UPGRADING REPAIRING PCs

Using Your Modem Sound to Diagnose Your V.90 Modem
Connection
If you listen to your modem when it makes a connection, you may
have realized that various types of modems make a distinctive connection
sound, and that different connection speeds also make distinctive
sounds.
The three types of 56Kbps modems (K56flex, X2, and V.90) have
distinctly different “handshakes” of tones, buzzes, and warbles as
they negotiate speeds with the ISP’s modem. Learning what your
modem sounds like when it makes a 56Kbps connection and when
it settles for a V.34-speed connection can help you determine when
you should hang up and try to connect at a faster speed.
The “56K=v.unreliable” Web site’s troubleshooting section has a
number of sound samples of various modems you can play back
with Real Audio:
http://www.808hi.com/56k/trouble3.htm
Compare these sound samples to your own modem; make sure you
adjust the speaker volume for your modem so you can hear it during
the call.
Regardless of the modem, two handshake sounds indicate that your
modem tried to connect at its 56Kbps mode, but failed and had to
settle for the v.34 speed of 33.6Kbps or less.
Support for “Brand X” Modems
Many computer users today didn’t install their modems, or even
purchase them as a separate unit. Their modems came “bundled”
inside the computer, and often have a bare-bones manual that
makes no mention of the modem’s origin or where to get help.
Getting V.90 firmware, drivers, or even jumper settings for OEM
modems like this can be difficult.
One of the best Web sites for getting help when you don’t know
where to start is www.windrivers.com, which features a modem identification
page with the following features:
• FCC ID: Enter the FCC ID number attached to the modem to
determine who made it
• Lookup by chipset manufacturer
• Modem throughput tests
• Links to major modem manufacturers
Modems 183