Increasing modem speed

tnframer408

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Dec 11, 2001
Posts
1,506
Loc
Knoxville TN
How do I increase modem speed? Got a new Gateway 700s with all the goodies and tons of RAM and gigs and all that stuff but in dial up still only average 20.4 or so speed. Icannot use MP3 or any of that. I don't want to put out the bucks for broadband 'cause I use the same system in the store.

Could I just replace the modem for something better? or do I replace ISP? Currently it's Earthlink.

Suggestions please? Much thanks. And no, replacing these three new computers is NOT an option. How about cancelling service on the store computer and doing broadband on the home ones???
 
Talk to Charles. I'll bet it's not your modem OR your ISP - it's your phone line.

We have three computers at home. At the moment, all three have access to two phone lines and three ISPs. (Don't ask.) I've noticed that when one computer has trouble with slow baud-rates, they all do, regardless of the ISP being used. Sometimes the problem can be solved by switching to the other phone line.
 
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. :eek:
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 ]
 
I have the same problem here in my neck of the woods too, Mike. We are on really old analog lines and have miserable connect/transfer speeds.

I am going to check the costs of cable and also DSL when I relocate. I am so tired of waiting for downloads and uploads that it is worth the extra bucks for me to hook up to a faster method of internet communications. I have a U.S. Robotics 56k/v.90 modem on both of my computers, which is by reputation, one of the best most reliable modems on the market and I still can't get a consistent 25k interlink at any given time of the day or night.

(And I'll bet that Charles will tell you "it's that d@mned Gateway computer!!)


Framerguy
 
I recommend you test your phone line at a number of points in order to determine where the slowdown occurs. As the prior respondents have noted, this is probably phone line problem. If slow access occurs when you plug you modem into the (phone) network access point (that is, the first connection in your house/shop) AND you unplug all other downstream connections, then the problem is most likely outside your premises and the phone co. is responsible. You should bug them till it is resolved to correct the situation.

If, however once you do this the connection improves, then your internal phone connections should be checked. Reconnect each wire from the NAP one by one, and then test the modem until you see the modem slow down.

I had a similar problem and determined that both the external line and my internal connections were suspect. The phone company has improved the outside lines which had severe problems in very wet weather (we have underground phone lines), and I have improved various connections in my network. I still don't regularly get 53Kb, but I get a consistent 40Kb+.

Then again I haven't used my modem recently, ever since I got the cable modem at home! Now if I only could get something similar in my shop.

Best of luck tinkering in he slow lane.
 
Sounds like the phone line unless a different copmputer/modem is faster when hooked into the same connection point. At the house I have no fast line options (no cable and too far from the switch for faster phone connection) so we just got a Direct Way satellite. Tremendous improvement.
 
Many thanks. ya'll for all the advice, most of which I totally don'tundestand. But, I'm printing this out and going to Gateway tonite. They will then tell me what type modem I have and betcha it's a cheapy. So they can loan me another, better one which I can install myself. Thankfully, the big 700s at home is a total plug and play type that any idiot like me can change stuff. Cleaning my Glock is harder than changing comnputer parts in this bad boy.

By the bye: computer at home has its own dedicated line. and I'd go for a cable/broadband in a heartbeat but need internet at store and at home and that, boys and girls, would be way too expensive. I mean cable athome and ISP at store.

So, maybe I can't download MP3s. We'll see.

Thanks again for all the assistance. Will let you kow what happens ;)
 
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