Appendix A: 56K - Questions & Answers - Zoom 2812 Owner's Manual

Appendix A: 56K –
Questions & Answers
Q: What is 56K?
A:
56K is a high-speed data technology that lets you receive
data from a compatible Internet Service Provider (ISP),
online service, or corporate LAN over standard phone
lines at uncompressed speeds up to 56 Kbps, roughly
twice as fast as a conventional analog modem. Data going
in the other direction is transmitted at normal modem
speeds up to 33.6 Kbps.
When 56K is not supported or a 56K connection cannot
be established for any reason, the 56K FaxModem works
like a regular 33.6 Kbps faxmodem.
Q: Why can't I use the 56K FaxModem to send
data at 56 Kbps?
A:
Sending 56 Kbps requires special equipment connected
to digital phone lines (like ISDN or T-1). The 56K
FaxModem is optimized for browsing the Internet and
World Wide Web or downloading information from a
"central site" like an ISP, online service, or corporate
network.
Q: Does the 56K FaxModem support a 56 Kbps
standard?
A:
There is currently no approved international standard for
56 Kbps data communications over analog lines.
However, the K56Flex standard is a joint development of
Rockwell and Lucent Technologies (formerly AT&T), two of
the largest suppliers of modem technology in the world,
and is being supported by over 100 modem companies,
the majority of central site equipment providers, and over
300 Internet Service Providers and online services. The
competing approach, x2™, has far less support.
No one can commit to compatibility or upgradeability with
a final standard that does not exist yet. Even so-called
40 56K Faxmodem Owner's Manual