The Modem Resource Database
===========================
Outside of hardware failure, many connection problems associated with a modem
are not problems with the modem, per se, but problems with the configuration
of the modem or with the software used to control the modem. A list describing
this set of connections problems related to these two items would include
: Modem does not initialize or is unresponsive
: Modem handshake, the squawking noises made when two modems first
connect, does not complete
: Connection does not come up after the handshake has completed
: Connection drops frequently
: Speed of connection is not as high as it should be
The symptoms above do not always indicate a configuration or software problem,
but in many cases they do. When other avenues have been exhausted, a good step
to take when troubleshooting is to find out, yourself, through a friend or
with the help of Green Apple, what information is available for your modem
online.
This document, The Modem Resource Database, is meant as a resource for helping
in this process. It is designed to provide a basic understanding of modem
operation and where to look for information on a modem.
What kind of modems are there
=============================
There are three basic types of modems: hardware modems, WinModems and
software modems. Hardware modems include on the modem all the chips for the
modem operation. In general
What is modem software
======================
Most modems have associated with them two types of software: the modem driver,
which controls how the modem interacts with the operating system, and the
modem firmware, which controls the analog to digital conversions which are done
by the digital signal processor (DSP) chip in the modem.
Whether a modem's firmware is upgradeable depends upon whether the modem was
built with an EPROM (eraseable, programmable ROM) chip installed. EEPROMs are
used in modems to hold the software instruction set (the firmware) which
controls the behavior of the DSP chip. Older modems were not generally equipped
with EPROMs or were not equipped with EPROMs meant to be upgraded; newer ones,
in particular 56K type modems, almost all use EPROMs which can be upgraded.
The process of uploading new firmware into a modem's EPROM is called 'flashing'
the modem.
There are two exceptions to the description of modem software above: WinModem
type modems and HSP modems.
This chip
contains the software instruction which control functions of the DSP chip.
[an
exception to this are Host Signal Processing (HSP) style modems which do not
have an EPROM].
An exception to firmware and driver software setthe driver and firmthis are WinModems (eg. U.S. Robotics WinModem, LT WinModem, Rockwell HCF-
based). These modems do not built into them a digital signal processor (DSP).
do not have a DSP chi
DSP
An exception
to this are Win Modems (eg. U.S. Robotics, LT Win Modem, Rockwell HCF-based).
These modems do not have firmware for the A special class
of modems, Win-Modems, use a virtual firmware where the Eprom stiopr
eA class of modem
So-called Winmodems, host-based, HCF- or HSP-modems require vendor-supplied
software to do the work of proper hardware modems. The sale of these devices
for x86-based PCs is becoming increasingly popular among retailers and OEMs
because of their lower cost. However, Winmodems are only appropriate for use
with Microsoft Windows on a fast Pentium.
Winmodems, please read it as "Winmodems(tm), host-based modems, HCF-modems,
HSP-modems, and all similar modem-like hardware."
How about PCI modems? Are all PCI modems winmodems?
No, there are at least two controller-based PCI modems. If you are curious,
these modems are the Multitech MT5634ZPX-PCI and the Actiontec PCI56012
(IBM 33L4618). WARNING, if you buy one of these modems, you are venturing into
uncharted territory.
When to consider upgrading modem software
=========================================
If you notice your Internet connection suffers from any of the problems listed
at the beginning of this document, and you cannot determine any other source
for the problem, checking to see if the modem has a new firmware or driver
available is a good idea.
This is particularly true for 56K modems. Firmware and drivers for this class
of modem are continually being upgraded as manufacturers make improvements to
their implementation of the V.90 standard. In addition, even if your 56K modem
connects okay, it is good to check for new software every couple of months.
With older modems (33.6Kbps and earlier) the case is somewhat different. Most
of these were not built with upgradeable EPROMs. Further, most manufacturers
long ago stopped making changes to the driver as the software had reached a
high level of maturity. For the most part, a driver which is included with a
modem or which is included with a release of Win95 and Win98 is the correct
driver to use. The exception to this are those modems which use the computer
cpu extensively for modem handling. Most notable in this class are U.S.
Robotics WinModems and Host Signal Processing (HSP) style modems.
Where to find modem software
============================
Finding modem software is not always straight-forward. Green Apple recommends
the following recipe for searching the web:
1. If the machine is from a major PC manufacturer and the modem
came installed, check the PC manufacturer
2. Check the modem manufacturer (a note on finding the modem
manufacturer is included towards the end of this document)
3. Check a generic driver distribution site
4. If using a V.90 modem, check a V.90 resource site
5. Check modem chip manufacturer
Below is a database of web-sites organized into categories of
PC Manufactures | Generic Driver Resources | V.90 References
Modem Chip Manufacturers | Modem Manufacturers
PC Manufactures | Generic Driver Resources | V.90 References
Modem Chip Manufacturers | Modem Manufacturers
Finding a modem manufacturer
============================
All recently-made modems are required by the FCC to have affixed to them an
FCC ID. Almost always you need to know the modem manufacturer in order to
search for software on the modem. When it is not clear who the manufacturer
is, the ID can be used to search the FCC database to find out.
The FCC ID search page is at
www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid
Help on using the FCC ID search page is at
www.fcc.gov/oet/fccid/help.html
If the modem has an FCC ID, it will be on a sticker on the modem itself. To
find the ID for external modems, just check the modem case. For internal
modems, the computer case must be opened and the card examined.
COPYRIGHT: This document is copyright Green Apple, Inc, 1995-2001.
Permission is granted for the free distribution of it provided that its
contents, including this copyright notice, are not in any way altered.
DISCLAIMER: Green Apple disclaims all responsibility of fitness and
suitability of this document. Furthermore, User is responsible for any
software they download or install. It is incumbent upon User to read and
obey copyright and licensing notices of all the software they might use.
Original Document: http://www.greenapple.com/support/library/ModemDB.