56K Modem Information

How 56K Modem Technology Works

This modem uses 56K modem technology to reach speeds up to 56 Kbps.^* 56K modem technology enables users to access information and email on corporate networks, the Internet, and other online services at speeds up to 56 Kbps over standard phone lines.

The 56 Kbps modem technology utilizes the fact that today's telephone network infrastructure is primarily digital. With this new technology, speeds up to 56 Kbps can be achieved downstream (when downloading data from the "Host" modem) when all of the following conditions are met:

The line must be digitally terminated at the host side.
The connection can only go through a single digital-to-analog conversion (which means that satellite transmission and communications through digital PBXs will not operate at 56Kbps).
There must be two compatible modems: one at the Host and one on the computer. For your Intel modem, this means that the Host modem must support the V.90 standard or K56flex† technology.

Different Types of 56K Technologies and the V.90 Standard

There are different types of 56K technologies available today. Your Intel modem is V.90 and K56flex compatible. This means that your Intel modem can connect at speeds up to 56K with any brand of V.90 modem. If the modem is not V.90 compatible, it must be K56flex compatible to reach 56K speeds. When connecting with non-56K speed modems, your Intel modem connects at speeds to 33.6 Kbps.

^* 56 Kbps refers to server download speed only, and requires V.90 compatible modems at both the user and server sites. Download speeds of 56K are currently unavailable in the U.S. Other country-specific regulations may impose similar limits. For additional technical information on K56flex, go to www.intel.com/network/mobile.

Improving 56K Connections

First, check the Intel Web site for modem firmware updates (see Hint below). Second, check with your service provider to verify that they are using the latest V.90 technology compatible with the Intel modem.

In addition, there are two different modem settings you can change to improve your V.90 connections. These commands can be added to an application's initialization string or sent directly to the modem by using any communications or terminal application. When sending the commands by themselves, start the command with AT (example: AT+MS=V34), and press the Enter key. When adding the command to an application's initialization string, the "AT" should already be present.

Changing Top Speed (+MS Modulation Selection) Command

You can set the top speed at which your modem attempts to negotiate. The default is V.90 (32000 to 56000 bps).

If you routinely try to connect to non-56K modems or are having trouble establishing connections, then try to lower the "top speed" by changing the +MS setting to +MS=V34 or lower.

+MS=V90	V.90 (32000 to 56000 bps) default
+MS=K56	K56flex (32000 to 56000 bps)
+MS=V34	V.34 (2400 - 33600 bps)
+MS=V32B	V.32bis (4800 - 19200 bps)
+MS=V32	V.32 (4800 or 9600 bps)
+MS=V23C	V.23 with constant carrier (1200/75 or 75/1200 bps)
+MS=V22B	V.22bis (2400 bps)
+MS=V22	V.22 (1200 bps)
+MS=V21	V.21 (300 bps)
+MS=B212	Bell 212A (1200 bps)
+MS=B103	Bell 103 (300 bps)

Change Setting For Particular Type of Location (S108 - Digital Loss Selection) Command

Depending on your type of location, the S108 setting can be changed to improve the likelihood of obtaining a V.90 connection. S108 changes how digital loss is to be used during a V.90 connection.

If you are connecting at speeds greater than 33.6Kbps, but want to get closer to a top speed of 56Kbps, try changing your S108 setting. Different settings may improve your connection speed, depending on your type of location.

S108=0	0 dB digital loss (with no robbed bit signaling)
S108=1	3 dB digital loss (recommended for use with PBX systems)
S108=2	2 dB digital loss
S108=3	3 dB digital loss (normal)
S108=6	6 dB digital loss (recommended for long distance, default setting)
S108=7	0 dB digital loss

Countries Where Intel Modems Can Achieve 56K Speed

Currently, the 56K modem reaches maximum download speeds in most countries in Europe, the Pacific Rim, and the Americas. Intel is working with many other countries to certify 56K modem operation. Because these efforts are ongoing, the list of currently certified countries is posted on our support Web site.

Check the latest Intel Mobile product news at:
http://www.intel.com/network/products/mobile_adapters.htm

Download software, firmware, and country-specific upgrades from:
http://support.intel.com/network

Parts and Accessories

For the most-recent list of PRO/100 Combo adapter cables and accessories, visit:
http://support.intel.com/support/network/adapter/24188.htm