Upgrading an existing modem from K56Flex or X2 to the V.90 standard is
easy for you to complete. Here are a few things to note before you proceed:
- You must install the correct software or firmware that is specifically designed for your
brand and model of modem. Failure to do so may damage your modem or render it inoperable.
Please note that some models which currently support 33.6kbps, K56flex, or X2 may not be
upgradable to the V.90 standard. If this is the case, the highest speed you will be able
to connect with will be 33.6kbps.
- V.90 upgrades do not guarantee higher connection speeds. Due to the way 56k modems
connect to the Internet, you may experience fluctuating connection speeds depending on the
line quality in your area. More information is available at http://www.56k.com/basics/basics.shtml
- Software-based modems are likely to experience more problems connecting to the Internet
than regular modems. For more information, please visit http://www.56k.com/reports/winmodem.shtml.
If you are planning to purchase a new modem, avoid any modems which are labeled
"Winmodem" or "Windows modem". The following modems are examples of
some software-based modems that you should avoid:
- Apple Geoport (for the PowerMac)
- Compaq Presario modems
- Diamond SupraMax
- HSP Winmodem
- LT (Lucent Technologies) Winmodem Latest
Drivers
- Mwave or Mwave VoD
- Modem Master 6000
- Sound 4 Winmodem
- Motorola SM56
- U.S.Robotics Winmodem
3Com/Megahterz/U.S.Robotics Sportster, Courier, Winmodem
Modems
The retail and OEM versions of the Sportser use different upgrading software. Owners of
the retail versions may have to call long distance to U.S.Robotics to complete the
upgrade. For more information, please visit: http://www.3com.com/56k/need4_56k/upgrade.html
Courier owners can visit the following webpage to download software to upgrade to the
V.90 standard:
- http://totalservice.usr.com/56k/courier.html
Some models are not upgradable to support the V.90 standard. If your modem did not come
in a box with the U.S.Robotics or 3com logo on it, OR if the modem's serial number begins
with a 6, then the modem is OEM. Here is the link OEM modem owners should visit:
- http://www.3com.com/56k/usr/upgrades.html#oem
Note: When upgrading the Megahertz modems, it is recommended that you obtain the
newest available V.90 upgrades from 3Com/Megahertz directly. Some of the older upgrades
available on the Internet do not upgrade the modems properly, rendering the modems
inoperable.
Actiontec Modems
Actiontec currently has modem upgrades available online. The upgrades, however, are for
single mode. This means that if you upgrade to the V.90 standard, the modem will not be
able to connect with the older K56Flex or X2 technology. Refer to the following link for
more information on Actiontec modems: http://www.actiontec.com/techsupp/56upgrad.html
AcerOpen and A-Open Modems
A-Open is a component manufacturer who provides modems, soundcards, etc. to vendors to
bundle with their computers. As a result, Acer and A-Open modems are mainly OEM modems. http://www.aopenusa.com/tech/addon/default.htm
Compaq Computer Corporation
For Compaq computers, please refer to the following page: http://vcmprocr.compaq.com/daytona/english.asp
Creative Labs Modem Blaster Modems
Creative Labs FTP site provides software upgrades for their modems: http://www.soundblaster.com/wwwnew/tech/ftp/ftp-comm.html
Dell Computer Corporation
- Follow: http://support.dell.com/filelib/
- Select Search Files by Description and enter in: V.90
- Click on Search
No specific page is available on this website to obtain the upgrades to V.90. Most Dell
computers ship with 3Com/U.S.Robotics Sportser or Winmodems. Please refer to the 3com
information above.
Diamond Supra Express and Supra Max Modems
Refer to the following link for modems created by Diamond Multimedia: http://www.diamondmm.com/56k/v90-upgrade.html
The SupraMax modem is a software-based Winmodem and may have difficulties connecting at
speeds faster than 33.6kbps.
Digicom 56k Modems
Digicom currently manufacturers modems for many companies. Software upgrades are
available at the following link: http://www.digicomsys.com/techsupp/dlmb.html
Global Village Modems
Some models of the Global Village modems are software based modems. Locating the
upgrade software may be difficult as Global Village is not releasing V.90 upgrades for
older models until the standard has been formally approved. Refer to the following link
for Global Villages Support site for more information: http://www.globalvillage.com/support/software.html
Hewlett-Packard Computer Systems
- Follow: http://www.hp.com/cposupport/eschome.html
- Use the Quick Support Search and enter in: V.90
- Click on Search
No specific page is available on this site to obtain the upgrade. The search engine is the
only method available.
IBM Modems (including IBM Mwave Modems)
Motorola ModemSURFR and VoiceSURFR Modems
Motorola closed their analog modem division during the first half of 1998. Support and
upgrades for these modems may be difficult to obtain. Some models cannot be upgraded with
software and Motorola does not offer a trade-up program. For information on V.90 from
Motorola refer to the following link: http://v90.motorola.com/
More information about Motorola and their product lines are available at:
- http://www.mot.com
NOTE: Motorola's new line
of modems, called SM56 or similar, are software based Winmodems. The SM56 line of modems
is an OEM and may be sold as Modem Master or Shark 56k modems. Owners of these modems
should talk to the vendor from whom they original bought the modem for upgrade details.
Packard Bell
Packard Bell currently supplies X2 modems with their new computers that are upgradable
to V.90. Please refer to the following link: http://support.packardbell.com/ftp/drivers.asp?audio
Xircom Modems
Zoltrix FMVSP and FMHSP Modems
Zoom Telephonics Modems
If your modem was not listed in the above links, you will have to contact the vendor
where you bought the modem for V.90 upgrade information. You can visit http://www.56k.com/ or http://www.56k.com/links/V90_Upgrades/
for assistance.
