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Supra tech support recommends AT&F2W2 as an init string for their 56K modems. Someone on the comp.dcom.modems Usenet newsgroup reported success using AT+MS=11,9600,33600 to disable K56flex on his Motorola ModemSURFR (his ISP doesn't offer K56flex). Both strings have been added to our init strings and drivers page.
Eagle-eyed Mike Wilson noticed that Diamond Multimedia has extended their Supra upgrade offer from June 30 to September 30.
56K.COM is a Frank Severa Pick of the Week.
ADSL
This week's Tech column in Packet focuses on ADSL, a high-speed technology that can be used over the existing copper telephone network. The article includes a discussion of how the Telecommunications Act of 1996 is inadvertently limiting ADSL deployment.
In other ADSL news, US West has stopped selling the dry copper pairs necessary for ADSL. Inter@ctive Week ran an early story, and a followup reporting that many analysts agreed with the company's decision. At issue is the use of so-called reverse ADSL, in which ADSL is used over inexpensive dry pairs that are sold for special purpose, low-bandwidth use, such as burglar alarms and ATMs. US West is a baby bell that provides phone service for fourteen western states.
A premier source of ADSL information is TeleChoice xDSL news.
In case you missed it, Boardwatch had a great article on 56K.
56K.COM has won a PC Webopaedia Outstanding Page Award. To find 56K.COM, search for "modem".
Internet service providers offering 56K
IBM Internet Connection has an online database of member cities that support x2. The web page reports the numbers as being V.34, but the webmaster says that they are all x2.
Epoch Networks now offers K56flex access in approximately fifty U.S cities.
Earthlink now has 800 numbers for both x2 and K56flex listed on their 56K modem page. The 800 charges are very competitive. Nationwide K56flex deployment will begin this summer, and is supposed to be completed by year-end.
America Online has added Anaheim, CA (714-703-8511) and Atlanta, GA (404-893-5000) to the cities participating in AOL's x2 field trial. Use AOL keyword "x2" for details.
Hardware news
Matthew McRae of Viking Components wrote to say that Viking has shipped their K56flex internal ISA modem for PCs. PCMCIA cards for Mac and PC laptops are expected to ship later in June, and is cellular ready with MNP-10EC support. More information is available on the company's web page.
Nova Web Technologies has announced their line of K56flex and x2 PCMCIA laptop modems for Macintosh and Windows. The units will be upgradeable to the final ITU standard, and the K56flex version will offer support for the MNP-10EC cellular protocol.
ISDN*tek has announced the CyberSpace Enterprise Quad+Plus. The Quad+Plus is a four-line ISDN terminal adapter designed for remote network access, videoconferencing, and teleconferencing.
Bob Fiato wrote to say that the July issue of Internet World features 56K modems, and has reviews of the Cardinal Connecta, Motorola ModemSURFR, and U.S. Robotics Courier. The online version still shows the June issue.
An Ascend press release states that Prodigy will use Ascend MAX TNT equipment to provide K56flex access.
In response to last week's article on U.S. Robotics CCL files for Macintosh, Greg Scarich wrote to say that he had good results with the U.S. Robotics high speed script. From the read me file:
This script should work with most of our modems using our current command set. This would include all of our 9600, 14400, 28800/33600 and x2 modems. It should also work, for the most part, with any USR ISDN device.
The script will attempt to talk to the modem at 230.4 port speed and if it fails, it will attempt the next lowest speed. It will continue to do this until it gets an OK back from the system and/or until the system says it's an OK speed.
I've added the script to the a2z list of 56K init strings and drivers. For information about Mac CCL files, please see the init strings and drivers page.
56 Remote Access Products
Several people have asked me about 56K central site products. These people run small ISPs, or have an office and want their employees to be able to telecommute at 56K. I'm starting to collect information on these products and will compile the information into a special report. In the mean time, here are a couple of products to consider.
Manufacturers, speak up!
I'm collecting information for 56K central site products appropriate for small to medium-sized offices. If you have a product, email me.
I'm still collecting information for the 56K Buyer's Guide, to be posted on June 23. All modem manufacturers with shipping 56K units are invited to send me their specification sheets.
