Hi,
Is it a "56k"/"v.90" modem?
Is it a "WinModem", by any chance? (they are less expensive modems that rely on your computer's processor to manipulate the data flow, rather than having an onboard processor in the modem itself. They're prone to lower quality connections and slower operation)
The "56k" modems can receive at a max of 53Kbps and can send at about 33.6Kbps, under OPTIMAL conditions. (clean analog line, uncompressed data, good ISP with no congestion, etc) If you're transferring compressed files such as MP3, ZIP, RAR, ACE, etc you should expect about 6k for downloads and 3k for uploads.
One thing to check is to make sure the line is free of static or line noise, and less than 4 miles from the central office. You can usually hear static with a telephone, if there's a problem.
To get the maximum speed, I believe it must also be an analog connection, or one that doesn't go through a SLICK or an extra digital to analog conversion. (Ex: If it goes through a phone system/pbx or gets passed/converted through a digital system, you will lose about 50% of the speed. I'm not sure if digital/cable company telephone can cause this problem as well. )
I would confirm with the ISP that the number you are calling supports the same speed and protocol of your modem. Some ISPs still have banks of modems for slower modems and alternate protocols.
If you can do it, spring for the cablemodem.
The downsides: they're about $10-$15 more per month than a regular ISP like AOL. If its for a business, they take advantage of you with a higher price. Around here $39 vs $69, and the $69 business service is about 60% slower(capped).
The upsides: You won't need a dedicated line or the old dialup account. It's on all the time. The speeds are considerably faster. (Im able to download compressed files at 600k versus 6k with dialup under optimal conditions. Real world average is about 256k for most sites) You can buy a cheap router such as the Linksys BEFSR41 (~$59) and network it with other computers in your home. If you factor in the money saved from the isp and requiring a dedicated line, it's actually cheaper for most people.
Sorry for being so wordy. Hopefully some of this will give a clue to the problem.
Mike
[ 05-07-2003, 11:05 PM: Message edited by: RHODY ]