Hardware vs Winmodem?

[Nohjekim]

Can someone explain the difference between a Winmodem and A hardware based modem, I have a new Dell computer and I am having a problem connecting to Everquest.

I have been told that the problem is that I have a Windows based modem. I have a Conexant HSF V.92 RTAD PCI Modem.

I have looked at the specs but can't tell what kind of modem this is. It dosent say anything about how it works.

Does anyone know if theis is a software based modem.

If I have to get a new one what do you recomend, I have always had U.S.Robotics Sportster (non winmodems) before.

Thanks for the help

Nohj

 

[tteknos]

It's basically a guarantee that any store bought PC has a win modem. Aside from the US Robotics you mentioned, I don't know of any other non-win modem PCI's, so we can probly say that that's what yours is. I would switch out that Conexant HSF V.92 RTAD with a U.S.Robotics Sportster (non winmodem) any day. Even if you get EQ working with another modem, I would dump it if you can, and switch to Cable/DSL. I have no clue what level you are, but once you get higher and start raiding, dialup can't even compete with cable/dsl for the lag. You will consistently go LD, and you'll kick yourself for not shelling out the extra $20 for a cable. Just my input =)

Btw...what server do you play on? Prexus and Quellious here =)

Ted

 

[edfair]

Can explain some of first and last.
When a modem is operating there is some raw processing time for a signal processor. If the processing is done on the modem you have hardware. If the modem turns the processing over to the CPU you have a software modem.
My personal choice is external, connecting through a serial port. Always a hardware modem. You have lights to show what is going on. And spikes on the phone line don't get in the box generally. Some USRs have DSP problems with noisy lines so a rf filter may also be required. Ed Fair
efair@atlnet.com

Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply.

Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[c1utch]

Conexant is the manufactuer of the chipset of your modem, not the modem manufactuer (such as U.S. Robotics, 3com, etc.) Check this site out. It is off of the conexant webpage and will give you info on finding the correct manufactuer of your modem. From there you can go to that manufactuer and download the correct modem drivers instead of using those winmodem drivers. The files they have listed for download are in .pdf form, which if you are unfamiliar with .pdf's, are used by Adobe Acrobat Reader which is a free download from

http://www.adobe.com.

http://www.conexant.com/default.sph/SaServletEngine.class/Web/driverdownload/driverdownload.jsp

 

[Comtech]

Your HSF is a SoftK56V modem. It's a softmodem (winmodem is a term coined by USR), and relies on the CPU of your computer to do it's thing.
Hard modems do not.
There are only 4 modems manufacturered that are PCI and are hardmodems, they're hard to find, and expensive.
You'd be MUCH better off with an external modem (serial port type, not USB), as they are ALL hard modems, and completely transportable from one computer to the next.
The Diamond Supra Express external is going on the auction sites for about $20 and could be the best modem ever built.
A comparable USR/3com will cost you over $100.
For lots more on this topic, check the boards at

http://www.56k.com

Cheers,
Jim

http://members.cnx.net/reboot/

 

[Nohjekim]

Thanks for the help I'll defiantly get a new modem.
I am very lucky, the phone lines in my area were all replaced with a new hi tech system a couple of years ago and even with my 56k modem I can always get a 50k connection through both of my ISPs.

An external modem sounds like a good idea.

It’s funny that Dell didn’t offer a better modem as an alternative, my previous computers were Gateways and I always opted for the modem upgrade.

I'll check out the links here and get more info.

Oh, I have 2 characters on the Povar server, but I have hardly been able to play at all since I got my new computer. A shame since when I can get in it runs great, no lag and the graphics look wild with my Geforce Ti 200 video card.

The funny thing is that the only way I can get in is to delete the eqgame.exe file so that it downloads a new one each time. One use and it’s all over. If I fail to get in for any reason then I have to delete it again and start over.

Nohj

 

[tteknos]

That's retarded. Try simply deleting all the zone files in the zone you camped the character you're trying to get on. Usually that's the simplest way. A reload of EQ on a modem is very hard. On my cable modem i can delete EQ and re-download all the patches in like 10 minutes. Next time that happens try deleting the zone files. Good luck, and good hunting to ya =)

Ted