Advantages: Easy to install, compatible Disadvantages: size, price
Now you all know im on broadband at home but it has not always been the way.
No. Going back a year or so ago, I was using a trusty 56k External Modem. I say trusty because it was a good servant and it is still downloading at my mums house without any problems.
So what is it?
Well, for those that dont know, its the little piece of hardware that sits between your computer and the telephone socket. Its used to decipher the phone tones into information for the computer to understand.
Some people have "internal" modems which are actual parts of the computer that slot in and need to be phyiscally installed, and, some people have "External" modems so they can just plug it into a connector without the need for upgrading or installing bits in the actual computer.
This modem is External so it has the advantage that anyone who can plug in ...
Advantages: reliable, fast connection Disadvantages: quite expensive
on the line.
Try not to use too long a telephone extension cable. If you need 10 metres buy a 10 metre extension, DON'T use two 5 metre cables.
Don't take as gospel, what Windows says your modem speed is. Above 52K is telling lies. Check out www.windrivers.com where they have a way for you to test your modem speed.
Modem speeds are always referred to as 56K or 33.6K BUT that is kiloBITS not kiloBYTES. 56 KiloBITS = 7 kiloBYTES (approximately).
Hope this is a help. ...
What an excellent modem, it is reliable and practical. I recently acquired the 3COM US Robotics 56K Modem as a gift and it is quite some present. Being an external unit it is easy to transfer it between machines, my laptop or desktop, this has saved me the necessity of buying 2 modems.
The software with it is adequate to run your computer as a fax machine but is a little limited. Connection speeds vary from service provider to service provider but the 3Com seems compatible with all ISP's I have tried, previous modems have disconnected spontaniously from some ISP's, this modem however seems able to cope well with drop out or poor line gain.
Neat and compact in appearance this modem requires an external power source so you'll need an available 13am socket.
A good all round modem, not too costly. ...
Product Information for "USRobotics 56K USB Faxmodem USR5637" »
Modem
Interface Type
USB
Connectivity Technology
Wired
Max Transfer Rate
56 Kbps
56K Technology
V.90, V.92
Protocols & Specifications
ITU V.21, ITU V.22, ITU V.22bis, ITU V.29, ITU V.32, ITU V.32bis, ITU V.34, ITU V.90, ITU V.17, ITU V.23, ITU V.27ter, ITU V.92, ITU V.80
Error Correction Protocol
MNP-4, ITU V.42, MNP-2, MNP-3
Data Compression Protocol
MNP-5, ITU V.42bis, ITU V.44
Fax Compatibility
G3
Max Fax Transfer Rate
14.4 Kbps
Features
Modem-on-hold
Manufacturer's product description
The USRobotics 56K USB Modem delivers the performance and reliability USRobotics is known for, in a compact, flexible form factor. This controller-based modem integrates powerful communications processing functions into the modem itself, for assured performance without sapping your computer's processing power. Quick Connect reduces your connection time to get you online quicker, and V.PCM Upstream provides 50% greater upload speeds - perfect for sending e-mail messages with large attachments. Also supports USRobotics Modem on Hold application to screen incoming voice calls while online, and to answer calls without losing your internet connection - no second phone line is needed!
Related tags for USRobotics 56K USB Faxmodem USR5637 »
