Slow Connections

Very few people can reach a consistent 28,800(v.34 modem), 33,600(33.6k modem), or 56k(x2 modem) bps connection. Speeds of 28,800 bps or faster, require perfect, almost ISDN quality, line conditions along the entire length of the connection. Most users with 56k modems and average quality telephone lines can connect with a 56k modem to our 56k modems at around 44k. Also, to help you understand, phone lines cannot transmit speeds greater than 53k, firstly due to government regulations but also because if they did, they would be considered of "digital line quality" and then the phone company would be charging you for a digital line

There are many things that determine a connection and transfer rate. The distance from the modems that you're dialing into; the distance between you and the phone company's central office; the amount of traffic that the lines are transmitting; line quality and other factors will play a role in your connection/transfer rates.

If you have any electronic devices such as answering machines, caller id, cordless phones, surge protectors or splitters on the line, you may consider removing them, as they can cause interference. Especially after a storm, phone lines can have excess moisture and cause possible surges in the line. These can cause electrical circuits within the line and can affect your connection. If you've ever heard any buzzing, humming or static on your phone line while talking on your phone, you have experienced line noise. However, line noise isn't always detectable by the human ear, and sometimes it is necessary to contact your local phone company and have them check your lines for "data line noise" and "data transmission interference". If they find any, they have the capability to "clean" your line for you. If you decide to call the phone company, find out if they charge a fee for this service or not before you set up a time for them to check out your lines.

In addition to line impairments, modem configuration and software setup can affect connection rates and throughput. You can enter an initialization string for your modem. In your manual for your modem, it should list the exact initialization string for your particular modem model and type. You can enter this init string by going to "Dial-Up Networking", then RIGHT click your bright.net icon. Click on "Properties". At the bottom where the modem is listed, click on the "Configuration" button. Click the "Connection" tab and then the "Advanced" button. Under "Extra Settings", place in the initialization string. Adding this usually helps the modem connect at a faster speed.

If you cannot find an initialization string in your modem's manual, or for that matter cannot find your manual, there are a few basic 'init' strings that we at Tech Support have found useful. These are: ATZ, AT&F, AT&FX, AT&F1, and AT&FS32=32. There are many, many more init strings out there - check out www.56k.com or do a search for init strings on your favorite search engine to find more.