new modem slower than $25 PCtel one !! [Archive] - Cyber Tech Help Support Forums

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earl

July 19th, 2003, 11:02 AM

AMD –K6 processor
Windows 2000 professional
128 Mb SDRAM
IE 6 browser
PCI Internal 56Kbps V.92 fax Modem

Hi just put a new modem on my PC, mainly because old one was refusing to install, this one was more expensive, so I was guessing it may download faster it isnt its slower!!
Current speed is 45.2 Kbps have put shorter lead on same, Operatingsystem has been reformated and reinstalled post trogan / virus attack, not using a fire wall, do use kazaa lite, netpumper and win mx but dont run same on startup, only use these for overnight downloads
Is there a string I could put in?
Modem properties show port speed as 115200
properties show Intel (r) 536 V.92 modem attached to Com 3

Im sure prevoius PCtel $25 modem was faster than this have 3 downloads going at the moment approx 1.10 KBs a sec

Also it seems to dissconnect sporatically using Keep it alive so cant blame my ISP, auto dissconnect is not on, power saving options are all set for never turn off, Im having lots of trouble also with OE timing out have set properties to max to lessen time out but still does! (sever time out now adjusted to 5 mins)

I havent checked lines my ISP seems good, using a programme called slipstream web accelerater but this just makes browsing quicker by dropping image quality dosent affect download speed

Any recommendations for download accelerator programmes most I have trialed dont do anything other than screw up my IE default settings!!
Any advice appreciated!!

I am regulerly running spybot / adaware and antivirus programmes, so little / no dubious cookies /reg keys etc, apart from what I have to leave to get netpumper working, shame old netpumper was much better!! was going to buy this programme, now having second thoughts about a company that associates with cydoor etc!!

smurfy

July 19th, 2003, 12:40 PM

earl

July 21st, 2003, 11:55 AM

Hi Earl. What EXACT Make/Model is that new modem?
The fact that your DUN is reporting Port speed instead of connect speed indicates improper drivers. Regular disconnects are also a dead giveaway there. There is a modem init string (ATM3 I think)that will force it to report connect speed but I think we need to look at your drivers first.
Are you using Win2K's driver that it installed when detecting the modem or drivers that came on a disk with the modem?

Your old PCTel modem being a Winmodem are notoriously difficult to get working on Win2k. (I just plug in an external 33.6 to save myself the headaches :) )
Hi thanks for reply

Modem is singlepoint PCI Internal 56Kbps V.92 fax modem, your right re modem being impossible to get working on 2000, reformated OS etc etc, most of time and stress was devoted to attempting to get harware wiz to pick up modem, until I gave up and went to PC store, it took him 5 mins!!! sure he used drivers that came with modem!!
What is DUN ?
I now have a horrible feeling my last modem was in fact running at about 36 not 56, this is giving 42.2
Dont know if this is helpful here is the (part of) properties log

File: D:\WINNT\System32\unimdm.tsp, Version 5.0.2175 - Retail
07-21-2003 22:43:13.407 - File: D:\WINNT\System32\unimdmat.dll, Version 5.0.2134 - Retail
07-21-2003 22:43:13.417 - File: D:\WINNT\System32\uniplat.dll, Version 5.0.2151 - Retail
07-21-2003 22:43:13.417 - File: D:\WINNT\System32\drivers\modem.sys, Version 5.0.2134 - Retail
07-21-2003 22:43:13.417 - File: D:\WINNT\System32\modemui.dll, Version 5.0.2146 - Retail
07-21-2003 22:43:13.427 - Modem type: Intel(R) 536EP V.92 Modem
07-21-2003 22:43:13.427 - Modem inf path: oem3.inf
07-21-2003 22:43:13.427 - Modem inf section: Intels51
07-21-2003 22:43:13.597 - 115200,8,N,1, ctsfl=1, rtsctl=2
07-21-2003 22:43:13.597 - Initializing modem.
07-21-2003 22:43:13.607 - Send: AT<cr>
07-21-2003 22:43:13.627 - Recv: AT<cr>
07-21-2003 22:43:13.627 - Command Echo
07-21-2003 22:43:13.767 - Recv: <cr><lf>OK<cr><lf>
07-21-2003 22:43:13.767 - Interpreted response: OK
07-21-2003 22:43:13.777 - Send: AT&F E0 Q0 X4 S0=0 &D2 &C1 &S0 V1 W4 E1<cr>
07-21-2003 22:43:13.797 - Recv: AT&F E0 Q0 X4 S0=0 &D2 &C1 &S0 V1 W4 E1<cr>

janusz

July 21st, 2003, 04:37 PM

Greetings!

On some modems the initialization string for showing true connect speed is:

&a3 - SHOW TRUE CONNECT SPEED (your modem may show true connect speed by default; in that case, do not include &a3 in the string.

Do you know the chipset on this modem? CNET Singlepoint modems can use a variety of chipsets. Knowing the chipset will help in determining any initializations strings (extra settings) that may be useful.

In any case, here are some tweaks that may help! I live in the country about 5-6 miles from the telephone company. I regularly connect at 48,000-49,333 bps (true connect speed). Before you focus on the modem issues, I recommend you optimize your connection with these tweaks! You may be surprised. I have two machines - one with USR modem and the other with SoundBlaster modem - both hardware modems. And they both work equally well!

Okay, here we go . . . First, modems have a relatively small onboard cache and data buffer; this will allow you modem to have access to your RAM during moments of high modem activity. Open the start menu, click on run, and then enter "sysedit".

Go into the System.ini file, and locate [386Enh].

