Help > Self Help > Connecting > 56K Modem problems
56K Modem problems
Some common problems with 56k modem connections explained.
56K modems take advantage of the fact that the connection from PlusNet to you is largely digital to increase your download speeds. Uploads are still limited to 33600bps. As 56K modem technology pushes your telephone line close to its limits, actual connection speeds are typically 40-50K depending largely on the quality of your phone line.
Make The Most Of Your Connection.
There are a number of things which can be optimised to get the best possible speeds from you modem. Before you check any of them, make sure you are using the correct phone number.
Operating System
When Windows 95 was released, 56K modem technology did not exist. As a result, the standard Dial Up Networking (the part of Windows which connects you to PlusNet) that came with Windows 95 was not designed with this in mind. For users of Windows 95, there is an upgrade to Dial Up Networking (currently version 1.3) that performs better than the original version with 56K modems.
Download the latest version from the Microsoft site here.
If you run Windows NT, you should have Service Pack 3 or later installed, this can be downloaded from the Microsoft site although NT service packs can be pretty large!
Modem Technology
56K modem technology has evolved since its inception. Unless you have a very recently purchased modem (sometimes even if you do) you will most likely not have the most up to date version of the modem firmware (the software inside the modem itself). For most modems, you can download an upgrade to 'flash' your modem to the latest version of the firmware from
the manufacturer's website. There is a list of common manufacturers at the modemhelp - Initialisation strings galore!
Microsoft - download the latest version of Dial-Up Networking
56K.com - the unofficial 56K modem site
Pace - Pace modem drivers can be found at the Infoserve web site
Modular Technologies - You might have one and not know it
3Com - (US Robotics) - the UK site, 56K modems section
Dynalink- also Askey
Global Village - The popular choice for Mac users
Compaq - for Compaq (HP) modems
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