Most people that connect to the net in the UK are using some form of a MODEM, whether it is external or internal, hardware or software and it seems that the majority don't know much about them, so I'll try to explain a little.
Firstly it is important to understand that your telephone line ... Read review
Advantages: reliable, fast connection Disadvantages: quite expensive
Most people that connect to the net in the UK are using some form of a MODEM, whether it is external or internal, hardware or software and it seems that the majority don't know much about them, so I'll try to explain a little.
Firstly it is important to understand that your telephone line is analogue and your computer is digital. The modem converts the noise from the analogue signal into digital data that your computer can understand. ... ...Because of the general inaccuracy of analogue data, this can be both processor intense and quite unreliable.
When the transmission of data down a telephone line became very widely used, limits were set by the telecoms industry, limiting the top speed of data transfer down a telephone line to 52K, and this can be reduced further by signal noise, so the top speed you will ever get on a V90 modem is 52K. Any higher and your computer has ... more
Most people that connect to the net in the UK are using some form of a MODEM, whether it is external or internal, hardware or software and it seems that the majority don't know much about them, so I'll try to explain a little.
Firstly it is important to understand that your telephone line is analogue and your computer is digital. The modem converts the noise from the analogue signal into digital data that your computer can understand. It MOdulates and DEModulates the signal hence the term MODEM. Because of the general inaccuracy of analogue data, this can be both processor intense and quite unreliable.
When the transmission of data down a telephone line became very widely used, limits were set by the telecoms industry, limiting the top speed of data transfer down a telephone line to 52K, and this can be reduced further by signal noise, so the top speed you will ever get on a V90 modem is 52K. Any higher and your computer has got it wrong. (I've seen people crowing about getting 115K plus, and have to smile. It's simply the software reading the speed wrong.)
Unfortunately this is in only one direction. Download speeds can go upto 52K but upload speeds were limited to 33.6K (until V92 modems are released). So generally you download faster than you upload, but this is not always true.
So what's the differnce between a software and a hardware modem? Software modems aren't strictly speaking actual modems, they are just signal carriers as the system processor modeulates/de-modulates the signal, so in effect when you install a software (sometimes called Winmodem) modem you turn your computer into the modem. Hardware modems on the other hand do everything on the card, using their own hardware chips, which takes the load away from the processor. When you consider that most software modems need a Pentium 150Mhz and up to run, but a hardware modem will work on a 486 it isn't difficult to see the difference.
External or Internal? Mostly an aesthetic choice, but the aforementioned software modems are generally internal, although some have appeared that connect via USB. Internal modems plug into either a PCI or an ISA slot. Because of the low bandwidth either is acceptable. Externally, modems can connect to your PC via a 9 pin serial port or the newer USB port.
Thats a liitle bit about modems. Which modem do I own?
I am a VERY proud owner of a US Robotics V90 external Voice Fax modem. It is very reliable, offers consistently good download speeds ( usually connect to BTInternet ay 49,333 but have been as high as 52,0000) and very rarely drops connections. Installation is a breeze, involving plugging the modem into the wall, the 9 pin cable into the serail port, installing the drivers and connecting to the net.
Thats it for installation. The best feature about external modems that I have found though, is that due to the LEDs on the box, you can see what is happening, while you are surfing the net and downloading. Different lights flash when you are uploading or downloading, which may not sound that useful, but believe me it is. You can also switch off the modem, without having to switch off your entire computer. This is good because there are so many programs floating about that will try to connect to the internet, and when I leave my computer on over-night, rendering complex 3D scenes or video footage, I don't want it to connect, so I switch off the modem. Try doing that with an internal modem!
I've now owned my modem for over two and a half years and have never had any form of problem. While it was quite expensive (£120) when I bought it, and compared to cheap, internal, software modems still is, you get what you pay for. This modem would be especially useful for online gamers where reliability is the number one issue.
**NOTE**
There are many things that can affect the speed of your connection. Here are a few tips.
If you consistently get speed of 28,800 or below using a V90 modem, telephone BT and ask whether you have a DACS fitted to your line. This is a cheap way of splitting one line into two, which is suitable for voice but not data.
If you constantly lose connections and it isn't your ISP, then ask BT to turn up the GAIN, as it could be noise 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).
