HELP!! Modem Gremlins Bit Me!

Mutant_Lead · Post by **Mutant_Lead** » Thu Apr 25, 2002 6:30 am

Ouch, darn Modem Gremlins! I have a poor ol'l dial up connection. I have been getting 45k on average. This past Sunday, it dropped suddenly. I am now getting 28k-38k tops! I have a pci usr 2977 oem and a shuttle ak31 ver 3.1 mb. I have recently upgraded my bios, but don't think that will cause this. I have not changed anything else in my setup. ISP says it's the phone company, they THINK

I have Ameritech here in Indiana. I have tried:
1. Unhooking phone lines from ups and running straight to wall socket
2. Switching hook up order on back of modem @ the isp's request, says that if the port for phone now dials the isp, it's taken a lightening strike. First time I have heard that one!

The modem works every time, but I had hoped I had left 28,000 bps forever! I would go with broadband if it were available in my area. It is supposedly coming in the Fall. Thanks in advance for any help you can give!!

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Thu Apr 25, 2002 9:05 am

If you just flashed the modem bios, it's very like that caused it.

A bios flash often changes the algorithms the modem uses to calculate whether the phone line is stable enough for a certain speed. I've often seen the connect speed change (for both good and bad) after a flash.

The thing is, believe it or not, you may be better off with the slower speed. Better a rock stable connection at 38K then a poor connection with packet loss at 48K.

A common problem with many modems (what divides a quality modem from a cheap one) if the ability for the modem to decide what the best speed is for the line conditions.

I have clients with cheap modems who constantly have problems connecting or getting dropped by their ISPs because the modems are too stupid to realize they shouldn't be trying to connect at 48K but should instead be connecting slower. Usually manually changing the connect speed to a slower speed solves the problem.

If your games and downloads seemed smooth previously at 48K, then see if you can find the older flash bios on the modem manufacturer's website. Otherwise, be happy.

Mutant_Lead · Post by **Mutant_Lead** » Thu Apr 25, 2002 9:31 am

Thanks FP for the tip. However, my post was unclear. I flashed the MB bios, not the modem bios. The connect speed is 28k one time and 38k the next, so not consistant. Perhaps a modem bios update would be good or a good pci or external modem. Any suggestions on brands?
Thanks!

Gand1 · Post by **Gand1** » Thu Apr 25, 2002 12:04 pm

The best external modem you can buy is a Courier V.Everything 25mghz version. I thing the older ones were 20 mghz. It's gonna cost ya though!

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Thu Apr 25, 2002 4:49 pm

Well it's not unusual to get different connect speeds (for the same reasons I listed above). Line conditions change and some modems are better at compensating than others.

The Courier V Everything is a great modem, but costs an arm and a leg.

Three reasonably priced modems that are good for gaming are the ISA and External serial Diamond Supra Express 56K modems (Supra Express 56i and 56e) and the US Robotics Gamer Modem (which is PCI).

Mutant_Lead · Post by **Mutant_Lead** » Tue Apr 30, 2002 5:29 am

Update: It was the phone co. all along. (2 modems and one 50 ' phone cable later.) My ol' internal usr 2977 is connecting at a steady 45,333. thanks for your help!