Internet Services
About 56K
56K Technology FAQs
What is 56K?
56K is a new modem technology that lets you download data from a compatible Internet
Service Provider over standard phone lines at uncompressed speeds up to 56 Kbps, roughly
twice as fast as a conventional analog modem. This new technology offers substantially
faster speeds without requiring the added investment of installing lease lines or ISDN
lines.
What is "V.90" protocol?
V.90 is the official designator for the ITU draft recommendation for 56K modems. V.90 will
be the official 56K standard after it is approved by the ITU members in September '98.
What 56K technology does Surf Shop support?
Surf Shop supports all 56K modems that use either "K56flex" or "V.90"
protocol.
What if I have an X2 technology 56K modem?
If your modem supports X2 technology (such as US Robotics), you can still connect to Surf Shop’s
server and surf the internet at up to 33.6Kbps speed (using the V.34 protocol). You will
have to upgrade your modem to V.90 (if your X2 modem allows software upgrade) before you
can benefit from our Internet server's 56K capability.
Is my "K56flex" modem upgradable?
Most 56K capable modems are software upgradable. You can visit
Upgrade Central to check to see when your modem manufacturer has the V.90 software
upgrade for your modem. Even if your "K56flex" modem is not upgradable to V.90,
Surf Shop will continue to support K56flex so you can still enjoy surfing the web at the
highest rates possible.
What will it cost to upgrade to to V.90?
Nothing. Most modem manufacturers have announced that they will supply the V.90 software
upgrade to their customers that buy K56flex modems free of charge. Please check with the
modem manufacturer before you buy it to be sure.
Can I connect to an X2 ISP after upgrading to V.90?
Yes. All ISPs that currently support either "K56flex" or "X2" protocol
will most likely upgrade to V.90 before the end of 1998.
What if I only have 28.8 Kbps modem?
Our dial-up server, which supports the V.90 and K56flex technology will automatically
negotiate at the fastest speed that your modem can download data from the Internet. Your
28.8 Kbps modem will still be able to surf the Internet at up to 28.8 Kbps.
How can I tell if I can benefit from 56K technology?
If you have a V.34 modem and regularly connect at speeds of 22 Kbps or higher, 56K will
likely work for you. If you are 5 kilometers or less from the telephone switching office,
you will likely benefit from a 56K modem.
Will I be paying more for the 56K access?
Surf Shop subscribers will be dialing in to the same digital modem pool, whether they use
the fast 56K modem or the slower 14.4 Kbps one. We have deployed all-digital (E1) dial-up
access lines for our subscribers. Our standard subscription rates apply regardless of the
kind of modem you are using. However, you’ll be delighted to know that our
subscription rates are still cheaper than other ISPs that don’t have 56K access
lines.
What 56K modem should I buy?
Just make sure that your modem supports either the K56flex protocol or the newer V.90
protocol. The newest 56K models of all modem brands support the V.90 standard.
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