Nothing Appears On The Screen When I Type

Issue the command ATE1 to the modem to enable command echo. This will let you see what you type.

Cannot Connect at 56K

Note: Current FCC regulations limit your maximum connection rate to 53Kbits/s.

The number you are calling may not support V.90 or K56flex protocols. Some Inter- net Service Providers have special numbers that you must call to make 56K connec- tions. Contact your service provider and ask if the number you are using supports V.90 or K56flex.

Check the maximum speed setting in the Modem Properties window. In Control Panel, double-click the Modems icon. Highlight your modem by clicking once on the icon next to the modem and then click the Properties button. Select the General tab and look at the setting in the Maximum speed box. Make sure this is set to 115200.

You may have other telephone devices connected to the phone line. To achieve the best connection possible, remove all extra devices connected to the telephone line when the modem is in use. This includes extension phones, answering machines, cordless phone bases, caller ID boxes and their cables. This reduces the load on your phone line and keeps signal attenuation to a minimum.

Keep the length of your phone line cable to 10 feet or less. If necessary, move the computer closer to the phone socket. Don’t lay your cabling close to an electrical appliance like a refrigerator or air conditioner unit. High current devices can trans- mit 60 cycle “hum” to your modem through the phone cord. This may cause fre- quent renegotiations or line disconnects while the appliance is running.

The telephone line conditions at the time of your call may not let you connect at 56K. The modem has a connection sequence of K56flex, then V.90, then V.34, and so on. The modem attempts to make the highest connect rate that your telephone line can support at the time of negotiation. If the line conditions (noise, telephone company routing, etc.) won’t allow a high data rate connection, then the modem will automatically connect at the most reliable rate. Try making the call again after a few minutes. The routing of the call may improve your chances of making a 56K connec- tion.

If you are attempting to make a call from an office and you have to dial “9” to reach an outside number, you are using a PBX. The modem cannot connect faster then V.34 if you are using a PBX. Try using the line that is connected to a fax machine. Fax machines are usually connected to a dedicated line and not a PBX.

36

Page 36 Page 38
Page 37
Image 37
Actiontec electronic 56K ISA Lite manual Nothing Appears On The Screen When I Type
Page 36 Page 38

56K ISA Lite specifications

The Actiontec electronic 56K ISA Lite modem is a pivotal technology that played an essential role in the evolution of internet connectivity, especially during the late 1990s and early 2000s. As a dial-up modem, it facilitated access to the internet at a time when broadband was not widely available. This device utilized the ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus, which was popular for connecting hardware components to the motherboard in personal computers.

One of the hallmark features of the Actiontec 56K ISA Lite is its compliance with the V.90 standard, enabling it to achieve download speeds of up to 56 Kbps. This capability marked a significant improvement over earlier modems that typically operated at lower speeds. The modem's design focused on providing a reliable and stable connection, which was crucial for homes and offices relying on dial-up services.

Another key technology behind the Actiontec 56K ISA Lite is its use of a data compression technique called V.42bis. This technology optimizes the transfer of data, allowing it to reduce file sizes and enhance the efficiency of internet connections. Coupled with error correction capabilities, V.42bis helps in ensuring that data transmitted over the phone lines remains accurate and intact, further improving the user's experience.

In terms of characteristics, the ISA Lite modem was relatively easy to install and integrate into existing computer systems of the time. It supported a straightforward plug-and-play functionality, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical know-how. The modem also came equipped with diagnostic LEDs that provided real-time feedback on its operation, such as connection status and data transmission activity.

The Actiontec electronic 56K ISA Lite was built with a compact design, fitting well into the ISA slots of most PCs. It was compatible with various operating systems, allowing users to connect to the internet regardless of the software they were using.

Though now considered outdated due to the advent of high-speed broadband connections, the Actiontec 56K ISA Lite modem represents a significant milestone in telecommunications history. Its features and technologies helped pave the way for the internet accessibility that we enjoy today, shaping the digital landscape for future generations.
Top Page Image Contents