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Can’t Connect at 56K
Note: Current FCC regulations limit your maximum connection rate to 53Kbits / s.
The number you are calling may not support V.90 or K56flex protocols. Some ISPs
(Internet Service Provider) have special numbers that you must call to connect to
56K. Contact your service provider and ask if the number you are calling supports
V.90 or K56flex connections to their service.
Check the maximum speed setting in the Modem Properties window. On the task-
bar, click Start. On the Start menu, click Settings, then click Control Panels. Double-
click the Modems icon. Highlight your modem by clicking once on the icon next to
the modem and then click the Properties button. Select the General tab and look at
the setting in the Maximum speed box. Make sure this is set to 115200.
You may have other telephone devices connected to the phone line. To help your
modem achieve the best connection possible, remove all extra devices and their cables
from the telephone line when the modem is in use. This reduces the load on your
phone line and keeps signal attenuation to a minimum.
Keep the length of your phone line cable to 10 feet or less. Don’t use an unusually
long cable to connect to the phone line socket. If necessary, move the computer
closer to the phone socket. Don’t lay your cabling close to an electrical appliance like
a refrigerator or air conditioner unit. High current devices can transmit a 60 cycle
“hum” to your modem through the phone cord. This may cause frequent renegotia-
tions or line disconnects while the appliance is running.
The telephone line conditions at the time of your call may not let you connect at
56K. The modem has a connection sequence of K56flex, then V.90, then V.34, and
so on. The modem attempts to make the highest connect rate that your telephone
line can support at the time of negotiation. If the line conditions (noise, telephone
company routing, etc.) won’t allow a high data rate connection, then the modem will
automatically connect at the most reliable rate. Try making the call again after a few
minutes. The routing of the call may improve your chances of making a 56K connec-
tion.
If you are attempting to make a call from an office, are you using a direct outside line
or are you using a PBX hookup? If you have to dial “9” to reach an outside number,
you are using a PBX. The modem cannot connect faster then V.34 if you are using a
PBX. Try using the line that is connected to a fax machine. Fax machines are usually
connected to a dedicated line and not through the PBX.
Your phone line may not support a 56K connection. Or may support a 56K connec-
tion only intermittently. There are many conditions that must be met before a 56K