ActionTec 56K ISA Lite User Manual page 37

Nothing Appears On The Screen When I Type
Issue the command ATE1 to the modem to enable command echo. This will let you
see what you type.
Cannot Connect at 56K
Note: Current FCC regulations limit your maximum connection rate to 53Kbits/s.
The number you are calling may not support V.90 or K56flex protocols. Some Inter-
net Service Providers have special numbers that you must call to make 56K connec-
tions. Contact your service provider and ask if the number you are using supports
V.90 or K56flex.
Check the maximum speed setting in the Modem Properties window. In Control
Panel, double-click the Modems icon. Highlight your modem by clicking once on
the icon next to the modem and then click the Properties button. Select the General
tab and look at the setting in the Maximum speed box. Make sure this is set to 115200.
You may have other telephone devices connected to the phone line. To achieve the
best connection possible, remove all extra devices connected to the telephone line
when the modem is in use. This includes extension phones, answering machines,
cordless phone bases, caller ID boxes and their cables. This reduces the load on your
phone line and keeps signal attenuation to a minimum.
Keep the length of your phone line cable to 10 feet or less. If necessary, move the
computer closer to the phone socket. Don't lay your cabling close to an electrical
appliance like a refrigerator or air conditioner unit. High current devices can trans-
mit 60 cycle "hum" to your modem through the phone cord. This may cause fre-
quent renegotiations or line disconnects while the appliance is running.
The telephone line conditions at the time of your call may not let you connect at
56K. The modem has a connection sequence of K56flex, then V.90, then V.34, and
so on. The modem attempts to make the highest connect rate that your telephone
line can support at the time of negotiation. If the line conditions (noise, telephone
company routing, etc.) won't allow a high data rate connection, then the modem will
automatically connect at the most reliable rate. Try making the call again after a few
minutes. The routing of the call may improve your chances of making a 56K connec-
tion.
If you are attempting to make a call from an office and you have to dial "9" to reach
an outside number, you are using a PBX. The modem cannot connect faster then
V.34 if you are using a PBX. Try using the line that is connected to a fax machine. Fax
machines are usually connected to a dedicated line and not a PBX.
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