Troubelshooting 56K modems

The TEIN Network supports V.90 and 56K flex modem standards. We have noticed several problems with connection to the new modem bank. This page is the beginning of a troubleshooting and information page. I have learned some basic information about 56K modems that I will pass on here.

  1. Uprgade your modem to the latest drivers and firmware. Do this first as you will probably have to do it at some time anyway.
    If you have trouble upgrading you modem software send me your computer manufacture, model and what modem you have, include both system and hardware name if they are differnt, Instructions for identifying your modem are here

  2. If your modem is a US Robotics or other X2 compatible you must upgrade it to the V.90 standard.

  3. Some phone lines wont allow a 56K connection at all. I don't know why yet so I don't know at this time if it is repairable or not.

  4. If purchasing a new modem don't get a software modem as they have been giving more problems. I hope to have a modem recommendation list soon.

  5. If you have trouble getting disconnected while connected at 40K or higher try these things first in order. These modems change speed and sometimes they speed up and the phone lines in our area cant handle it.

    1. Set your modem to connect in the 56K/Flex standard if your modem will do this.
    2. Try unplugging any other phones or devices that are plugged into the phone line you are using for the Internet.
    3. Try lowering your Maximum Modem Speed
    4. Try using init strings to slow down your connection to a more stable speed (below 46K). You can find info on this at the links below or Email me your modem manufacture name, model and what speed you have been connecting at. Here are instructions on entering the init strings

  6. Maybe its not your modem or your system. If you have a 56K V.90 compatible modem and you have tried everything above and it still connects at 33.6 speeds, Try taking you system somewhere else and try it. Let me know and you can bring it into our shop and try it.

56K Links

Modem Manufacturer 56k Web Pages