Solving 56K Connection Problems
There are two main sources of connection problems associated with 56K modems,
- Poor quality phone lines
56K modems are very sensitive to poor line quality. If you can actually
hear noise on your line, you can be assured that there will be problems
with your dial-up connection. However, even noise inaudible to the human
ear can make it impossible for a 56K modem to establish a fast, reliable
connection.
- Out-of-date modem drivers and/or firmware code
V.90 is not a static protocol, it is continually being revised for
improved, more robust connections. The unfortunate consequence of this
fact is that a modem must be frequently updated to the latest code to
avoid being "left behind" by changing standards.
Steps to take
- Make sure you can dial out using the same line your computer uses
Place a telephone on the same cable that connects your computer's modem to
the phone jack, then dial the same phone number your computer dials to connect
to the Internet (for example, West Marin residents should dial 236-1000,
Petaluma residents should dial 773-4762).
If you aren't able to get a dial tone in the first place, you know that there
is a problem with your phone line. Make sure that all the cables are snug and
try again. If you're still unable to get a dial tone, call your phone company.
Otherwise, you should hear a modem pick up on the other end and start making a
series of screeching noises. If there is no answer or you get a busy signal,
please call SVN Tech Support at 707-781-9999.
- Check the phone cable
Make sure there are no problems with the physical cable between
your computer and the wall jack. Sometimes cords get yanked out of
place or get chewed on by family pets, it's worth poking around to
see if this is the case.
- Check other devices on the same phone line
Fax machines and cordless phones often introduce connection problems.
Try temporarily disconnecting any such devices from the computer's
line to see if that resolves your connection problem. Devices on the
same phone line but on a different jack can also cause problems.
Splitters (converts one jack into two or more jacks) should be avoided
at all costs when a 56K modem is involved.
- Connect your modem to the jack closest to the phone company's service
box for your home
Often phone lines are of poor quality inside a home, and by moving your
modem's connection to the jack closest to the phone company's service box
on the outside of your house, you may bypass problems with internal wiring.
- Make sure your modem driver and firmware are up-to-date
The V.90 code is updated in what is called the modem's firmware
by a small program downloadable from the modem manufacturer's website,
check our manufacturer links for some of the
more popular modem manufacturers. Some keywords to use when looking
for the updates are "V.90," "flash," "firmware," "update," as well as
the manufacturer and model name/number for your modem.
A related but seperate component is the driver for your modem. The
driver is the software that your computer uses to "talk" to the modem,
and modem manufacturers update modem drivers as well, though not usually
as frequently as modem firmware. It's still worth checking the modem
manufacturer's website for driver updates.
Important:
Please note that SVN cannot assume liablility for any problems
resulting from an attempt to update a modem drivers and/or
modem code. However, problems updating drivers and code are
extremely rare, and updating the modem code solves the great
majority of our users' connection problems that are not phone-line
related.
- Contact SVN Tech Support
If you are unable to remedy your 56K connection problem by following
the above steps, please contact SVN Tech Support at 707-781-9999.
