ISONE.NET Services & Support: X2 and K56 modem dilemmas

56k modems, fact and fiction
by Phil Hunt, System Admin

This paper discusses the 56k technologies and pros and cons. ISONE is
installing this technology now (March, 1998).

Flavors of 56k modems

Currently, there are 2 flavors of 56k modems. They are USR Robotics and Rockwell/Lucent chipset-based modems. The fight for dominance is going on fast and furious, reminding me of the VHS and BETA wars. The two types are NOT compatible like the videotape war, but the similarity ends there. These are both INTERIM standards, meaning that when a standard is done, BOTH will become obselete.

In March, 1998, a standard, now called V.90 has emerged. It is not completely based upon EITHER current type. Expect it to take over the market by Summer, 1998. Note that this new standard is NOT YET RATIFIED and any modems claiming V.90 standard are premature as the standard can change again! Also note that as of March, 1998, no SERVER-SIDE (ie, place you dial into) software exists for V.90. Even USR/3COM server side software does not yet exist, even though they are pushing new V.90 modems

A few years back, people were clamoring for 28.8 modems, and no standard existed. Most manufacturers supplied an INTERIM standard, called V.FAST, promising it would be able to be upgraded to V.34 when it became available.

Well, V.34 became a reality, but almost NO modem manufacturers did upgrades for this standard. This forced users and ISP's to respend ALOT of extra money to get the final standard.

Use of 56k modems (Real and imagined)

Now, although 56k technology promises 'blazing fast' speeds, it does supply faster speeds in one direction only. The other direction is still under 33.6k baud. So, UPLOADS to a host site or server still progresses at current standard speeds! Also, sending files to another 56k modem user progress at standard speed because he cannot receive faster than you can send!

If you have ever connected to ISONE at less than 33.6k baud, like 28.8 or 26.4 or even lower, this REDUCTION in speed is due to line quality. Actually, this is all pretty good, as the phone company only guarantees 1200 (twelve-hundred) baud connections!!!!

The new technologies are susceptible to the same line quality problems. It is nearly impossible to get a 56k connection in 'real life'. Most connections fall in the 38k to 44k range, one direction only.

Requirements for an ISP and 56k connections

56k requires an ISP to reconstruct his entire phone line plant. The 56k technology REQUIRE digital phone lines into the ISP's shop. This then requires connection to a special network box. These items are not inexpensive!!! The cost for the digital lines is approximately 2 TIMES the cost of standard (POTS) lines. The cost of the network adapter is large too. These costs would have to be included in our customer rates. ISONE has purchased and installed this new hardware and digital line! Our new dialin phone numbers are digital lines. This higher quality line also provides higher consistent standard speeds. ISONE is NOT raising rates for this new line, just increasing QUALITY.

As the technology or new technologies appear, these prices should drop dramatically. Other technologies are appearing now, ISDN, ADSL are a few that would give the user 4 to 16 TIMES the speed increases of 56k modems.

Bandwidth and your 'FAST' account

In closing, the bandwidth a user uses comes out of high speed lines connected to the internet. As users require more bandwidth, the ISP must either cut the number of dialin lines or each user will get a smaller piece of the 'pie' or increase the bandwidth to the Internet. The latter is almost always chosen and incurs another substantial cost. This requires higher speed connections to cost more to cover the increased costs.

We hope this has answered some of your questions about 56k and the future. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us. We are actively trying new technologies and want to make sure our users get the best connection for their money!

Sales: (603)424-5278 #1 Customer Service: (603)424-5278 #2
Fax: (603)424-9977