If your modem is on Com 1, on the line directly below the [386Enh] add this:
Com1Irq4Buffer=1024

If your modem is on Com 2, on the line directly below the [386Enh] add this:
Com2Irq3Buffer=1024

If your modem is on Com 3, on the line directly below the [386Enh] add this:
Com3Irq4Buffer=1024

If your modem is on Com 4, on the line directly below the [386Enh] add this:
Com4Irq3Buffer=1024

====================================

Next, try these for improved performance! These tweaks and tips should make a huge difference.

A. Here's a neat way of speeding things up without buying one of those utilities that will do it for US$40 or more. It's my favorite tweak! You will notice the difference!!

First, backup the registry as a precaution (see instructions at bottom).

In Windows 9.x/2K/XP
1. Open Regedit (Start-->Run--> and type 'regedit' [without quotes] )

2. Navigate to the following folder:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Curre ntVersion\InternetSettings

4. Create the following "DWORD" (if the following does not exist already):
MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server

5.Set the value to any high number as well (the default is 4); suggest 10.

6. Create the following "DWORD" (if the following does not exist already):
MaxConnectionsPerServer

7. Set the value to any high number (the default is 2); suggest 8.

You will be amazed!!! You can experiment with different values. More explanation: See
http://support.microsoft.com/suppor...G&SA=ALLKB&FR=0

B. Set max modem speed.
Check Control Panel | Modems and look under Properties to make sure it is set maximum (115,200 or higher).

C1. Getting ready to optimize the modem connection.
I would also recommend getting the following - in fact, this is an absolute necessity because your DUN (cable, etc.) and modem connections have to be optimized:

EasyMTU. It's FREE. Get it here: http://members.tripod.com/~EasyMTU/

IMHO, this is better than 'blind' hidden changes made by some utilities for which you pay $$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!

In my case, my ISP uses maxmtu of 1500, so I use 1500. However, instead of 'guessing,' you can quickly determine the best value for maxmtu this way -

C2. How to find exact values for MTU and MaxMTU.
Here's how to find your MaxMTU value:

To test maxMTU we will use the ping command at dos prompt.
START > PROGRAMS > MSDOS PROMPT. The format for the ping command is as follows:
ping -f -l MTU# host [where MTU# is value YOU enter - in example below I used 1472]
-f tells the PC not to fragment the packet in order to find out the real MTU.
-l switch (l as in larry) tells it how big of a packet size to send.

MTU# is the size of the packet. NOTE: There is a difference between MTU and MaxMTU. I used 1472 for MTU value (This is how you calculate the value: MaxMTU = MTU + 28 = 1500). Other common value for MTU: 548 (MaxMTU=576).

Host is the computer you want to ping. If you are finding MTU for network then the host is the IP for the computer. If you are finding the MTU for the Internet then the host should be your ISP. You may want to see how you do with other sites as well. I recommend using the one that matches your ISP.

So, here's an example on how to check:

You can do this in Windows . . . Go to DOS (Start | Programs | MS DOS Prompt). You should be in C: drive and see a prompt that looks something like this: C:\

Now after the C:\ prompt type: ping -f -l 1472 http://www.myhomeISP.com [of course, you would type your isp url here]

The line will look something like this: C:\ ping -f -l 1472 http://www.myhomeISP.com
Watch out, that's an "l" as in larry!
Press Enter and you will see something like this:
--------------------------
Pinging http://www.myhomeISP.com [320.33.346.276] with 1472 bytes of data:

Reply from 320.33.346.276: bytes-1472 time 372ms TTL=253
Reply from 320.33.346.276: bytes-1472 time 361ms TTL=253
Reply from 320.33.346.276: bytes-1472 time 342ms TTL=253
Reply from 320.33.346.276: bytes-1472 time 360ms TTL=253

Ping statistics for 320.33.346.276:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in mili-seconds:
Minimum = 342ms, Maximum = 372ms, Average = 358ms
--------------------------

The thing we are looking for is Lost = 0 (0% loss). So, this indicates a MaxMTU value of 1500 (1472 + 28 ).

If you choose the wrong value you will see that you will have packet losses!!

D. Checking how packets travel.
An additional tool that is useful is NeoTrace Pro (the very best) which will give you detail info on how packets travel through various nodes, etc. and if you have any losses. NeoTrace is at http://www.neoworx.com/. You can get a very good freebie - AnalogX's HyperTrace at http://www.analogx.com.

E. An easy way to make these registry changes mentioned above is to use the FREE CableNut Tweaker. You can also backup the registry with CableNut Tweaker. http://www.cablenut.com/

====================================

You're all set! Now go do some high-speed, screaming surfin'!! Finally, as they say, no guarantees, promises, etc. You assume all risks.

There you are. TaDaaaa! Hope it helps!

Good Luck!

Janusz
Age doesn't always bring wisdom. Sometimes age comes alone.

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How to make a backup of the Windows registry

Not difficult at all. However, you may find CableNut Tweaker easier to use.

1. If you have not already done so, click Start, and click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
2. Type regedit and then click OK. The Registry Editor opens.
3. Scroll to the top if necessary, and select My Computer at the top of the left pane.
4. Click Registry, and then click Export Registry File.
5. Follow the instructions for your operating system:
Windows 95/98/NT/2K/XP
a. Change "Save in" to Desktop or to folder of your choice.
b. In the File name box, enter a name that you will remember, such as registrybackup.
c. Click Save. The file is saved to your Windows desktop - or to the folder of your choice.

CAUTION: Do not double-click the backup file (it will have .reg extension) that was placed on the Windows desktop - or your folder of choice - unless you need to undo the changes that you made to the registry. You may want to delete the backup file after a week or so when you are sure that the changes that you made have not caused any problems.
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