An outdated or incorrect driver can cause many problems when connecting. Errors such as "Computer you're dialing is not answering" may not be uncommon. Older 56K/v.90 drivers can also cause lags in being able to download web pages. Finally, incompatible modem drivers can cause disconnects. YHTI uses only 100% digital 56K/v.92 modems and phone lines in all of our communities so we are doing all that is possible to make sure you get the best connection rate possible.

Table of Contents:

• Help! My 56K modem connects at 33.6 or less!
• Even if I don't connect at 56K, I'm guaranteed 33.6, right?
• I'm connecting at 38400, 57600, or 115200. Or am I?
• How can I get my modem to report the true connect speed?
• What are typical connect speeds for 56K modems?
• Is initial connect speed all it's cracked up to be?
• What's a good way to test actual modem performance? (FTP)

Treat this as a troubleshooting matrix. Go through all of these steps, and you will have a better chance of solving your problems with slow connections.

THE OBVIOUS STUFF We hate to ask, but did you check the obvious things?

• Make sure that you dial the phone number that corresponds to the same 56K protocol your modem uses. 56K requires that both ends use the same kind of 56K technology (x2, K56flex, or V.90). Despite what you may have heard, V.90 is not the same as x2 or K56flex. It is a third and distinct 56K protocol. Our Access Number page will let you know what technology we use in your area. Access Numbers

THE EASY ANSWERS Things that are easy to try even if you don't know much about computers. Don't skip this section, because these fixes often work.

• If there is a telephone, answering machine, etc., plugged into the back of the modem, unplug it from the back of the modem. The modem is supposed to ignore devices plugged into it when it is online, but that is not always the case. • Try disconnecting additional telephony devices (fax, phones, answering machines, alarm systems, etc.) from the phone line, even if they're in a different room. We've heard from users whose connect speeds jumped 10K when they unplugged a fax machine or cordless phone in another room. • Also try running the phone line directly from the back of the modem to the wall, without passing through surge suppressors, spliters, phone line extenders, etc. This is a basic and useful step in modem troubleshooting.

MODERATELY DIFFICULT ANSWERS These require slightly more computer skill.

• It's always a good idea to check with your computer/modem manufacturer to see if there is a more recent firmware update available for your modem and to get directions on how to install it. If you do not have a computer manufacturer to turn to, try checking out the following webpage for firmware updates. Many people's problems have disappeared once they installed a new version of the firmware. • Visit the inits and drivers page to see if there is an init string or better yet a driver for your modem. The inits and drivers page includes installation instructions. Our support team will not be able to walk you through a hardware change, such as a modem update, so make sure to read all of the directions you find. • Sometimes it may help to disable the V.90 protocol on your modem. Visit the V.90 disable init website to get a list of the init strings you can try with your type of modem.

OR MAYBE IT'S YOUR PHONE LINE I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but it may not be your modem or inside phone lines at all.

It may be that the phone lines in your immediate neighborhood don't support 56K

As explained in the Basics section of the 56K Primer, multiple digital/analog conversions will prevent the use of 56K technology and limit your modem to V.34 speeds (a maximum of 33.6K).

How to find out for sure if your phone lines support 56K

This is the only reliable way I know of to test your phone lines: borrow a known good 56K modem and try it with your phone lines. By "known good 56K modem," I mean a modem that has connected at speeds higher than 33.6. Remember that connects speeds of 38400, 57600, and 115200 aren't true connect speeds, so they don't count.

If it's an internal modem, have your friend bring the whole computer to your house. In fact, it's easier that way, because his computer will already be configured for his modem. Let him use your monitor, keyboard, and mouse so he won't have to cart them over to your house.

If you can only borrow the modem, be sure to get the disks that came with the modem so you can install the drivers for that modem. You'll have to install the modem and drivers. Be sure to select the modem in your dialing software (such as Windows 95 Dial-Up Networking or Apple's PPP for Open Transport). Instructions are on the Inits and Drivers page.

Once the modem is at your house, call their ISP. How fast is the connection? You can also try calling YHTI, if your friend's modem uses the same 56K protocol supported by YHTI in your town (x2, K56flex, or V.90).

More about multiple digital/analog conversions, and what to do about them

Office PBX systems generally create an extra A/D conversion. How do you know if you're on a PBX? If you have to dial a number (usually 9 in the U.S.) to dial an outside line, you're on a PBX. If your phone has its own extension, you're on a PBX. The solution in that case is to plug the modem into a direct outside line. The office fax machine is usually dialed into a direct outside line, so try that.

The phone lines outside of your building may have equipment that introduces extra A/D conversions. Non-integrated SLCs (subscriber line concentrators) are one source. If that's the case, there's little you can do except to call the phone company and complain. Before you get your hopes up, be aware that the phone company is generally not sympathetic, and only guarantees speeds of 9600 baud or so (the exact answer will vary from telco to telco). It is worth a shot, though, and some people have managed to get their phone company to re-route the lines.