"Clever study on another's mistakes..."

Version 3.13 at 23.01.99

Given FAQ contains most frequently asked questions and answers and also useful advises at a choice, operation and modernization of the modems of 3COM/U.S. Robotics Sportser 33600 and 56k with FLASH memory.

Direct all remarks, additions and offers for given FAQ to addresses:
faq-master@usr.spb.ru
2:5015/95.0@fidonet.org

All right reserved. No part of this FAQ may be reproduced without the preservation of the signature of the author. No commercial using of this FAQ without the written permission of the author.

The author reserves the right to edit the text of the FAQ without notification.

The list of the questions considered in the FAQ:

1. Where can I find the fresh version of this FAQ?
2. What does it mean, FLASH memory?
3. What is different between the models with FLASH memory and other models?
4. How can I find out does the modem contain FLASH memory or not?
5. How can I find out using the serial number what country is the modem made for?
6. I have got the modem but I do not know how to adjust it.
7. I have problems with connecting to other modems. What must I do?
8. The modem gives out two columns of digits after the command ATY11. What does it mean?
9. The modem breaks off connection at any moment. Why is guilty - my modem or removed modem?
10. Is it possible to change the level of the transmitted signal in the modem?
11. Is it possible to change sensitivity of the receiver?
12. How can I change the country of execution that is given out on command AT17 to use the register S39?
13. I would like to use autoanswering Sportster Voice. What programs can I use?
14. Can I make the automatic define of number using U.S.Robotics and how to connect it to mailer T-mail?
15. There is the massage Line Options Caller ID after command AT17. What does it mean?
16. There is the massage Line Options Distinctive Ring after command AT17. What does it mean?
17. How can I identify the serial number of the model of the modem using Modem Update Wizard?
18. How can I update the USR Sportster modem with FLASH memory for working with the k56flex protocol?
19. I have not found the firmware file for my Device ID of the modem. Can I use the another firmware file which is not appropriated for my ID?
20. I have got the modem with EPROM but there is a mark Upgradable to X2 56K on the box of the modem. The 3COM site gives out the information the price of the update for my modem is $60. Is there possibility to add the X2 and V.90 protocols to my modem?
21. How can I change the serial number of the modem?
22. Describe the process of preparation to reprogramming of the FLASH memory.
23. How can I update the modem using Modem Update Wizard?
24. How can I check the modem in action after update?
25. When is the better time to call to 3COM to have minimal charges?
26. What time is required to update the modem by telephone call to 3COM?
27. What is necessary to have done, that Windows 95 correctly identified the modem after the update?
28. Can I restore initial values of a status of FLASH memory?
29. Can I read the initial information from FLASH memory and keep it as a file?
30. How can I restore the modem in case of unsuccessful reprogramming of FLASH memory?
31. ÏAfter reprogramming my modem does not work with X2 and V.90 protocols. What have I do?
32. How can I switch on and switch off X2, V.90?
33. The modem connects to a Internet provider by X2 and V.90 protocols. Why there is no communication between two modems supported X2 and V.90 protocols?
34. The modem was updated by the call to 3COM and now a message about V.80 protocol appears after command ATI7. What is this protocol?

ATTENTION!!!

The given FAQ does not answer on the questions which directly or indirectly touch on copyright of firm 3COM. Therefore everything as for change of serial number, free of charge update, breaking firmware etc. is not considered and will not considered!

1> Where can I find the fresh version of this FAQ?

1. You can find this FAQ on the following places:

1. The site: http://www.usr.spb.ru/support/faqs/faq_sportster.html
2. The author's site: http://www.people.nnov.ru/belyanin
3. The conference RU.USR for members of FidoNet (weekly)
4. The conference FIDO.RU.USR for users of InterNet

2> What does it mean, FLASH memory?

2. The FLASH ROM is FLASH Read Only Memory, which can be erased and reprogrammed.

3> What is different between the models with FLASH memory and other models?

3. The modems USR Robotics with FLASH memory have appeared rather recently. The FLASH memory allows to update a firmware not using the special equipment for the reprogramming of memory. In this case the modem is used as the programming equipment. The reprogramming is made by the programs which are called Modem Update Wizard and Software DownLoad. During the reprogramming the data is red form a file which contains the data and is written into the FLASH memory of the modem. The file which contains the data is called firmware and the process of the reprogramming (upgrade or update) is called load of firmware. Due to the FLASH memory you can always have the modem with all occurred changes (new protocols of communication, improvement of parameters of communication, adaptation of the modem to telephone lines etc.)

