Dial-up modem question

[leoblob]

This isn't exactly a Thinkpad question, but since there's some pretty knowledgable people here, thought I'd ask...

I use 4 different computers to go on-line... 3 desktops and my Thinkpad 365x. All have different 56K dial-up modems. All are running WIN98SE. When either of two of the desktops are on line, they report a connection speed of 40,000 to 45,333. This seems reasonable. But when the Thinkpad and/or one of the other desktops are on line, they always report a connection speed of 115,200. This can't be right (?) I know that 115,200 is simply the "max" speed the port is set to. But I set up the COM ports on all 4 computers with this same setting...

Can anyone fill me in here? Thanks!

EDIT: Sorry, I meant to put this in the "General Hardware" section. Now I can't seem to move/delete it.

[MadeInJapan]

This is a common problem. You can go in and edit your connection (Modems in Control Panel, I believe) and lower your speed, but this issue appears to happen with older drivers, from what I understand. The problem however doesn't effect any other function of the Thinkpad. Go here and see what speed you really have: http://homepage.tinet.ie/~leslie/testpage.htm

[leoblob]

Thanks for the info and the link! I think your explanation about the drivers is right. The two modems I have which report "reasonable" connection speeds are both US Robotics. One is an external (serial port) the other is an internal (PCI, on-board controller--not a Winmodem). Both have pretty recent WIN98SE drivers.

The two which report the 115,200 speed include an old IBM 56K internal modem (ISA bus, on-board controller), for which I'm using generic WIN98SE drivers. The other one is in my Thinkpad, using a "no-name" 56K PC Card modem, with the drivers that came with it. Both of these actually work pretty well, but I will definitely check their real speeds.

[leoblob]

Using the link posted above, I tested all 4 modems...

The two USR modems test between 44 and 46K.

The IBM modem tests between 33,600 and 40K... not real consistent

The PC card modem in my Thinkpad, between 26,400 and 36,000 ( ). This modem reports a connection speed of 115,200. Think maybe I'll look for some new drivers for this one!

[MadeInJapan]

Some older Thinkpads only have 33.6 (and even 28. modems in them so their connection speed won't improve beyond what they are. Go to the IBM site and download the correct upgrades to the modem by searching out the Thinkpad number and download and follow instructions for installation.

[leoblob]

Thanks!

The modem I have didn't come with my Thinkpad, is definitely not an IBM, and it is definitely (supposed to be) a 56K. It's apparently just a cheap piece of @$#% that I bought within the last year, that seems to not work as well as I thought (with the drivers I have).