Frequently Asked Questions about 56K Modems

What is 56K?

56K is a high-speed data technology that lets you receive data from a compatible Internet Service Provider (ISP), online service, or corporate LAN over standard phone lines at uncompressed speeds up to 56 Kbps, roughly twice as fast as a conventional analog modem. Data going in the other direction is transmitted at normal modem speeds up to 33.6 Kbps.

When 56K is not supported or a 56K connection cannot be established for any reason, the 56K Modem works like a regular 33.6 Kbps modem.

Why can't I use the 56K Modem to send data at 56 Kbps?

Sending 56 Kbps requires special equipment connected to digital phone lines (like ISDN or T-1). The 56K Modem is optimized for browsing the Internet and World Wide Web or downloading information from a "central site" like an ISP, online service, or corporate network.

K56flex Technology vs. x2^TM Technology ?

There is currently no approved international standard for 56 Kbps data communication over analog lines. However, the K56flex standard is a joint development of Rockwell and Lucent Technologies (formerly AT&T), two of the largest suppliers of modem technology in the world, and is being supported by over 100 modem companies, the majority of major central site equipment providers, and over 300 Internet Service Providers and online services. The competing approach, x2^TM, has far less support and will not work on our dialup access.

No one can commit to compatibility or upgradeability with a final standard that does not exist yet. Even so-called "software-upgrade-able" modems may lack the appropriate hardware to meet final requirements. To insure its continuing viability. Rockwell and Lucent have committed to making future 56K products compatible with K56flex Technology.

How do I know if my Modem supports K56flex Technology?

How can I tell whether my local phone line lets me benefit from 56K technology?

56K provides speeds significantly higher than 33,600 bps for over 80% of local phone lines. There are two ways to tell whether 56K is likely to work for you:

1. If you have a V.34 modem and regularly connect at speeds of 21,600 bps or higher, 56K will likely work for you.
2. If you are 3 1/2 miles or less from the telephone switching office, as are most city and suburban phone lines, you will likely benefit from a 56K modem. Some rural phones may be further away, making 56K communication unreliable or impossible.
   
   To determine your approximate distance from your telephone switching office (also called "central office"), you should call your local telephone company service representative. (The number is in your phone book.) Give them your phone number, and ask them for the address of the central switching office that handles your calls. Then look up the address on a local map and estimate the distance between your location and the "central office". If it's less than 3 1/2 miles, your phone line probably supports 56K technology. If it's more than 3 1/2 miles, it probably doesn't.