Help - why does my modem only connect at 33.7kbps?

Question

I have a Conexant SmartHSFi V.9x 56k PCI modem (on my phone line). However, when I connect to the internet, it only connects at 33.7kbps. If I use an external modem I can connect at 56kbps. My maximum port speed is set at 115200bps and I cannot increase it any more than that. Anyone know why I am unable to connect at the full 56kbps?

grayseabring · Answer

Hi there: I too wrestled with slow connection speed. Spent days, read lots, changed settings etc. I gave up and reconnected my 4 in one printer in place of my older photo printer. Bingo. Back from 33bps to 46.6bps. Must have been the fax connection. I just installed a 4600 Dimension a month ago with an Emesron Switchboard. Had a BCM v92 modem. Unfortunately I tried everything but..Good luck with connections etc.

Midnight Star · Answer

It could on alot of different factors, but if no hardware or software change was made, could be due to quality in the phone line. They're always changing or adding something on/ off the entire circuit; any pop, hiss, crackel, interference or signal from another phone will cause transmissions errors. It could also be moisture that gets into the phone line from the junction box outside. I had the same problem. Many calls to our local phone co. couldn't solve it; until I went outside and trimmed back the phone wires and reconnected them to the junction box. My dialup dropped as low as 28K. Have them do a line test for your number and see what they turn up.

Mike.

goot · Answer

no, the thing is if I use my own 56k modem then it connects at 56kbps always. However, if I use the modem that is inside my dell machine, it always connects at 33.7kbps.

I know that the modem I got with my DIMENSION 4600 is a 56k modem

Why is this so?

grayseabring · Answer

Hi Goot, even though the modem is factory installed, at the moment of connection the computer is told to instantly connect to designated hardware. Do you have a stand alone flat bed scanner or some other periphial that is connecting at the same time as your ISP connection? What new tasks are you asking it for. I checked all my phone lines etc. The sudden drop with me was a seemingly innocent connection. Good luck.

Midnight Star · Answer

Have you tried doing an online internet speed test, for both modems, to see what is reported? The results may be slightly lower, due to server loads, etc.,. It would be interesting to see the results.

Mike.

hrova · Answer

I understand it is probably not a phone line issue if it always connects faster with one modem.

The external modem is *probably* a hardware modem - it has the needed hardware built in. The Dell Modem is a software modem; it uses the computer processor and memory to perform its functions. A hardware modem will generally give a better, faster connection.

There are several articles in this forum about modem speed. Overall, OEM modems are not highly regarded. After market, hardware modems do a better job, as you are experiencing.

Dave Lyle · Answer

goot wrote:
If I use an external modem I can connect at 56kbps.

Are you sure? In the US, a v.90/v.92 connection is limited to a maximum of 53,333 due to telephone line crosstalk considerations. Under rare circumstances, 54,666 is possible. About the only way you can get a 56,000 rate is with a direct connection to the host (no telco switch in the circuit).

With this external modem, is the connect rate being reported as 56000 or perhaps as 57600? If 57600, then that is the DTE rate - the rate your comuter is talking to the modem, not the rate the modem is talking to the host. If you really are getting a 56000 DCE (modem to modem) rate connect, then something 'strange and wonderful' is happening.

Message Edited by ddeerrff on 02-09-2004 11:31 PM

grayseabring · Answer

Hi, During the last power black out we were all affected, I paniced and switched ISP because my contacts were up and running. Bad move, I'm back were vI started. Give it time. Some ISP's are experiencing a heavy load because of interest calculations at month end ande then the servers are switching to Mutual fund and retirement and yearly tax calculations. I'm from north of the 49th parallel so there is nothing left except to ship cheap health solutions south.

dano49 · Answer

Hi Midnight just browsing through forum saw your post and curious on hw you do an online internet speed test i jus purchas a new dell Thank Dano49

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Help - why does my modem only connect at 33.7kbps?

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