Modem question

[Texas Diesel]

I have an ancient ISA Modem 56k in one computer and a PCI WinComm modem in another.



The ISA modem is a USRobotics Hardware modem.



The other one is a PCI WinComm 56k modem (says Ambient HAM under modems).



The USRobotics modem ALWAYS connects faster and more reliably than the WinComm. I have swapped them around to prove that. A salesman (!) told me that USRobotics modems are HARDWARE (?) modems and the PCI WinComm is partially controlled by Windows and that is why one is faster.



Whats the scoop here?

 

[BGiles]

The sales person is right.

The "Hardware" modem has all the necessary hardware on board that is needed to translate the data into something the computer will understand, then sends it to the computer. Which means less work for the computer.



The "WIN Modem" has just enough CHIPS on board to control the relay that opens the phone line (maybe a few others chores, but not much) and then the computer take over from there. This just adds to the computers workload.



Hardware modem are usually more expensive, you can pick up a Win-modem for about $5 - $7.



FWIW, I use a external USB modem. I am so far out in the STICKS, I only connect at 26. 4 and that when the wind blows my direction .



Clear as mud, right.



Brian

 

[Texas Diesel]

Thanks for the info. So I gather that, generally speaking a Hardware modem is better. Is your USB modem an improvement over a Hardware modem? How can I tell the difference between a WinComm and a Hardware modem by looking at the box?



TIA

 

[BGiles]

As the saying goes....... You get what you pay for...

Yes, a Hardware Modem is better. It is hard to tell from just looking at the box. The most obvious, is the ugly words "WIN MODEM". If you can't find those words on the box, read the fine print also, then it might be a hardware modem. Another easy way to tell is, check the minimum requirements. If it does not mention anything about DOS, then it is definitely a win modem.



I use a USB modem, mainly to reduce the amount of cards I have installed in my box. I also had issues with other cards wanting to use the same IRQ/Address the the modem wanted. Easy fix was to go external. Back in the day, I had every slot filled in the computer. It was a PITA trying to make every Card happy. Now with Win 2K & XP they seem to share IRQ/Address a little better.



Below are 2 photos I found. Don't take for granted what you see. But, you can see a little difference.



Hardware Modem.

#ad




Win Modem

#ad




Hope this helps.

Brian

 

[Texas Diesel]

Great shots!! Thanks! One thing I can see easily from the pictures is the input coupling transformer is much larger on the Hardware Modem, I noticed that on my two as well. The transformer is massive on the ISA mode. I'll be shopping for new modem. Are all USRobotics hardware?

 

[Texas Diesel]

does this look like a Hardware modem to you?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3468240975&category=44940#ShippingPayment

 

[BGiles]

They claim it to be Hardware Based. It appears to have a lot more parts on the PCB(board) than a Win modem.



Its been awhile since I have bought a modem. Looks like they have a new chipset out called "H. A. M. " (Host Accelerated Modem).

That should at least give you 5 more HP, I mean more B. P. S.



Brian

 

[guava]

my opinion is that its a win-modem.

The quick version (totally correct above) is that a win-modem uses some of your CPU's horsepower to do the work for the modem.

The hardware-modem is a self contained generator. All its own fuel, power, and skills.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Exactly! My current WinComm modem has an Ambient HAM chipset. He also says it "divides" the work between itself and the host resources. I hope I can find a true hardware modem in PCI configuration.

 

[slo-ryde]

If you have computer shows in your area a USRobotics PCI modem will cost you about $50. The US Robotics Performance Pro (model usr5610b) is an excellent modem.



If the modem your looking at will only work with Windows then it's probably a winmodem. The modem on the e-bay link is very definitely a winmodem.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Agreed on the Ebay modem being a Winmodem.



The US Robotics Performance Pro is the same price as a USB external. Am I correct in assuming the USB external is a hardware type of modem? Which of these two would be better?



The portability of the USB modem would be nice but I am after connect speed.

 

[slo-ryde]

I don't have any hands on experience with USB modems. In theory the USB bandwidth would be more than sufficient to handle the data stream from a 56k modem. I know that fast USB devices (usb cd burners and disk drives) can put a strain on slower systems.