56K modem questions

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I've been on a cable for a fe wyears but thinking back to the old 56k days, hehe

I was wondering if it ever really made a difference between the 56k modem that was free after rebate and the $60 56k modem? Is there a difference or was it just marketing?

 

[jackschmittusa]

Hardware based modems didn't suck up all of the cpu cycles like the Winmodems did. The 2 you mentioned are one from each catagory.

 

[RanDum72]

Hardware modems used to matter when machines were fairly slow. But faster CPU's pretty much negated the advantages of hardware modems. The only advantage of pure hardware modems is that you can use it with an OS other than Windows. In terms of speed, there is no difference. If you use Windows, the most important factor should be how the modem copes with varying phone line conditions (especially less than ideal ones).

 

[ProviaFan]

Originally posted by: RanDum72
Hardware modems used to matter when machines were fairly slow. But faster CPU's pretty much negated the advantages of hardware modems.

Wrong. If you have a dedicated router with a serial port, a hardware external modem is your only choice, and a good one, too.

The only advantage of pure hardware modems is that you can use it with an OS other than Windows.

And that can be quite a big advantage for some of us.

In terms of speed, there is no difference. If you use Windows, the most important factor should be how the modem copes with varying phone line conditions (especially less than ideal ones).

And in general the more expensive hardware modems cope with bad lines much better than the el-cheapo winmodems do. The only software modems that I've found that are worth more than US$0.02 are ones based on the Lucent (now Agere?) chipset. Incidentally, these modems also have (closed-source) drivers for Linux, but they do work as "linmodems."

 

[RanDum72]

Wrong. If you have a dedicated router with a serial port, a hardware external modem is your only choice, and a good one, too.

I don't understand the 'wrong' part of your answer. I was assuming he was referring to INTERNAL PCI modems. You could have asked if he was asking about both internal and external modems, which is another story. Of course, you couldn't attach an internal modem to a router (doh).

And that can be quite a big advantage for some of us.

Sure, thats why I mentioned it. But not for the majority of users. I think there are a lot more people using modems with Windows that anything else combined out there. just let me know if you think I'm wrong here😉.

And in general the more expensive hardware modems cope with bad lines much better than the el-cheapo winmodems do.

You are generalizing here. just do a search on Google and read comparisons between hardware vs. software modems. There is virtually NO difference. From my personal experience, the best modem I've had that was a Diamond PCI winmodem. It always connects at more than 50k and holds it as well. I've tried the USR 'gaming' PCI modems ( a hardware internal modem), an external USR version, a Creative labs external v.92 modem. The Diamond beats them hands down. Even a $6 AMR modem connects better than the expensive modems. Modem technology is so mature nowadays a no-name manufacturer in Taiwan can make one that is as good as the best ot there for a lot less.

 

[TheCorm]

And in general the more expensive hardware modems cope with bad lines much better than the el-cheapo winmodems do.

I have built PC's with a variety of modems and I can say that overall, the above statement is often true.

HCF (Semi-Hardware) modems tended to be better at connecting with poor line coniditions than HSF (Software Modems) and Fully hardware ones such as serial modems tended to be even better.

Software modems often cannot deal with odd dial tones such as the ones you get on switchboards, special phone lines or telephone provider answerring service.

Jamie

 

[Mem]

I`ve both a full hardware modem(Diamond SupraExpress 56i V Pro) in my old PC and an Elsa Microlink 56k HCF (Winmodem with DSP) in my new one and get the same performance between them,same connection speeds,same download speeds and even in gaming there`s no difference.

Nowadays with fast processors there`s really no problem using a software modem apart from the reasons already stated in the previous posts,in general they work fine.

 

[dullard]

I have nothing new to add, but just want to reinforce what has been said before:
1) If you are not the typical user and have special needs, go with the more expensive hardware modems,
2) If not, you really won't notice the difference in modem performance but you will likely notice $60 in your wallet.

I upgraded from a hardware modem that was flaky to a free after rebate software modem and have never been happier.

 

[TheCorm]

Originally posted by: dullard
I have nothing new to add, but just want to reinforce what has been said before:
1) If you are not the typical user and have special needs, go with the more expensive hardware modems,
2) If not, you really won't notice the difference in modem performance but you will likely notice $60 in your wallet.

I upgraded from a hardware modem that was flaky to a free after rebate software modem and have never been happier.

I agree...although I would say go for a HCF modem over a HSP modem as they are at least part hardware, they do some of the work themselves and the price different is minimal!