Hi, before investing on a USB modem I'd like to ask someone here about issues. My system, Thinkpad 600x laptop, runs on Suse's 9.0 Pro edition. Suse was able to detect/configure my current MegaHertz/USR PCMCIA modem. It works well but I cannot get any speed higher than 34 even though it's rated to transfer up to 56. I'd like to switch to a modem with better transfer/compatibility but with the ease of portability. I've noted a few small pocket USB modems, hence my question below. Generally, are USB modems plug and play like most USB devices or do they require additional drivers/configuration? Thanks in advance,Peter LandySchenectady, NY
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On 01/01/2004 04:25 AM, Peter wrote:
Hi, before investing on a USB modem I'd like to ask someone here about issues. My system, Thinkpad 600x laptop, runs on Suse's 9.0 Pro edition. Suse was able to detect/configure my current MegaHertz/USR PCMCIA modem. It works well but I cannot get any speed higher than 34 even though it's rated to transfer up to 56.
The speed for connection and transfer is mostly dependent on your phone line as well as modem. If you have seen it connect at 34K then this modem is limited by your phone line, and getting another modem would do nothing. Another possible factor is the modem you are connecting to, but since most modems are standards compliant, that shouldn't be as much of an issue as it once was.
I'd like to switch to a modem with better transfer/compatibility but with the ease of portability.
First try a different phone line or calling to a different modem. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
I've noted a few small pocket USB modems, hence my question below. Generally, are USB modems plug and play like most USB devices or do they require additional drivers/configuration? Thanks in advance,Peter LandySchenectady, NY
I don't believe a USB modem is as easy as a serial modem (ext. serial is as easy as it gets). It may not even work since the USB modem needs to have its driver in the kernel (internally or module), and since this depends on the manufacturers support for Linux, or someone else making a driver, it will not be as easy as an ext. serial. HTH.
On Wednesday 31 December 2003 03:25 pm, Peter wrote:
Hi, before investing on a USB modem I'd like to ask someone here about issues. My system, Thinkpad 600x laptop, runs on Suse's 9.0 Pro edition. Suse was able to detect/configure my current MegaHertz/USR PCMCIA modem. It works well but I cannot get any speed higher than 34 even though it's rated to transfer up to 56. I'd like to switch to a modem with better transfer/compatibility but with the ease of portability. I've noted a few small pocket USB modems, hence my question below. Generally, are USB modems plug and play like most USB devices or do they require additional drivers/configuration? Thanks in advance,Peter LandySchenectady, NY
Peter, Have you tried a different modem to see if your speed changes? My guess is that it will not much, if any. Traditionally, you never get full 56k from a modem rated at such. If some say they are, it's because of the settings of the modem to display that, it's not actually getting that speed.
There are times possibly for a download you may hit top speed, but only briefly and only on downloads, not full connections. There are disclaimers on all modems noting that fact. Plus I don't think you will find phone lines anywhere capable of running the full rated speed, especially with all the variables you have to take in consideration.
I would say you are doing pretty good with your present modem and if not sure, try another (serial) modem to check. USB modems, for the most part, are unreliable and a PITA to get & keep working.
Lee
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