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V.92 is a new dial-up modem specification from the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) that introduces new features
providing convenience and performance for QNET dial-up subscribers.
What makes V.92 faster than V.90?
The main feature that makes a V.92 modem faster than a V.90
modem is V.44, a new, more efficient, compression technology.
It is based upon a compression scheme that can speed up
your web browsing as much as 50%. V.92 also provides a quick
connect feature that cuts the modem negotiation or handshake
time by up to 50% so you can dial-in faster.
Why do I need or want V.92?
Although broadband technologies (DSL and Cable) are all
the rage right now, in reality, it is still too expensive
for many people and broadband technology still isn't widely
available. QNET believes dial-up modems will remain the
primary means to get on the Internet for several years.
While many ISPs are ignoring their dial-up subscribers in
favor of broadband, QNET is committed to providing the best
possible dial-up service available anywhere.
What will quick connect do for me?
Very simply, quick connect will shorten the time it takes
to make a connection by remembering ("training")
the phone line characteristics and storing them for later
use. Typically, the modem handshake (all that noise you hear)
takes from 25 to 35 seconds to complete. For most of your
calls, Quick connect will cut this modem handshake time in
half, a significant improvement.
What will PCM Upstream do for me?
PCM Upstream boosts the upstream data rates between your
computer and QNET to reduce upload times for large files
and email attachments. A maximum of 48 Kbps upstream rate
is supported. PCM Upstream will work particularly well with
new equipment such as Internet-connected digital cameras,
which primarily upload rather than download information.
What will Modem-On-Hold (MOH) do for me?
Many households use the same phone line for both voice calls
and data (Internet), so when you're online with QNET, an
incoming call cannot get through. MOH allows you to receive
an incoming call and stay connected to the Internet; Call-Waiting
service from your phone company is all that is required.
It also works in reverse; you can initiate a voice call
while connected and keep the modem connection. QNET has
an 8 minute limit. When you hang up the phone you can resume
browsing.
Will I be able to upgrade my V.90 modem or will I have
to buy a new V.92 modem?
Some of the older V.90 modems that were upgraded from x2 or
K56Flex to V.90 do not have the hardware needed to implement
V.92. In those cases, you would have to buy a new modem to
get V.92 capabilities. All other modems should be V.92 upgradeable.
Contact the Modem manufacturer or visit your Modem manufacturer's
website to determine if your modem can be upgraded to support
V.92 and to obtain the drivers. If you have difficulties in
this area, please contact QNET for assistance.
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What is the difference between
a software based modem
and a hardware based modem?
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Whether a modem is hardware
based or software based is a BIG factor when it comes
to a reliable, fast, stable connection. If you're planning
on purchasing a new V.92 modem, consider the following:
Hardware-based Modem
A hardware-based modem performs its common tasks using
two physical chips on the modem called the Data Pump
and the Controller. These chips help the modem do things
such as error control, flow control, compression, etc.
By having these chips on the modem, no burden is placed
on the computer's operating system (Windows) to perform
these calculations. This results in better overall reliability
and success. In general, this modem will cost more than
a software-based modem simply because it has more physical
components, which are more expensive to manufacture
than copies of a software modem driver.
Software-based Modem
A software-based modem works in a similar fashion,
except for the chips. These modems are either missing
one of the chips (Data Pump or Controller) or possibly
BOTH. The computations that are normally done by these
chips are done via software that is installed on the
computer (hence the name "software-based"
modem). This puts the burden of the computation on
the computer's CPU, making the connection much more
sensative to changes in the system, such as the number
of open applications and how much system resources
each application is occupying. In general, these are
the modems you will see on sale at the store for $10-$30.
V.44 Compression
V.92 modems are required to support V.44 data compression
in order be advertised as a V.92 modem. When purchasing
a new modem or upgrading your existing modem, make
sure V.44 is supported.
General rule of thumb: For modems, you get
what you pay for.
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