The CoreComm FAQ (list of Frequently Asked Questions) answers questions that are frequently asked of CoreComm's technical support department.

Part Two: 56k Modem Questions

2.01:	Does CoreComm support 56k connections?
2.02:	What is v.90?
2.03:	Why can't I connect at the full 56k speed?
2.04:	Why can't I connect faster than I did with my old 28.8 or 33.6 modem?
2.05:	How can I find out if I'd benefit from getting an v.90 modem?

2.01: Does CoreComm support 56k connections?
In most of our locations, CoreComm offers customers, at no extra charge, the ability to connect at up to 56kbps with a modem using the v.90 standard. If you have a 56K compatible modem, but it is not v.90 compatible, contact your modem manufacturer for information on upgrading your modem to the new v.90 standard. In most cases, it is a free upgrade.

We plan on upgrading all our locations to 56k in the very near future. If you are unsure whether or not 56k is available in your area, please see our list of local numbers.

2.02: What is v.90?
Originally, when 56k modems where released, their were two kinds, kflex and x2. They were not compatible with one another. So if you had an x2 modem and were dialing into an Internet service provider that used kflex modems, you would not get 56k speeds. In February of 1998, a new standard, known as V.90 was established, which is a combined standard for 56K. This was released as a free upgrade to kflex and x2 modems. Meaning, regardless if your modem was originally a kflex or x2 modem, with the new v.90 standard, all v.90 upgraded modems could connect with one another. CoreComm supports this v.90 standard.

If you are looking for a good 56k modem, we recommend USRobotics v.90 modems. However, avoid winmodems, both USRobotics and others, as they tend to have a number of difficulties.

2.03: Why can't I connect at the full 56k speed?
56k compatible modems do thousands of line checks to determine the maximum speed that your connection to your local phone company will allow. Due to FCC regulations, standard phone lines are limited to a maximum speed of 53kbps -- but most phone lines are not even able to allow connections at that speed. Most typically, 56k users will see speeds in the high 30's and low 40's, depending entirely on the quality of their phone lines.

Because 56k modems are configured at the factory for maximum performance, it is rare that using an initialization string or settings other than the standard settings will offer an increase in your connection speed.

It's possible you are connecting to a number that does not support 56k. Call 1-800-715-7873 or go to our local access numbers page to find out if you are, or if there is an alternate number which does support 56k.

2.04: Why can't I connect faster than I did with my old 28.8 or 33.6 modem?
There are several reasons that this may occur:

1. The modem you are using is not v.90 compatible. If your modem is a kflex or x2 modem, it will only connect at speeds of up to 33.6kbps.
2. You have not installed a v.90 compatible modem driver in your operating system. Consult your modem's documentation, manufacturer, or web site for further details.
3. You are using a phone line, which is not 56k compatible. In order for a modem to connect at 56k speeds, the connection from your home to CoreComm must go through no more than one analog/digital conversion. If there is a "repeater" on your line, due to you being far away from your telco's central office, or if you are connected to outdated or special switching equipment at the phone company, you may not be able to connect at 56k speeds.
4. Your port speed or baud rate may be set too low. Check your dialer's configuration and make sure the speed is set to at least 57600.
5. You may have received a malfunctioning modem. If you have pursued all of the above suggestions, you may want to call the support division of your modem manufacturer.
6. It's possible you are connecting to a number that does not support 56k. Call 1-800-715-7873 or go to our local access numbers page to find out if you are, or if there is an alternate number which does support 56k.

2.05: How can I find out if I'd benefit from getting a 56k modem?
3Com has instructions for doing the 56k linetest on their web site. The 56k linetest is a way of estimating whether or not using a 56k modem on your current phone lines would offer a speed increase. The linetest can be done with any modem. While the linetest is not 100% accurate, it does offer a useful estimate. More information on the linetest can be found at the following web site address:
http://www.sssi-net.com/technobab/linetest.html