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Computer Hardware
Information about computer Modems

Quick links

Modem ABCs
ATI Command Explanation
X2, KFlex, V.90 Information
Hayes AT String information
Troubleshooting
Modem definitions

MODEM ABCs

Short for MODulator / DEModulator, which describes the method used to convert digital data used by computers into analog signals used by the phones and then back into digital data once received by the other computer.

The above pictures help represent a digital signal and an analog signal. All computer data is stored and transmitted within the computer in digital format 1s and 0s. In order for this data to be transmitted over analog phone lines, the data must be transmitted into an analog signal which is the noise you hear when connecting to another computer. Once the other computer receives this signal, it will then translate the signal back into its original digital format.

Typical modems are referred to as an asynchronous device, meaning that the device transmits data in an intermittent stream of small packets. Once received, the receiving system then takes the data in the packets and reassembles it into a form the computer can use.

Stop
1 bit
Data
8 bits
Start
1 bit
Stop
1 bit
Data
8 bits
Start
1 bit
Packet
10 bits
Packet
10 bits

The above chart represents how an asynchronous transmission would be transmitted over a phone line. In asynchronous communication, 1 byte (8 bits) is transferred within 1 packet, which is equivalent to one character. However, for the computer to receive this information, each packet must contain a Start and a Stop bit; therefore, the complete packet would be 10 bits. An example of what the above chart would transmit is the word HI which is equivalent to 2 bytes (16 bits).

There are two types of modems used in all computers.

Internal: Modem which would be plugged into a slot located within or on the computer.

External: Modem which is located within a box and is hooked up externally to the computer, generally VIA the Serial Ports.

ATI Command explanation

ATI commands are to get various information on your modem. To get any of the below information, you will need to type the ATI commands from a communications software or if you have Windows 95 or Windows 98 by going into start / settings / Control Panel / modems / clicking on the tab that says diagnostics / and highlighting the port that the modem is listed on and clicking on the more info button.

ATI0 = Return Product Code
ATI1 = Return memory (ROM) checksum
ATI2 = Run memory (RAM) test
ATI3 = Return call duration/real time
ATI4 = Return current modem settings
ATI5 = Return NVRAM settings
ATI6 = Return link diagnostics
ATI7 = Return product configuration

Index

Category:
Hardware

Companies:
Click here

Related Pages:
Boca Modem
Creative Modem
Hayes Modem
UsRobotics Modem

Drivers

Modem Drivers

Resolved

Were you able to locate the answer to your questions?
TROUBLESHOOTING MODEMS


General MODEM Support
MS-DOS / Windows 3.x MODEM Support
Windows 95/98 MODEM Support
Windows NT MODEM Support

  General MODEM Support
Reference Issue / Question
MODEM Dictionary definition and related links on the MODEM.
AT Strings Where can I find a listing of AT strings and information?
Standards Information and help on X2, KFLEX and V.90 and connecting at 56k.
Internet Internet questions and answers
Contacts Contact information for MODEM manufacturers.
Buying tips Additional information and help with purchasing a MODEM.
Drivers Computer MODEM drivers and manufacturer listing.
CHADD Additional information with installing computer hardware.
CH000041 Cannot connect at 56k.
CH000262 Insuring the modem is connected properly.
CH000266 How to enable / disable call waiting on computer.
CH000267 When trying to connect to BBS receive busy signal.
CH000268 I can connect to the Internet however cannot open any web pages.
CH000371 How to disable Internet auto disconnect.
CH000439 Enable / Disable modem speaker.
CH000498 How do I determine what type of modem I have?
CH000539 How do I determine the speed of my Internet connection?
FORUM If your question is not listed on this page please try our online forum.

 

  MS-DOS / Windows3.X MODEM support
Reference Issue / Question
CH000263 DOS / Windows 3.x modem troubleshooting.

 

  Windows 95/98 MODEM support
Reference Issue / Question
CH000147 Missing Country Code in dialing properties for Windows 95.
CH000151 Getting Fax support in Windows 98?
CH000161 Decrease time used to log onto Internet with modem.
CH000264 Windows 95 / 98 modem troubleshooting.
CH000269 Windows is not saving my Internet password and the box to save is grayed out.
CH000270 After connecting to the Internet, I receive another prompt for username and password.
CH000271 How to install a new Port in Windows 9x.
CH000377 Windows dial-up networking password is not saved.
CH000408 Error 630: Port disconnected due to hardware failure.

 

  Windows NT / 2000 MODEM support
Reference Issue / Question
CH000265 Windows NT 4.0 modem troubleshooting.
CH000377 Windows dial-up networking password is not saved.

 

  Windows XP MODEM support
Reference Issue / Question
CH000488 Older Modem and Network cards do not work in Windows XP.

 

 

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