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 ... ...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 connectors can be using this modem in minutes. It also has the benefit that it can be moved to other computers musch easier. Just ...
andycharger 21.07.2003
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of U.S. Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem
Advantages: Durable, Reliable, very well built Disadvantages: no
What’s there to tell about the 3Com 56K External Modem? This was a purchase decision made by my companies Purchasing Department. They chose a standard then kept with it. A pretty good choice if I might add.
The installation is a snap. Open the box, rip all the contents out and put it all together. Everything from an extra phone cord, software and power adapter is included. You do need to purchase a serial to parallel cable though. The parallel end ... ...(9-pins) connects to the back of your computer. Most people will chose to run the CD for the installation, but I do not. Why? I like to run the “Add/Remove Hardware Wizard”. Why do I use this method? It works. Every workstation I have attached this modem to continues to run perfectly with out any issues with the drivers Windows comes loaded with. My theory, “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”. The toughest part of installing this modem is where to ...
tycoon 12.07.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of U.S. Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem
Advantages: Faster than an internal winmodem. Audible dialup. Disadvantages: Requires spare serial port and power socket.
When buying a modem should you go internal or external. With most PC's this question is already answered as they are equipped with an internal modem. Most internal modems are known as winmodems because they are driven by windows drivers and eat up a small percentage of CPU time to make them work. An external modem, on the other hand, has it's own memory and processor and doesn't use precious CPU cycles.
Because an internal winmodem uses the processor ... ...I recently changed from a winmodem connecting at 46,667bps to US Robotics 56K Faxmodem that continually connects at 49,333bps. Nothing else has changed. The telephone line is exactly the same line used by the winmodem (which now sits in another machine).
When considering buying a modem you should also consider ease of installation. Winmodems require opening your PC whereas external modems plug into one of your serial ports.
Another consideration ...
steve.toplis 19.02.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of U.S. Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem
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 ... ...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. ...
jonwhite 22.11.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of U.S. Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem
Advantages: all singing, all dancing Disadvantages: none
When we bought this modem we knew absolutely nothing about modems, the internet or anything vaguely super-highway-ish! We were just recommended in the shop and so we got it. We have never looked back! So many of my friends have internal modems in their PCs and they have nothing but trouble but, I have to say, our external has never given us the slightest bit! It does pretty much everything a modem should, as well as coping with voice/fax machine ...
traceyhand 12.07.2000
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of U.S. Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem
Product Information for "U.S. Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem" »
Modem
Interface Type
Serial RS-232, ISA
Connectivity Technology
Wired
Max Transfer Rate
56 Kbps
56K Technology
X2, V.90, K56Flex, V.90
Protocols & Specifications
Bell 103, ITU V.21, Bell 212A, 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, x2 , Hayes AT command set
Error Correction Protocol
MNP-4, ITU V.42, MNP-2, MNP-3
Data Compression Protocol
MNP-5, ITU V.42bis
Fax Compatibility
G3
Max Fax Transfer Rate
14.4 Kbps
Voice Communication Support
Voice mail, Speakerphone
Features
Auto answer, auto call detection, automatic Data/Fax detection, auto synchronization, Auto call detection, automatic Data/Fax detection, auto synchronization, Auto answer, auto call detection, automatic Data/Fax detection
Transmission Mode
Full-duplex
Audio
Audio Output
Speaker(s), Speaker(s) ( integrated )
Manufacturer's product description
Transform your PC into a total communications center. The international standards based 3Com U.S. Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem brings you the best Internet/online experience and fastest performance available over analog phone lines. All you need is an externally powered PC speaker. Ideal for small offices and home users, this modem sends and receives data, faxes, and voice calls; it also includes a sophisticated voice mail system. The full-duplex speakerphone capability allows crystal clear, simultaneous conversation between all parties in a conference call, eliminating cut-off sentences and awkward pauses. Take advantage of all this modem's communications power without installing additional phone lines: You can assign separate phone numbers for incoming fax, data, and voice calls - all on a single line.
Related tags for U.S. Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem »
Similar products and search queries by other users »
US Faxmodem, US Robotics Faxmodem, US 56K Faxmodem, US Voice Faxmodem, US Robotics 56K Faxmodem, US Robotics Voice Faxmodem, US 56K Voice Faxmodem, US Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem, U S Faxmodem, U S Robotics Faxmodem, U S 56K Faxmodem, U S Voice Faxmodem, U S Robotics 56K Faxmodem, U S Robotics Voice Faxmodem, U S 56K Voice Faxmodem
Are you the manufacturer / provider of U.S. Robotics 56K Voice Faxmodem? Click here
