V.90 modem

Question

My new Dell 4700 just arrived.  It has a 56K data/fax/voice modem.  I have a dial-up connection.  Is it a V.90 modem?  I THINK it is and the build site doesn't state it as being V.90.  Reason I'm asking is that I had a big problem a couple of years ago with my internet provider and V.90 issues.  (I haven't completely unpacked it yet).  What brand modems does Dell use?

BigBrother · Answer

JanLarry,   The modem that you have is actually a V.92 modem.  It will support 'Modem-On-Hold', and a few other features.  V.92 is the basically the same as V.90 except for these new features.  Most, if not all, ISP's support V.90 these days.  Most also support V.92.  Call your ISP and verify that with them.    Dell currently uses several different brands of modem - Broadcom, Conexant and Intel are the big three for Dell.  Dell only lists one modem for the 4700 on their file downloads pages.  It is the Intel 537E Data/Fax/Voice modem.   Steve

RoHe · Answer

Conexant doesn't make any modems. They only make the controller chips used in modems. The "Conexant D850 56K v.9X DFVc" modem factory-installed in my Dimension 8400 (purchased at end of 11/04) was apparently made by ActionTek. I suspect that modems supplied by Dell and identified as "Broadcomm" or "Intel" only refers to the maker of the controller chips too.

You can figure out who made the modem from the FCC ID number marked on the card. If you don't want to open the case, you can get the ID info using Everest-Home software (free download at lavalys.com). Run Everest, and then in left panel click on:
Devices>Windows Devices
Then in top right panel, expand Modem and double-click on name of your modem. Look in bottom right panel for Hardware ID. My Conexant ID number is"

PCI\VEN_14F1&DEV_2F20&SUBSYS_200F14F1&REV_00

The subsys number ID's the modem manufacturer. This site amy help you figure out the maker: http://www.modemsite.com/56k/whomadeit.asp

Ron

Message Edited by RoHe on 02-12-2005 05:11 PM

AidAge · Answer

Deviation, but not entirely off topic :I'm  trying to re-use a legacy USR Sportster 56K/V.90? upgrade/phone PCI card modem supplied with a Dell Dimension XSR Pentium II  The modem works as a stand alone for a dialup connection, is properly configured (Port 3, IRQ4 &c.) and is fully recognised by WinFax Pro v.10.   It's phone function is not connected.  My present computer is a Dell Dimension 8300 Pentium III 3.0Ghz, which has worked well with the modem to dial up my ISP (whilst upgrading my broadband connection).   Problem: when I reconnected to a broadband DSL Filter DSL HPN/Phone splitter and added a phone splitter to connect both phone and modem - the phone went into constant ring mode.  The internet connection continued to work with either phone or modem connected.  My ISP has checked the line and connection and cleared both phone line and broadband as having no problems (the ISP supplies both phone line - unbundled from BT - and broadband).   Dimly, I recall this ringing problem from years ago and there is/was a solution either from US Robotics or Symantec?  Which?  Does anyone remember? There is a software setting, I think ...   Please reply with any leads for me to follow up.   jbertin, AidAge

JanLarry · Answer

Thanks, Steve.  Everything worked out with a huge bonus for me.  This Dell is my third computer in about 13 years.  I live in a rural area and have never connected over 28.8Kbps.  My new Dell has me at 42.6..........sometimes a little higher.  For me I consider that high speed internet access!

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

V.90 modem

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