4.> How can I find out does the modem contain FLASH memory or not?

4. There are some ways to find out does the modem contain FLASH memory or not. Some of these ways are direct some indirect.

1. If the modem is packed into a box, first of all, try to find a label with bar code. The bar code which belong to modems with FLASH memory should have two numbers. This is an indirect attribute. The bar code of the old modems without FLASH memory has only one number.
2. If you get the internal modem without a packing box (OEM), it is necessary to pay attention to the sockets TELCO and PHONE. On these sockets there should be an above named label. It is also indirect attribute.
3. If you have not found any labels, ask the seller to connect the modem to a computer. According to the law on protection of the right of consumers the seller is obliged to show the work of the goods. Therefore require the seller to have done the following actions: connection to a terminal program, response on AT commands and dialing. Then type the command ATI7 using a terminal program. After that you receive more detailed information about your modem. If the modem is with FLASH memory the information should have a line Flash rev Flash date (except for model 0084004). The model 0084004 responds to the command ATI7 as the modem without memory. So it is an indirect attribute as well, but with high probability of definition. To find out the serial number of the modem using a terminal program type the command AT~S? (the symbol ? is necessary). First two digits of the serial number mean the country. Next digits are the number of model.
4. Try to look the response of the modem at the command ATI4. If there is a word USRobotics in a line of the response, it means the modem without FLASH memory. The modems with FLASH memory has a word U.S.Robotics in a line of the response. It is an indirect attribute.
5. Type the command ATGBOOT5 using a terminal program. If the modem gives out a response that has a line boot> it means the modem is with FLASH memory (the modems without FLASH memory give out a response ERROR or CONNECT). Then type the command ATI (you find out the number of the model) and to finish the test type the command ATGM. This way is most effective but thus the not documentary commands are used and not any seller will allow you to make that. This definition using the command ATGBOOT5 is a direct attribute but to use this command follows with care.
6. If there is not possibility to check the modem in the store, check the modem at home.

At purchase of the modem require the commodity cheque and correctly filled guarantee coupon. If you buy the modem by a official representative of 3COM, you automatically receive the five years period warranty. The warranty period can be reduced by another firms which sell the same modems but you can be addressing directly to 3COM during five years (under condition of registration of the modem). The registration card should be presented in not the OEM modems which are sold without the documentation, the registration card and accompanying software. This is why sellers reduce warranty period up to minimum. Moreover you always have right to exchange the modem or refuse purchase during two weeks.

5.> How can I find out using the serial number what the country is the modem made for?

5. First two digits of the serial number mean the country. The almost complete list of the countries is written below.

6> I have got the modem but I do not know how to adjust it.

6. The adjustment of the modem is the correct installation of the values of the register NVRAM. NVRAM is memory which is programmed by user and is keeping the data at deenergising. The register NVRAM keeps the default configuration which is loaded in RAM at switching on. NVRAM is programmed by any terminal program with the help of the AT-commands. The list of the commands can be found in the modem documentation or be received by any terminal program after commands: AT$, AT&$, ATS$. To write down in NVRAM the factory adjustments with the hardware control of the data, type the command ATF1. To write down in NVRAM the corrections of the adjustments for your telephone line, type the command AT&W. To continue the initialisation of the modem, type the command ATZ.

7> I have problems with connecting to other modems. What must I do?

7. For the beginning it is necessary to estimate character of the communication line. To do that, after successful session but before reinitialisation of the modem, enter commands: ATI6 (diagnostics of the connection), ATI11 (statistics of the connection), ATY11(amplitude-frequency characteristic). The received data are necessary to write down in a file. After the analysis received data it is necessary to make changes of the current configuration and write down it in NVRAM by the command AT&W.

8> The modem gives out two columns of digits after the command ATY11. What does it mean?

8. This is a amplitude-frequency characteristic (AFC) of your line at the connection to another modem. For reliable communication the kind of AFC should be linear and without obvious troughs and rolls-off on all range of frequency. To search the kind of AFC use the program usrstat2.exe (You can find it in archive usrst419.zip). If you have a file with collected statistics by the command ATI1I11Y11 then you can run the program as: usrstat2.exe [a file with collected statistics] [a new file for processing of statistics] and will have received full "picture" of the communication.

