Dialup

What can I do to make my modem connect faster?

What can I do to increase my phone line quality?
We use the latest 56K V.90 technology and do not limit our customers connection rates. In the majority of users on the Internet, connection rates range from 28K to 45K -- connections higher than this indicates a combination of very good signal quality (phone line) and compatibility (modem quality).



First items to look for:

Have you moved to a new house recently? Have you moved your computer to a different room or wall jack, etc.? Have you added a second phone line for the computer?


These three items can change your connection performance so that it is not as fast as it was previously. Because a 56K connection relies on your regular phone line, issues such as distance factors and signal quality can affect the overall connection. Using the tips below, you should be able to get the best connection possible based on your current phone line.



Common Issues

You might have a low-quality phone line. Make sure there is no popping sounds, static, humming, etc. on the physical phone line. You can test this by plugging a phone into the cord the computer is using. Fix = if you hear these things, try replacing the phone cord or have a phone company technician dispatched to clear the line.

Another device plugged into the same line (like a fax machine). Fix = unplug all external devices including Y-splitters and other telephones.
A low-quality modem. Fix = purchase a high-quality modem like the USR 56K V.90 external modem.
Have no cord longer than 6 feet in length and make sure it is not wrapped around power cords or next to other sources of electromagnetic interference (such as microwaves or televisions).
Make sure that a surge protector is not connected in any way to the phone cord running between the modem and the wall socket. Unhooking a line from the surge protector should increase connection rates, stop disconnects, and improve overall performance. Important: You will have to remember to unplug the phone cord during storms.

You could try updating your modem firmware at the manufacturers web site as in most cases, the manufacturers have released updated code for the device that is more compatible with the equipment in which you are dialing. We have compiled a list of manufacturers web sites on this link: Modem List
Tweak the modem to handle the the connection better. Click here for specific instructions.
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