Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)

Standard transmit levels for domestic (US/Canada) modems are
approximately -10 dB, although V.34 negotiates these levels during the
initial connection attempt. Receiving levels can vary widely, depending
on the conditions on your local phone line, the line at the remote
modem, and any long-distance or inter-office carrier facilities.

Typical receiving levels range from -40 dB at the low end, to -15
dB at the high end, with figures in the -20dB to -35dB range being
most common. Extreme values in either direction probably indicate
a problem in the connection from your modem to your local phone
company, which in some cases the phone company may be able to
adjust.

However, be aware that Ma Bell and the long distance carriers are
not required by law, statute, or tariff to "fix" this "problem" on
unconditioned voice grade lines, because it is not really a
"problem"!

Why does it get bad?

Simple line impairment.

Variations in line quality are typically the culprit for low
connect rates. Line impairments can result in link timeouts (when
the error control protocol does not receive a block of data within
its expected time frame), link naks (when the error control
protocol requests retransmission of data), blers (block errors;
errors in received error control protocol or data blocks), and
resent data blocks. Everyone occasionally gets "a bad line" and
has to hang up and call again to get a better connection.
However, if you find that you never or rarely connect at rates
above 19.2kbps, you will want to investigate the line quality of
your connections.

*Try calling a different location. Line quality differs from
region to region, and it may be a problem with the lines or
modem at the other end of a particular call.

*Try connecting with a local call. Sometimes the connections
within a long distance call can cause impairments. (If this
isolates the problem, you can try switching long distance
companies.)

*Try plugging the modem to a different phone line or wall jack.

*Try eliminating all telephone extensions, phone line surge
suppressors, line switches, utility monitoring devices
connect to the phone line, and anything else on the line with
the modem.

*If you know someone else in your area with a high speed
modem, ask what type of connections they make. Try making
the connection from their location. If you encounter the
same low connection rates, the problem may be resulting from
impairments along the lines running to the local telephone
company or within your home or office. Your telephone
company or a private consultant may be able to help.

Question: Why is it that the phone company and some of my friends say that
it is impossible for me to operate my 14400 baud modem on a normal phone
line? Do I really need on of those costly special lines?

Answer: This question arises from the improper usage of the term
baud in reference to the DCE rate of a modem. It is quite correct
that a 9600 -baud- modem will not operate within the bandwidth of a
common phone line. It is quite another matter when referring to a
14400 -bps- modem (that operates at 2400 symbols/sec), which
certainly will.

Question: I just bought a GENERIC XPRESS V.32bis 14400bps modem but can't connect at 14400 with a system that is running a USR HST 14400 modem,
shouldn't I be able to connect at 14400?

Answer: No, you will only be able to connect at 300, 1200 or
2400bps because Bell 103, Bell 212A, and V.22bis are the only
mutually supported protocols the modems have. HST is a proprietary
protocol which is only available on some of US Robotics' modems.
You should be able to connect at 14400bps with any other modem
which is ITU-T V.32bis compliant however.

Question: I just bought a Generic Xpress-Lite 2400 modem with V.42bis, and
the package it came in says it can achieve 9600bps throughput. but when I
call a system I know operates at 9600bps, I only connect at 2400bps, what's going on, shouldn't I connect at 9600? I also notice that my transfer
speeds are only slightly higher than they were with my Generic Lite 2400
that didn't have the V.42 stuff (about 285cps using Ymodem-g versus the 238
got with Zmodem-MobyTurbo with the Generic Lite 2400), shouldn't I get the 1100cps or so that other folks do with 9600bps modems?

Answer: No, you will only connect at 2400bps because your modem is
a 2400bps DCE device. You will get 9600bps DTE data transfer rate
between you computer and modem by locking your serial port at
9600bps, but -only- achieve modem to modem effective throughput of
9600bps if the data you are transferring is in non-compressed form.
Note that your base link rate remains 2400bps, but that the data
compression of V.42bis is capable of effectively quadrupling data
throughput. Regarding transfer speeds, you are doing the best you
can do with a modem which operates at a 2400bps DCE. The folks with
9600bps modems typically operate with 19200 or 38400bps DTEs and
have real 9600bps DCEs.

Question: While I was glancing through the manual that came with my Generic Xpress, I noticed it saying something about "Locking" my serial port,
enabling CTS/RTS flow control, and changing all of the speed entries in my dialing directory to 38400 or 19200, how do I do this, and why should I?

Answer: In order to derive the enhanced throughput benefit offered by

--- MPost/2 v2.0a
* Origin: Marsh BBS (c) Dawson Creek BC Canada (1:17/23)