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v.90

This page provides information on the v.90 standard. If you are currently running a connection to Vicnet using a 56k modem of any kind, or if you are thinking of buying a 56k modem, this information may be of use to you. Please note that if you are not using a 56k modem, or if your modem is not currently experiencing any connection problems, then you do not need to change or upgrade your modem at all.

What is v.90?

v.90 is the unification standard for modems that can transfer their data at 56 kilobytes per second (kbps; generally written as 56k). Previous to the standard being finalised in early 1998, there were two competing standards, k56flex and X2. Both these speed types could only connect at 56k to modems which supported their particular standard; if the modem was of the wrong type the modem could only connect at the next standard speed, which is 33.6k. With a single standard in place, all 56k modems can connect at 56k.

All modems sold as k56flex or X2 are able to be upgraded to the new standard. This is done though software. A program is downloaded or otherwise put on your computer. This program then "talks" to your modem, and changes its programming slightly. This process is known as a "Flash Upgrade".

When your modem has been upgraded, it can then talk to Internet Services Providers that are running the v.90 standard. Vicnet has recently upgraded all its modems to support v.90, as well as the two older standards. This means you should be able to connect at up to 56k (it's rare to actually get a full 56k connection - between 40k and 48k is more common) regardless of whatever standard your modem is using. However, if you do wish to upgrade your modem, following are some instructions for particular modems, and links to the sites of most major modem brands for modems not specifically mentioned here.

The facts about 56k

  • 33.6k is still the fastest available analogue technology. 56k modems use a hybrid technology to achieve faster download speeds but only with certain important limitations.
  • 56k modems connect to each other at 33.6k. They offer no advantage for modem to modem connection.
  • 56k connections are available on DOWNLOADS only from suitably equipped Internet Service Providers. Not all ISP's have this equipment. Although the technology is called 56k, field experience shows that connections in the mid to upper 40k range are more representative of the modem's capability. Uploads, are at 33.6 but early experience suggests that actual results may be slower than this.
  • 56k cannot be realized if there is more than one analogue-digital conversion in your connection to the ISP. This may impact on PABX users. It also means that if you live outside the main centers 56k may not be attainable.
  • 56k is extremely susceptible to line noise. If you cannot presently get reliable connections at 28k or better it is unlikely that 56k will be of any benefit to you.
  • Actual download performance on the Internet is not always limited by the speed capability of the modem. In heavy traffic a Porsche and a VW travel at much the same speed (plenty of people still want a Porsche and are happy to pay lots more for it!).

    • Dynalink logoThis information was taken with permission from Dynalink

Do I need to upgrade to v.90?

No:

  1. If you are running an SVD (Simultaneous Voice and Data) modem of any kind.
    Due to a problem with the Rockwell v.90 firmware used by Dynalink modems, once your K56Flex modem is upgraded to v.90 the modem will lose its SVD (Simultaneous Voice Data) capability. Please note this problem affects all Rockwell based modems thoughout the world. Rockwell is currently working on a solution to this problem and will be addressed by firmware releases. We advise those users who use the SVD function of their modem to not upgrade to v.90 unless necessary. Please keep an eye on this page as it will be updated regarding this issue and any new firmware will be posted as soon as possible. SVD enables a modem tohandle voice and data at the same time e.g. send data and talk on the same line. However, this feature is seldom used as it cuts the bandwidth in half, thus taking twice as long to send data.

    2. Dynalink logoThis information was taken with permission from Dynalink

  2. If you are connecting currently without any problems. (If you have any doubts about this, please Contact Vicnet Help
  3. If you are currently using a k56flex modem.
  4. If you have any other kind of modem except a 56k one.
  5. If you can't find an upgrade program for your exact make and model of modem.
  6. If you can't find an upgrade program for an Australian version of your modem.

Yes:

  1. If you are using an X2 modem.
  2. If you are having some problems connecting to Vicnet with your 56k modem.

If you do decide to upgrade your modem, follow the instructions below.

If you would like more information, or have any more queries about v.90 upgrades, have a look at the following general pages on v.90. You can also contact Vicnet support on 03 8664 7001 if you have specific queries.

www.modemhelp.com
www.k56flex.com
www.56k.com
www.v90.com

 

How to upgrade your modem

  1. Note the brand and model of your modem. This generally appears on the bottom of the modem or on the box.
  2. Go online to the Internet if you're not already.
  3. Look though the listings below for the brand of your modem. Click on the appropriate link.
  4. Note: If you can't find your exact make and model of modem, or an Australian file for your modem, DO NOT TRY TO UPGRADE YOUR MODEM. You risk causing damage to your modem.
  5. Read the information and instructions that appear. Some upgrades require you to download and install more than one piece of software and in a particular order. If it helps, print out the instructions.
  6. Download the appropriate software package/s onto your computer by clicking on the link/s.
  7. When the program/s have downloaded, disconnect from the Internet. Close all open programs.
  8. Find the upgrade file you just downloaded and open it.
  9. Follow the instructions the program will give you. The main thing to remember is do not interrupt the upgrade process while it is running, otherwise you risk damaging the modem permanently.
  10. When the upgrade has completed, you will be able to use your modem to connect to full v.90 modems.
Once you have upgraded, we recommend that you check your phone number. Dial-in accounts should be dialling 9657 4500, and permanent modem accounts should be dialling 9926 4500.

List of modems

Company Web site Direct links
Avtek (Netcomm) Search for drivers, firmware, whitepapers
Diamond Multimedia (SONIC|blue) Modem Support
Dynalink Modems (Askey Australia) v.90 | v.90 Download Page | v.90 Troubleshooting
Global Village Support | TelePort 56K ROM updater 2.200
Hayes 1 v.90 Firmware upgrade information
Maestro Drivers page
Motorola v90.motorola.com
Netcomm Search for drivers, firmware, whitepapers
Simple Computing (Netcomm) Search for drivers, firmware, whitepapers
US Robotics (USR) 2 Support
Xircom 3 Xircom support information is now at support.intel.com

1 Hayes filed for bankruptcy twice before it's death in January 1999, it's assets were acquired by Zoom Telephonics
2 Owned by 3COM.
3 Owned by Intel.

If your modem isn't listed here, try the following sites. They lead to lists of modem brands and manufacturers.

www.modemhelp.com
www.k56flex.com
www.56k.com
www.v90.com

This page was last modified on October 7 2001