I have a 56K modem, why can't I connect at that speed?

Most people with a 56k modem connect anywhere from 42k to 52k. This connection reading is going to vary from machine to machine due to the local phone line conditions and levels of line noise interfering with the connection. It is also worth noting this value is the "initial" connection speed and it will change throughout the course of your connection. It may go up or down several k although the modem won't report it to you. This value also has little to do with the actual performance of the modem itself and is mostly used as an approximation.

One thing that will affect your modem speed is the number you are dialing into. We have forty-eight (48) 33.6k analog modems, and two hundred and forty (240) 56k V.90 digital modems. Public users dial our 341-6580 numbers, and are always connected on the 33.6k lines. Preferred users dial 341-6052 and connect to the 56k modems. Some Preferred users dial 341-6262 instead of 341-6052, which will connect them to the 33.6k lines because of modem compatibility problems. Finally, some of our 33.6k modems do provide overflow backup in the event all of the Preferred digital lines are in use, so even if you dial 341-6052, if all the lines are in use your call will be routed to the 33.6k modems.

Do you have a 900Mhz wireless phone in your home ? Try disconnecting it from the wall and see if your modem speed increases. The 900Mhz transmission causes many modems to go haywire, and either connect at a low speed like 21K or disconnect.

Are you sure that your computers setup lists the modem you are actually using ? With 56K it mustbe the exact modem model. A close modem name of a different model number will negatively affect your ability to connect or connect at high speeds.

Have you upgraded your modem's "firmware"? Even if your modem is brand new out of the box, or is part of a brand new computer, this must be done. Go to your modem manufacturer's web site (56K Modem Companies) and download the latest firmware for your modem, and install it.

Have you installed the latest version of your modem's INF file for Windows, or CCL file for Macs?

Is your modem an older X2 or K56Flex version of 56K ? If so, upgrade it to the v.90 standard. It's usually a free upgrade.

Is your modem called a - "WinModem", "Soft Modem", "PCI Modem", "HSP Modem" or an "HCF Modem" ?

If so, your modem is a Host Signal Processing (HSP) modem where both the controller and the datapump functions are executing on your own computer's CPU processor. They are called a "controller-less" modem since those functions occur in the computer's CPU.

A "controller-less" modem is a very low-cost design . Their design is intended to keep the price down. Unfortunately the quality of connection is just as low. If you are having connection or speed problems with one of these modems you will have to consider buying a modem with a real hardware controller onboard. You can read can more about these modems in the links below.

Have the phone company check your telephone line for quality. If you have two lines, be sure to give them the correct telephone number of the line you dial out on. You may also test your phone line for 56K use: Perform a Line Test. Another thing to check is the phone wiring in your house. If it is very old then it can signficantly slow your connection.

Why is my download speed slower than my connection speed?

There are many reasons for this. Net congestion is one problem, the busier the Internet, the more likely that your request will be bottle-necked somewhere between your computer and the server you are downloading from. The server supplying the download may be busier than normal. When a server receives a request from you they process the request and distribute the information you want in blocks, not all at once, and may be serving others in between the blocks they send to you. If the information you have requested is large, or there are many simultaneous requests, the server will take longer to complete your download.