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OWT is PROUD to support the new 56kbps modem technology. We support both K56Flex and the new V.90 56K protocols which means almost any modem is capable of connecting to OWT! Some modems may require a software (firmware or flash) upgrade to perform optimally but we will help you find the right information - read on. For those who don't know, the speed limit for modems has been raised to 56k! This means instead of 28.8 or 33.6, you might get 38k, 56k, or somewhere in between. (Note that ALMOST ALL of the present 28.8/33.6 modems are NOT upgradable to the 56k standard, so you WILL have the buy a new modem to get the faster speeds. Many of our current 56K customers are getting speeds of 50Kbps or more!
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How It Works
There are two basic technologies used in today's phone lines: analog and digital. Analog phone lines use basically the same technologies used for decades and are the limiting factor in modem transmission speeds because of the inherent "noise" in the line. Digital phone lines also have noise but far less and therefore can transfer data at higher speeds reliably.Since most homes and businesses have analog phones systems it was unreasonable to expect everyone to upgrade to digital technologies right away but this transition will occur in time. However, it was reasonable to assume that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like OWT would be willing to upgrade their services to digital much sooner and allow their analog customers to connect to this equipment. Therefore, modem manufacturers have devised a way to exploit the digital portion of an Internet connection to achieve higher rates of data transfer even though half of the connection is still analog. Current regulations limit this speed to 53Kbps but legislation is pending to increase this limit.
K56Flex vs. V.90 (and x2)
Prior to February, 1998, there was no standard for 56K modems. You had a choice between two proprietary 56K protocols: x2 from U.S. Robotics, or K56flex from Rockwell and Lucent.There is now an ITU 56K modem standard, called V.90 which is now quite prevalent in modem hardware and ISPs are rapidly adopting the standard. OWT now supports V.90 fully so you don't have to worry about standards here.
What modem should you buy?
We recommend a modem that supports the v.90 standard. For a list of the modems that will be compatible, please see the K56flex web site. OWT does offer 56K solutions for sale. See our Internet Hardware page for more info.We do strongly advise you to not buy a software modem - also know as a WinModem. Software-based modems use fewer chips compared to traditional modems. The work normally done by the missing chips is transferred to software running on the host computer's main processor (the Pentium, PowerPC, etc.).
A controllerless modem, such as the U.S. Robotics (now 3Com) WinModem, have a hardware datapump, but implement the controller function as software.
An HSP modem dispenses with both the controller and the datapump, and uses software to provide both functions. Short for host signal processor, HSP modems transfer the work normally done by the missing chips to software
While some software modems work adequately we do urge you to spend a bit more to get a traditional modem. For more information see: http://www.56k.com/reports/winmodem.shtml
I already have a USR x2 modem, what should I do?
The USR x2 technology is NOT compatible with the Rockwell/Lucent K56flex technology at 56k. You will not be able to use your USR x2 modems to connect to the Internet through OWT at any speed faster than 33.6. However, most x2 modems are upgradeable to V.90. See our modem upgrade page for links to accomplish this.
But I can't even get 28.8K now!
Modem connect speed is limited simply by your analog phone line's quality. The distance your line is from the telephone companies digital switch (which connects to us), the quality of the wire and connectors at your location and many other factors influence your line's overall quality. Some phone companies are running out of facilities and so are resorting to "multiplexing" which essentially uses the signal capability of 1 phone line to drive 2 or more phone lines. As you might expect, this reduces the possible transmission speed significantly.The bottom line is that most users will get faster speeds when using 56K gear even though their speeds may be less than 40K this is still a dramatic improvement. In our area most V.90 users get 42K to 48K with a third of our users getting even higher rates.
Where can I look for more information on 56K?
You should check out the 56K Modem web site. They have a list of all the modem companies that will be making compatible modems, information on the standards and much more. Be sure to note the troubleshooting section which provides some good information on making your connection better.
What is required at the client-side?
For 56k modem operation, the client-side modem must be operating with K56Flex v1.0 software or higher or a current V.90 release. If your modem is using an older V.90 release you will likely get poor performance and we suggest upgrading your modem. See our modem upgrade page for links to accomplish this.
What kind of performance can you expect with 56k?
With the digital 56k server and 56K modem technology, ISPs have a completely digital path to the telephone company trunk. The digital 56k server experiences none of the telephone line impairments generally associated with analog modems, and it can transmit data at the highest possible 56k connect rates.
However, client 56k modems have to operate with the traditional analog local loop which has been optimized for voice traffic. This optimization actually impedes data traffic, and client 56k modems must now be responsible for compensating for the telco's human speech optimization of a voice call. Client 56k modems must be intelligent enough to differentiate between the maximum signal levels (up to 255 discrete levels) of a 56k connection, synchronize with the local telco switch, compensate for digital loss, determine if voice PADs are present, and handle whatever noise is present on the phone line. For all of these reasons, it is the client 56k modem that ultimately determines the maximum downstream connect speed.
Because 56k modems operate asymmetrically, users will generally see a downstream speed of 42-52Kbps and a maximum upstream of V.34 speeds. ISPs using Channelized T1 lines generally get a 2Kbps lower connect speed than ISPs who use ISDN PRI lines. OWT uses ISDN PRI lines.Our initial experience shows most connections to be in the 42-46Kbps range and sometimes a bit slower. Unlike x2, which initially indicates a high connection speed and then retrains downward, these connections have been stable in the 46K range. Understand that your performance will vary depending upon the quality of your phone connection. OWT can do nothing about his. If you are able to connect currently at the maximum connect speed of your modem, at least most of the time, then you will likely see substantial improvements in performance with 56K. V.90 seems to occasionally connect at a high rate but soon regret it and retrain to a slower speed causing delays an even disconnects. While V.90 is less stable it still seems to offer the best speed performance.
How can I get my 56k client modem upgraded?
It is strongly recommended that you go directly to your modem manufacturer's web site to obtain the latest software image. See our modem upgrade page for links to accomplish this.Miscellaneous 56K Links
Generic 56K Init String & Driver Info
56K Modem Firmware Upgrades
V.90 Upgrade FAQ
Will 56K Service Cost More?
Quite simply, to offer this service we have had to spend a great deal of money on equipment. We also must pay much higher phone company line fees for the digital lines versus the analog lines most of our modems use. In addition, only a portion of our system will initially be able to handle 56K so we must make it a subscription service. As time goes on all new hardware will support 56K and we will gradually replace analog hardware based upon demand. Despite all of these issues OWT will NOT charge a premium price for 56K services. 56K support will be included with all PPP accounts. You will, however, be required to register for the service so that we can better understand the demand.