FAQ - Modems

Q. Why doesn't my 28.8, 33.6 , or 56K modem connect at its maximum speeds? Is there something wrong on your end?

A. The listed ratings on modems are confusing at best. A 28.8 modem is capable of connecting at a maximum speed of 28.8 kbps under ideal conditions. This means with a perfect phone line. Reality is that most lines are not perfect, and result in a connect speed that is slightly under the maximum for the modem type. 56K modems are limited to a maximum speed of 53K due to FCC regulations, but connections of 52,666 are not uncommon on our systems. All our POPs are digital, no analog phone lines means the line are always clean on our end of the connection. 56K Win-modems seem to do poorly on any machines with less than a Pentium II processor.

With 28.8 or 33.6 modems connection of 24 or 26K are normal, but if you get connections of 19.2 or under there may problems with your phone line.

Q. Why does my computer say I am connecting at 57600 or 115200 bps when I know this is impossible? 

A. There are two types of speed your computer may report, Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) is the speed between your computer and modem, while Data Communications Equipment (DCE) is the speed between your analog modem and one of im1.net's digital modems. When you see 57600 or 115200 bps, your computer is reporting  DTE instead of the DCE speed.