Example:

There is a text file stst.sfm with changed parameters:

ati6i11y11

U.S. Robotics 56K Voice INT Link Diagnostics...

Chars sent                    3      Chars Received               69
Chars lost                    0
Octets sent                   3      Octets Received              69
Blocks sent                   3      Blocks Received               8
Blocks resent                 0

Retrains Requested            0      Retrains Granted              0
Line Reversals                0      Blers                         0
Link Timeouts                 0      Link Naks                     0

Data Compression       V42BIS 2048/32
Equalization           Long
Fallback               Enabled
Protocol               LAPM
Speed                  33600/33600
Current Call           00:00:15

Online U.S. Robotics 56K Voice INT Link Diagnostics...


Modulation                  V.34+
Carrier Freq     (Hz)       1959/1959
Symbol Rate                 3429/3429
Trellis Code                64S-4D/64S-4D
Nonlinear Encoding          ON/ON
Precoding                   OFF/ON
Shaping                     ON/ON
Preemphasis      (-dB)      6/4
Recv/Xmit Level  (-dBm)     23/9
Near Echo Loss   (dB)       36
Far Echo Loss    (dB)       56
Carrier Offset   (Hz)       3612
Round Trip Delay (msec)     4
Timing Offset    (ppm)      4224
SNR              (dB)       39
Speed Shifts Up/Down        1/0
Status :


Freq         Level (dB)

150           28
300           22
450           21
600           21
750           21
900           21
1050          21
1200          21
1350          21
1500          22
1650          21
1800          22
1950          22
2100          22
2250          22
2400          23
2550          23
2700          23
2850          23
3000          24
3150          24
3300          25
3450          26
3600          32
3750          40
OK

Run the program by a command line: usrstat2.exe stat.sfm stat.usr /m7

The key /m7 means the output in ASCII. We have received a file with statistics stst.usr:

Connection Summary:
+-----------------------+-----------------+-----------------------------+
| USRSTATS Version 4.19 | 07-21-98  13:35 | Caller 0                    |
+-----------------------+-----------+-----+-----------------------------+
| Elapsed Time             00:00:15 | Modulation                  V.34+ |
| Blocks Received                 8 | Speed              own        1/0 |
| Blers                           0 | Symbol Rate             3429/3429 |
| Blocks sent                     3 | Carrier Frequency       1959/1959 |
| Link Naks                       0 | Trellis Code        64S-4D/64S-4D |
| Blocks resent                   0 | Nonlinear Encoding          ON/ON |
| Link Timeouts                   0 | Precoding                  OFF/ON |
| Chars sent                      3 | Shaping                     ON/ON |
| Octets sent                     3 | Preemphasis                   6/4 |
| Chars lost                      0 | Rx Lev/TX Lev/SNR       23/9/  39 |
| Chars Received                 69 | Echo Loss    Near   36   Far   56 |
| Octets Received                69 | Roundtrip Delay                 4 |
| Protocol                     LAPM | Retrains Request/Grant        0/0 |
| Block Size                        | Fallback                  Enabled |
| Window Size                       | HST Line Reversals              0 |
| Compression                V42BIS | HST Equalization             Long |
| Dictionary Size              2048 | SV:                 DSP:          |
| String Length                  32 | Reason:                    Online |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

Channel Probe:
+---------------------------------------------------------------+
| -22 | . x X X X X X X X x X x x x x . . . . . . . . . . |   1 |
| -24 | . X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X x x . . . . |   3 |
| -26 | . X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X x . . |   5 |
| -28 | x X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X . . |   7 |
| -30 | X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X . . |   9 |
| -32 | X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X x . |  11 |
| -34 | X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X . |  13 |
| -36 | X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X . |  15 |
| -38 | X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X . |  17 |
| -40 | X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X x |  19 |
|Level+---------------------------------------------------+Atten|
|       0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3       |
|       1 3 4 6 7 9 0 2 3 5 6 8 9 1 2 4 5 7 8 0 1 3 4 6 7       |
|       5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5       |
|       0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0       |
+---------------------------------------------------------------+

Given AFC is almost ideal. If there is a big roll-off in the range of higher frequency it means the telephone line contains the circuits which play a role of low-pass filter (a additionally connected telephone, a capacitor in a telephone socket, large distance to a Automatic Telephone Station, wet telephone cable etc.)

9> The modem breaks off connection at any moment. Who is guilty - my modem or removed modem?

