside line, you are using a digital PBX system. A PBX system performs an analog to digital conversion, thereby limiting 56 Kbps calls to a maximum throughput of approximately 35 Kbps.
  • Quiet Analog Lines - Digital lines do not usually suffer from line noise, where as analog lines do. Your telephone company should be able to test your lines to detect excessive line noise.

Why am I unable to get a 56 Kbps connection?     top

  • Signal Strength Cap - Due to a speed limit set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), you will be unable to get 56 Kbps throughput with a 56 Kbps modem. The FCC limits the amount of power that phone companies can use to send signals over the network. This cap on signal strength limits data throughput to a maximum of 53 Kbps regardless of what your modem can actually deliver.
  • Telephone Lines and Switching - If a local call to your ISP gets routed partially through analog switches, you will lose 56 Kbps capability. The telephone company may be able to tell you which type of switches the call is being routed through on the way to the ISP.
  • Line Noise - Anything that adds noise to your telephone line or causes an analog to digital conversion between your ISP and your modem lessens the transmissions performance. The telephone company is only obligated to provide you with a clean enough line to get 48 Kbps data ranges.
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