v.90 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 

56K modems promise low-cost, high-speed Internet access at a fraction of  the cost of ISDN access.  But because two different and incompatible technologies "K56flex" (Lucent/Rockwell) and "X2" (3 COM/US Robotic) were initially introduced and the true speeds of 56K modems are not always what they are advertised to be speed-hungry Internet users were left with many questions. Finally a compromise was reached though a 56K standard, called v.90, (which NCdial fully supports), we realize that many of our customers still have questions about high-speed modems and their connection to us.  We hope this FAQ will answer most of them.

What are the benefits of a 56K modem?

     For those of you who haven't already guessed, it's "Speed".  That is the primary benefit. Theoretically, you can access the Internet at nearly twice the speed of your old 28.8K modem.  A second benefit is the cost of 56K modems:  Prices are about the same as they were for a 28.8K modem only a few months ago.  Locally using Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or similar data-transmission speeds are still more costly.   Another benefit is the availability of 56K-modem access.  Most providers offer some degree of 56K Internet access.  NCdial uses all 56K v.90 modems.  We initially started out with all 56KFlex modems and Flash Upgraded them as soon as the final v.90 standards were published and the "Flash Upgrade" became available for our equipment. ISDN and other high-speed technologies such as the various flavors of Digital Subscriber Lines (xDSL) simply aren't available in all areas yet.   We do look forward to providing those and other forms of high-speed access as they become available in the market place.

Is a v.90 modem the same as a 56K modem?

     No.  Though all v.90 modems are 56K, not all 56K modems are set to the v.90 standards.  A v.90 modem is a 56K modem with a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) that conforms to the international v.90 standard established by the Consultative Committee for International Telephone & Telegraph (CCITT).  56K modems other than v.90 do not conform to this standard and the different technologies used by them are not universally compatible.

What is v.90?

     On February 6, 1998, an international agreement was finally reached which established a single 56K-modem standard called "v.90" (vee-dot-ninety).  This ended a full year during which there was no standard and two fully incompatible modem technologies K56flex on one hand and the x2 on the other.  Both were being touted as the best product for 56K dial-up access.  While these two differing 56K modem types could not communicate with each other at high speed, all v.90 modems do.  The v.90 standard is being implemented by all ISPs (just as NCdial has).  There are some that still do support the two differing modem technologies.

I want to buy the best, fastest modem, aren't they all v.90 now?

     Most 56K modems coming to the market now are already set up on the v.90.  All of the major 56K-modem manufacturers provide free Flash Upgrades to make their previous modems conform to the v.90 standard.  Information on modem upgrades are available through their manufacturers home page.  Buyers should be aware that there are still some 56K non-v.90 modems on the shelves.  When buying check to see if the modem is "v.90", v.90 Compatible" or "v.90 Upgradeable".  If you start with one of the non-standard 56K modems and you will need to upgrade to v.90 to ensure you are getting the best quality and highest speeds your line connection can support.

Does my modem support v.90?

     While not all modems are ready to accept a v.90 connection, most new 56K modems can be upgraded via the modem manufacturer's home page.  To see if your modem is ready for v.90, please check your modem manufacturer home page.  Click here to go to our list of hardware and software manufacturers.

How do I upgrade my modem to v.90?

     You need to determine you modem manufacturer and visit their home page.  It is very important that you check your modem to make sure of the model and chipset since Flash Upgrades are very specific and to use the wrong upgrade can ruin your modem.  Also trying to "Flash Upgrade" a v.90 modem can ruin it as well. If you unable to determine your modem's manufacturer or any of the other specifics, you can use the FCC number to identify the manufacturer and other detail at the FCC ID Search site .

I've had problems connecting at 28.8/33.6K with my current modem. Will I get a 56K connection with v.90 or any of the other 56K modems?

     Unfortunately no, the FCC capped certain types of data-transmission rates at 53K, which affects ALL 56K and v.90 modems. More importantly, the AVERAGE connection rate of 56K modems is only in the mid-40K range; most independent testing puts it between 42K and 46K. It has been our experience locally that v.90 can increase this by up to 5K (47k to 51K).  56K is not a guaranteed connection rate. It is the maximum connection speed the modem is capable of under perfect conditions, without the FCC cap at 53K.

What are the other constraints to 56K or v.90 modems?

     Several. You can't upload data (your Web page, email, etc.) with your 56K or v.90 modem faster than 33.6K.  Also, 56K and v.90 operate above 28.8K where there are multiple digital/analog signal conversions within the connection.  This occurs when connecting through digital circuits to older analog only switching equipment or having more than one digital/analog conversion in a connection.

Where can I get additional information about v.90 and 56K?

  V90.com offers a comprehensive look at the new 56K modem standard and its issues.   Additionally most 56K/v.90 modem manufacturers have an abundance of information about 56K/v.90 as well.