9. To understand who is guilty it is necessary to run the command ATI6I11Y11 and to look the statistics. You have to do that immediately after disconnection but before the initialisation command. Send the statistics to the technical support team of users of U.S.Robotics - support@usr.spb.ru.

10> Is it possible to change the level of the transmitted signal in the modem?

10. You can change a level of transmitted signal of any modem, excepting the modems made for US/Canada. To change a level of transmitted signal, change a status of the register S39. Than the smaller number is written in the register, the higher level of transmitted signal.

11> Is it possible to change the sensitivity of the receiver?

11. There is not possibility to change the sensitivity of the receiver for the 3COM modems.

12> How can I change the country of execution that is given out on command AT17 to use the register S39?

12. First of all, look a response which will be given out after the command ATY14. If the response contains only one digit and the digit corresponds to a country code then the country of execution can be changed by the command ATC10=xx (xx means a country code):

13> I would like to use autoanswering Sportster Voice. What programs can I use?

13. Use the program WinFAX PRO 8.0. At present day this is the best program for the modem which has the fax and voice functions. The shareware version of this program you can find in the site http://www.symantec.com/. The programs which called RapidCommVoice, QuickLink and MessageCentre may be packaged with the modem. To find something else I recommend to visit on the site httm://www.ventafax.ru.

14> Can I make the automatic define of number using U.S.Robotics and how to connect it to mailer T-mail?

14. Yes, you can make the automatic define of number using U.S.Robotics if you have the voice function in your modem. The realisation of the automatic define of number for such modems is made by program which can be found on ftp://ftp.wplus.net/u/rtusr.

1. AONTM12.ZIP [000] AOH_USR 1.12 (it works with T-Mail) for USR Sportster Voice.
2. AONUSR12.ZIP [000] AOH_USR 1.12 for USR Sportster Voice.

15> There is the massage Line Options Caller ID after command AT17. What does it mean?

15. It is a standard method of definition of a caller in West. In Russia this method works only on some newest electronic Automatic Telephone Stations. If you want to switch it on you have to pay for this serves. The principle of Caller ID differs radically from used in Russia Automatic Define of Number. The principle of Caller ID consists in the following: A Automatic Telephone Station receives the information about a caller before a caller will hear the signals. Further the Automatic Telephone Station should in the Caller ID format give out the information about the caller during the pauses between bells. It means the handset of telephone is not being removed but the number of caller is defined.

16> There is the massage Line Options Distinctive Ring after command AT17. What does it mean?

16. If there is possibility to connect to a line from 2 to 4 telephone numbers, first number will be known as the number of a modem, second number will be known as the number of a fax etc. A Automatic Telephone Station will give out signals with different time intervals which depend on the telephone number which have been chosen by a caller.

Type A:  2.0s on
        +------------------+
        |                  |
 -------+                  +------

Type B:  .8s on, .4s off, .8s on
        +------+    +------+
        |      |    |      |
  ------+      +----+      +------

Type C: .4s on, .2s off, .4s on, .2s off, .8s on
        +--+  +--+  +------+
        |  |  |  |  |      |
  ------+  +--+  +--+      +------
 
Type D: .3s on, .2s off, 1.0s on, .2s off, .3s on
        +-+  +--------+  +-+
        | |  |        |  | |
  ------+ +--+        +--+ +------

The modem will distinguish the call as RING A (B,C,D) and the installed software will decide whom to respond. It is obvious, the realisation of Distinctive Ring requires installation of the special equipment into a Automatic Telephone Station as well as the realisation of Caller ID.

17> How can I identify the serial number of the model of the modem using Modem Update Wizard?

17. Run last version of the program Modem Update Wizard and after SearcHing modem press Details. Write down on a hard disk all that will appear in this window. Pay attention on Device ID, it is the number of the model. The program Modem Update Wizard is developed that the user not addressing in a support service of 3COM could make the following:

1. To identify the number of the model of the modem.
2. To find out is there possibility to update the modem. To find out what is the price to exchange this modem to new modem if there is not possibility to update the modem.
3. To call in a support service of 3COM to update the modem.
4. To update the modem to X2 or V.90 (The price of the update to X2 is $60; the update from X2 to V.90 is free of charge; the price of the update from V34+ to V.90 is $60).

18> How can I update the USR Sportster modem with FLASH memory for working with the k56flex protocol?

18. The k56flex is the obsolete protocol of Rockwell and it never was supported and will not be supported by 3COM. So there is not possibility to update the modem to work with this protocol.

