Multi-Tech's Current Status on the V.90 Protocol

Our dialup network now supports V.90 protocol for higher speed and more reliable connections. Check POP phone list for a number near you. Multi-Tech has upgraded many of our local ISP network to the V.90 protocol for 56 Kbps-compatible modem connections. V.90 is the new international standard that supplants the "x2®" and "K56Flex®" 56K protocols, which are not cross compatible for connection speeds above 33.6K.

"Multi-Tech is excited to have initiated this upgrade, which will improve the speed and stability of our members' Internet connections," said Tony Girgenti, Multi-Tech Computer Experts vice president of network operations. "Our goal is to provide our customers with the best Internet experience we can, which includes rolling out the most advanced technologies as soon as we are satisfied with their reliability."


Owners of "x2" and "K56Flex" modems can obtain free V.90 upgrades from the
Web sites of most major modem manufacturers.

The V.90 Standard - A Single 56k Modem Protocol

Do we need another modem protocol?

Yes. The purpose of the V.90 standard is to eliminate two incompatible 56k modem protocols: 3COM/USRobotics's x2 and Rockwell Internationals and Lucent Technologies's K56Flex. Without the V.90 protocol, a K56Flex modem owner is limited to a maximum speed of 33.6 Kbps when connecting to an ISP running the x2 protocol. This will be the case until both the K56Flex modem owner and his/her Internet Service Provider (ISP) upgrade to the V.90 protocol. The same is true for an owner of an x2 modem connecting to an ISP using the K56Flex protocol.  In the best interest of both consumers and ISPs, members of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) agreed on a preliminary standard for 56 Kbps analog modems on February 6, 1998.

What is the basis of the V.90 protocol?

This technology takes advantage of a pure digital connection between the ISP and Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). With the elimination of the analog loop between the ISP and phone network, downstream speeds of up to 56 Kbps are possible (FCC regulations currently limit the speed to 53 Kbps.)

Should I Upgrade My Modem to the New V.90 Standard?

If I have an x2 modem?

Yes. 3Com has made improvements to the x2 protocol that are included in the latest Sportster/Courier software releases that can significantly improve connection speeds and stability. These code releases also happen to support V.90, which allows even a faster and more stable connection.

If I have a K56Flex modem?

Yes. There is no harm in upgrading to the V.90 code. By upgrading now, you may see a V.90 connection once in a while. You will also be one step ahead when we start officially supporting V.90.

If I upgrade to the V.90 code, will my modem still support the x2 or K56Flex protocols?

Probably. The consumer V.90 codes are designed to be backwards compatible with the x2 or K56Flex protocols. It is best to check with your modem manufacturer before upgrading to the V.90 code. Most modem manufacturers have online help pages for upgrading to the V.90 code.

The THREE Conditions That Must Be Met For a V.90 Transmission

1. Digital connection from server to the phone network: This means that the connection on one end must terminate at a digital circuit. If your PoP supports x2 currently, this condition is met.

2. V.90 support is required on both ends: Not only does your PoP need to be capable of V.90 connections, but your modem must also support the V.90 code.

3. ONE analog-to-digital conversion process: For the V.90 technology to work, there can be a maximum of one analog-to-digital conversion process that takes place between your analog modem and the digital modem on MindSpring's side.  This is where you may experience a problem. While many telephone companies are updating their equipment, not all areas meet this condition.

The top graphic shows an analog section between the Server and PSTN. As a result of the extra Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) process, the maximum downstream speed of this circuit is 33.6 Kbps.

This graphics shows a digital connection between the Server and PSTN. With this circuit, downstream speeds of up to 53.3 Kbps are possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are higher speeds now possible over a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) network?

The V.90 protocol takes advantage of the digital server connections between  telephone networks and Internet Service Providers. With the elimination of an analog-to-digital conversion process and its associated line noises, speeds of up to 56 Kbps are possible.

Why can't data transmission over conventional phone lines be any faster?

The Public Switched Telephone Network was originally designed for voice communications only. To reduce the bandwidth required for a voice call, engineers limited the frequencies from 0 to 4000Hz allowing more simultaneous calls (The range of the normal human voice is 300 to 3500Hz.) Unfortunately, this bandwidth range has a detrimental effect on data communications.

Why can I only send at a maximum of 33.6 Kbps but receive data at up to 56 Kbps?

The maximum sending speed of 33.6 Kbps is a result of the upstream data going through an analog-to-digital conversion process.

What are typical connect speeds of V.90 modems?

Typical V.90 connections are in the mid 40 Kbps range. High quality copper lines and a close proximity between your modem and the Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) are critical for V.90 connections.

Why can't I connect at speeds higher than 33.6 Kbps with my V.90 modem?

During the connection process, your modem will determine if any downstream analog-to-digital conversions take place. If your modem detects a downstream analog-to-digital process, you will be limited to a V.34 connection or a maximum speed of 33.6 Kbps in both sending and receiving data. If the analog part of the line is too noisy, you will be limited to a V.34 connection as well.

Why does my computer say I am connecting at 57600 or 115200 bps when I know this is impossible? What is the difference between DCE and DTE speed?

Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) is the speed between your computer and modem, while Data Communications Equipment (DCE) is the speed between your analog modem and one of MindSpring's digital modems. When you see 57600 or 115200 bps, your computer is reporting  DTE instead of the DCE speed.

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