I yhought I had a 56k modem...but my connection is always around 15-28k. My question where in my system can I find something telling me what speed I am suppose to have. I generally know where to look for these things but this time I either can't remember or just don't know. Thanks, Christine;}

Christine, There are a number of factors involved with the modem dialup. I believe that prime among them is the condition of your phone lines. What may sound fine to you while speaking on the phone may not be all that great for modem transmission. ISP's used to sometimes have different phone #'s for different modem speeds but I would doubt that is still the case. Essentially, the routing that your dial in takes, the quality of the modems in the bank at the ISP, things of that type can determine the actual speed you end up with. It's been a while since I used dial up but I was never able to get above 33K at home. I tried using three different modems, one internal and two externals, all 3Com's. I'm sorry but I don't specifically remember if there were any 'tweaks' one could use for dial up but perhaps your ISP might have a suggestion. I know that's not what you wanted to hear but, as I said, I think your line and their equipment are the major factors. Ron

One thing to check is to see if modem port speed is set to maximum. In Control Panel, click "Printers and other hardware", click Modem Options, Modems tab, Properties button, Modem tab, increase Maximum Port Speed to max.

how close you are to the phone company switching station determines connect spped. when i build a computer for a customer in my shop, one mile from phone co., i get a 45,000 connect speed for his computer, using my phone line. when he gets home, which is 5 miles from phone company, the modem connect speed drops to 28,000. even my telephone repairman, that uses a laptop in his truck, that connects to a cell tower, only gets a 19,000 connect. go figure

I have found your download speed varies with the websites you are visiting and also during heavy net times, the speed falls off. As the other posters have pointed out your net speed is variable, this also means dsl speeds are also not always the fastest. Varizon, my tele company states this in it's advertising of dsl service, hth, frank

I work for a phone company who all so is a isp dialup and adsl. You are most likely working though a pair gain line. There is all kinds 2 lines per 1 pair to one that uses T1s, 4 T1s for 300 t0 400 lines. The trouble begains if the lines are double converted D/A. the max speed will be 28.8. If you have a large box on the house or you know your line is working out of a pole mounted box down the road, 28.8 could be top speed.

So in other words get cable or DSL. Actually, I am now surfing the net for a new modem. Not sure what kind to get but I do eventually want to go to DSL but too poor to go there yet. Can I get a modem 56k, DSL or cable ready when I need it? Iv 'e been looking on Pricegrabber.com but nothing specifically says 56k modem DSL or cable ready. If it does I don't understand the terms they use. The reason I want a new on is my modem is very old anyways,( probably another reason it's doing what it is ). Anymore suggestions would be great.