19> I have not found the firmware file for my Device ID of the modem. Can I use the another firmware file which is not appropriated for my ID?

19. No, you can not. Using the another firmware file which is not appropriated for your ID is very dangerous because each model of the modems has own hardware and software. The result of that experiment is a not working modem without a restoring file. Moreover nobody knows will a seller take this modem to guarantee repair. Some models with FLASH memory have the special update programs which have the protection against work with another models.

20> I have got the modem with EPROM but there is a mark Upgradable to X2 56K on the box of the modem. The 3COM site gives out the information the price of the update for my modem is $60. Is there possibility to add the X2 and V.90 protocols to my modem?

20. There is not possibility to update your modem. Probably you can use X2 Upgrade Kit (replacement old EPROM on another EPROM with new program). Maybe 3COM will have suggested to exchange your modem on the modem with FLASH memory. Bear in mind the exchange will take place within USA.

21> How can I change the serial number of the modem?

21. There is not possibility to change the serial number and ID of the modem.

22> Describe the process of preparation to reprogramming of the FLASH memory.

22. This process is not complicated but make that carefully. To not break down the modem it is necessary to make the following actions.

1. Disconnect the modem from the telephone line.
2. If you have possibility, connect a computer to a uninterruptible power source.
3. Prepare a computer:
• Install Modem Update Wizard, if you still have not done it.
• Switch off Screensaver and Energy savings options.
• Unload all unused tasks and programs. (Press Alt-Ctrl-Del once and unload everything excluding Explorer and Systray)
• If you use WIN95 or NT, pay attention to the amount of memory. If there is a small amount of memory then the reprogramming is not recommended.
• Wait some time after start of Modem Update Wizard that the process of swapping will have been finished. Swapping is not desirable during the reprogramming.
• To avoid troubles noted above, set the minimal size of swapping is about 32 MB and the maximum size is full value of hard disk.
4. Do not try to load a firmware with the protocols which are loaded yet. (For example: The X2 protocol have been loaded but you tries to load again this protocol for "checking".) The hanged Modem Update Wizard will be a result of this experiment.
5. Do not use a firmware with a number which do not correspond to the Device ID of your modem.
6. Do not use a version of Modem Update Wizard less than 1.26 because old versions have the hidden defects.
7. Do not reboot your computer during the reprogramming because of absence of patience. (For example: You think you computer is hanged but actually you have to wait 5-15 minutes to finish the process.)
8. Do not move the "mouse" and the "windows" on the screen because these procedure of WIN95 require a lot of resources. A result may be the hanged Modem Update Wizard.
9. If the Software DownLoad will be used for the reprogramming all written above recommendations must be used as well.

23> How can I update the modem using Modem Update Wizard?

23. To update the modem using Modem Update Wizard, follow instructions which are written below.

1. Run Modem Update Wizard.
2. Twice click on the line Welcome to the 3COM Modem Update Wizard! and put a tick on Turn On Log (It means a file will be written by way \3COM\updtmdm\log.dat). This file will contain basic parameters of your model which the modem have had before the reprogramming. This file can be useful if the update will be unsuccessful.
3. Press the button Next-Accept. After small delay, Modem Update Wizard will have found the modem or you can have chosen it from the list of found modems if a computer contains more then one modem.
4. Press the button Next again and will have chosen the Dial U.S.Robotics in a dialog frame.
5. Fill on a window for the information on yourself.
6. Press again the button Next and the frame U.S.Robotics' Server will have appeared. Set there the type of dialing (Pulse or Tone). Put a one comma before 10 in a line prefix to set a delay of waiting of the intercity telephone tone. Put the digit 1 after 10 in the end of a line prefix (1 is the code of USA).
7. Press Dial and observe of the process.
8. After the update, start a terminal program. Check the speed of the port. The speed must be installed exactly as the speed in your terminal program. For example: If the speed of the port in WIN95 is 115200 then install the same speed of the port in your terminal program. Check Flow Control, it must be installed in mode RTS/CTS - Hardware Flow Control.
9. Restore and write the former settings and parameters of the modem.
10. Type ATI7 and look that there is V.90 in a line of the protocols and the type of the modem is changed.

24> How can I check the modem in action after update?

24. To check X2 and V.90, try to connect to a Internet provider which supports these protocols and is located in your city. You can try to connect to the Internet providers listed below.

