Modem Speeds

[FL245]

I have a 56.6k modem, but when i connect to internet, the speed is never any greater than 31,200. Why is this?

[MikeSamuel]

It could be a lot of things - you may have a software modem (which tend to connect at lower speeds) - or your ISP might be busy or just a bit slow...Check out this page Modem Trouble (http://www.56k.com/trouble/connect.shtml)

:cool:

[Fester Adams]

If you're connecting through a phone line, you won't actually get much better than that anyway.
BT will tell you that's about the limit.

[spekesoftly]

As already stated, there are many variables that can affect modem connect speeds, but with a good quality (BT) line, and a decent external 56k serial modem (IMHO much better than internal) - you should achieve between 40,000 to 52,000 bps, but typically say 45,333 bps. These figures are only an initial connect speed, are mass variable, and the modem 'retrains' whilst in use.

You could try connecting via one or two different ISPs, to see if the speeds are any different.

If you never get better than 31,200 bps, then it is also possible that your line has been 'DACSed'(digitally split), to enable a near neighbour to have another line. :(

[ 08 December 2001: Message edited by: spekesoftly ]

[MikeSamuel]

I always get either 42667bps or 44000bps on a PCI "Hardware Modem" - This is about the best you can expect really. Although I have had 52,000 or so once or twice :) :) :)

[Ausatco]

Interesting variations above.

I have an external modem with a Rockwell chipset. I have a full copper wire phone service to my house (new estate, so new cabling), 3km to my local exchange, no digital trickery (I've asked the Telco). Until a couple of weeks ago, I only ever connected at 44k.

Now it's usually 45333 or 46 something (can't remember the numbers). A nice little Christmas gesture from our telco D:

AA

[Mango3]

For what it's worth, I'm in a fairly remote area as I type this. Connection is 4200bps! Connection speed is like playing lotto here: Varies from 33600 downwards. I'm running a USB external modem. I placed a similar thread around 2 months ago, and receieved some very uselful info from the replies. If I could somehow stop the rate is disconnects (6 per hour on average) I'd be impressed! Back in the big city, my trusty modem and laptop never miss a beat!

[EGTE]

Speke

DACS does not affect modem speed. It simply uses the spare bandwidth (of which there is a huge amount available) on the copper wires. It's an urban myth I'm afraid.

Line distance from the exchange, the quality of the line and the telephone exchange equipment have a major bearing on modem speed. Also, distance from your ISP counts sometimes. The old chestnut of "increasing the gain" (ideally to "3" on BT lines) on the line (by your telco) can also work but....as it is the equivilant of turning up the volume, it can also excacerbate any line noise problems etc.

I find that disconnecting my telephone extensions increases my max connection speed from 26400 to 50666! Your home/office 'phone wiring can, therefore, also contribute to poor connection speeds.

[spekesoftly]

Hi EGTE

Well I'm reticent to take issue with a 'Telecomms Specialist' on the subject of DACS. But I have read of a number of cases where Internet users have noticed a significant drop in modem connect speed (to 33,000 bps or worse) after their line had been DACSed. Those few that were able, with considerable difficulty, to persuade BT to remove the DACS unit, noticed a considerable improvement and their connect speeds restored to their previous values.

On the subject of extensions, I'm also aware that disconnecting them can help, but I've found that in my own case it makes absolutely no difference. (I have four extensions) Perhaps I should also mention, ever so modestly, that the extensions were installed by yours truly! :)

[ 09 December 2001: Message edited by: spekesoftly ]

[Mac the Knife]

Urrr.. You might just check the maximum speed set for your modem in Windows.
Start/Settings/Control Panel/Modems/Properties (for your modem)/General

Check the maximum speed setting - if it's too low, jack it up; if its already at 115200, try bringing it down to 57600

Just a thought!

BTW my connect speeds differ from 48000 (max) to 32000 (min) depending on I dunno what (worse when windy and raining though).

[Golden Rivet]

Give BT a ring and ask them to increase the gain on your line - you may well be suprised !

[FL245]

Thanks for all the replies.

Well happy to report that i chesked out the support website for the modem in question and found not only new drivers, but new firmware.

Its running like ***** off a stick now !!

Thanks