NES017 - 56K Connect Problems

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NetEase Quick Setup

I am having problems with my 56K modem connection. It sometimes takes several tries to connect and I get disconnected frequently.

There could be several reasons. We have listed possible solutions below.
We have also listed some Related Sites where information on troubleshooting your 56K connection may be found.

First of all, static electricity caused by radio signals, power lines, and other sources interfere with most 56K modem signals, forcing them to fall back to 42-50Kbps.

56K modems also require a clean, straight through telephone connection to the telephone company's central office switching center. Phone company line amplifiers that boost a telephone signal over a long distance, PBX switchboard systems, and other phone equipment alter the phone signal and force 56K modems to fall back to speeds of 33.6Kbps and lower. However some modems respond to this kind of fallback by disconnecting.

Possible Remedies
Disable v.90
Why? The phone lines in your area may not support the line quality required to carry a 56K connection. By disabling v.90 you are actually forcing a v.34 connection which may provide better throughput over noisy lines.
How?
Locate the initialization string required by your modem to disable v.90 on your modem. This may require you to know what chip set is used in your modem. Please consult your modem manufacturer to find this information. Follow these steps to enter the required sting in the connection properties for your NetEase connection. If you are not sure which Dial Up Network connection is being used for your connection, click here to find out how to determine this.

Popular Initialization Stings to Disable v.90
Sportster/USR: S32=66
Courier: S58=32
Cirrus MD56xx: +MS=V34,1,0,33600
ESS / Teledrive: +MS=11,0
Rockwell Dual: +MS=11
Rockwell HCF & Soft56 (includes Conexant): +MS=V34
Lucent LT: s38=0-v90=0
Lucent Venus: s38=0
PCTel HSP: n0s37=12
Motorola SM56: *MM12
Lucent Winmodem owners may also see dramatic improvements by simply disabling K56Flex. s38=0

Open My Computer, then Dial Up Networking.
Select the icon that represents your NetEase Connection then click the File Menu and choose Properties.
Click the Configure button, then the Connection Tab.
Click the Advanced Button.
Enter any initialization strings in the Extra Settings box.
Click OK on each section until you are back to your desktop.
Try your connection again. If you get a message that the modem is not responding then you have entered the wrong initialization command. Follow the above steps to change these settings until you feel you have entered the correct string.

Obtain the latest drivers for your modem
Why? Since its introduction 56K technology has gone through many changes. The officially supported protocol for 56K is currently v.90. Although your modem may have v.90 drivers already installed, chances are your modem manufacturer has released a newer version recently. Many manufacturers have issued updated drivers to resolve issues with modem compatibility and operation.
How?
Either check with your modem manufacturer or one of the popular web sites such as WinDrivers.com and locate the latest driver for your modem. You may need to contact your modem mfg. or a computer shop to find out what your current driver version is. If you do not feel comfortable loading drivers on your computer please refer to a qualified technician. Serious problems could arise if you load the wrong drivers.

Use the straightest path to your phone wiring
Why? As mentioned already, 56K requires a clean line. Make sure that your telephone wiring goes directly to the connection box on your home. Splitters and joints in the line could cause line noise that can prevent your modem from connecting.
How?
You may need to contact the telephone company to check your wiring. If you maintain your own indoor wiring, make sure there are no other devices on the same line as your modem.

Disconnect devices that could cause interference
Why? Interference by feedback from devices such as fax machines, cordless phones, answering machines, satellite systems, etc. could cause interference and prevent your connection from going through.
How?
Sometimes this is as simple as un-plugging the device from the line. Even if the device is in another room it may still present a problem and should not be ruled out.