The absence of the communication with X2 and V.90 does not mean the update has passed incorrectly. Quite probably the conditions of communication for these protocols are not carried out but other way of "hot" check does not exist.

25> When is the better time to call to 3COM to have minimal charges?

25. Weekends or evening are the best time to call in USA. At this time there is cheapest tariff for international connections thus try to take into account a difference in time zones. Ask your telephone company to find out the time of the cheapest tariff of connection to USA.

26> What time is required to update the modem by telephone call to 3COM?

26. The complete process of the upgrade occurs during 2-3 minutes. The result is you have the modem with protocol V.90. If Modem Update Wizard will give out the message that your modem has last version, it means there is not possibility up to now to upgrade your modem to V.90. In this case the last current version for your modem is the protocol X2.

27> What is necessary to have done, that Windows 95 correctly identified the modem after the update?

27. Take new INF files for your modem (source ftp://ftp.wàlus.net/u/rtusr/sàortster/mdm3com*.inf), copy these files in the Windows directory and reinstall the modem using Windows 95 (Control Panel).

28> Can I restore initial values of a status of FLASH memory?

28. You can restore that if you have a file which contains initial values of protocols. You can find a firmware with V34+ for some models on addresses written above. Note this list is being updated.

29> Can I read the initial information from FLASH memory and keep it as a file?

29. It can not be made by all simple and accessible methods.

30> How can I restore the modem in case of unsuccessful reprogramming of FLASH memory?

30. The best way to restore the modem is to carry it to the warranty service. But you can use the utility UCU.EXE (ftp://ftp.wplus.net/u/rtusr/utils/ucu.rar)

31> After reprogramming my modem does not work with X2 and V.90 protocols. What have I do?

31. If the update was made without a telephone call in 3COM by reprogramming FLASH memory using a file with firmware, it is quite probable the modem will not work though there is indication about presence of the protocols after command ATI7. The decision of a problem is a call in 3COM. Load X2 firmware and call in 3COM. The second probable reason of absence of communication with X2 and V.90 protocols can be bad quality of your telephone line. If your telephone line does not allow to work with V.43+ protocol (speed of communication is 31200 or 33600) then communication with X2 and V.90 protocols is hardly possible. The high speed protocols require almost absolute cleanliness of a telephone line concerning noises.

32> How can I switch on and switch off X2, V.90?

32. Look the values of the register S32. S32=2 by default and the protocols X2 and V.90 are switched on. To switch off the protocol X2 the register S32=34. To switch off the protocol V.90 the register S32=66. To switch off the protocols X2 and V.90 both the register S32=98. If you use only the protocol V34+, it is recommended to switch off the protocols X2 and V.90 both.

33> The modem connects to a Internet provider by X2 and V.90 protocols. Why there is no communication between two modems supported X2 and V.90 protocols?

33. For communication between two modems by X2 and V.90 protocols the following conditions should be carried out:

1. The digital channel should be on a end of the line. The presence of such channel assumes that connection to the Automatic Telephone Station is made not by usual copper wires and cables but by special light-conducting cables supporting data transfer in the digital kind. The special digital modem supporting X2 and V.90 protocols should be connected to this end of the line. This modem is called the server modem. At the present day 3COM presents the next types of the digital modems: Total Control, Remote Access Server, Net Server, I-Modem and Courier I-Modem. Cost of such equipment and connection on the digital channel is much higher than client equipment and only large firms and Internet providers can allow themselves to use that.
2. The client analog modem supporting X2 and V.90 protocols should be connected to another end of the telephone line. There is one more condition here. Between the client modem and the server modem should be no more than one the analog-digital transformation. It means that if the signal from your Automatic Telephone Station up to the server modem passes through some analog-digital transformations (on intermediate Automatic Telephone Stations) then the communication by X2 and V.90 protocols is impossible.

34> The modem was updated by the call to 3COM and now a message about V.80 protocol appears after command ATI7. What is this protocol?

34. V.80 is new protocol which allow to take part in the videoconferences. Using V.80 protocol a user can be exchanging information as video, speech and others data on the analog telephone line. To be exchanging the information at speed 15 scenes per second it is necessary to use the special software - H.324 Video Phone application. H.324 Video Phone application system contains a videocamera and a videocard for collecting of data.

Thanks for everybody who sent the amendments and the additions.

With best regards,
Igor Belyanin

http://www.people.nnov.ru/belyanin

"Russian Team USR" FAQ-Master