23
Chapter 3 - Configuration
3.3 Configuring Your SoftwareCommunications software must be configured to work with your modem,
your computer, and the remote system it is calling. Fortunately, most
communications programs make the process easy by providing a default
initialization string for your modem as well as defaults for most of the other
required parameters.
3.3.1 Configuring Software for Your ModemBecause remote computers may have different connection requirements
such as speed, number of bits, parity, log-on sequences, etc.,
communications software is typically configured by sessions, each session
having a unique configuration for a given connection (e.g., to a BBS or
commercial online service). Most communications programs, however,
have a separate modem configuration menu because modem
configurations rarely change from session to session.
The most important configuration is the modem initialization string. This is
a sequence of commands the software uses to configure the modem when
the communications software is loaded or when a session begins. Always
begin the initialization string with the ATtention command AT, then follow it
with the modem reset command, &F. Issuing a reset command before
other commands ensures that you are starting with a known state.
The rest of the commands in the initialization string depend on the
capabilities of the modem and what you want it to do. Some older
communications programs require you to create the initialization string by
yourself. Most modern communications programs, however, provide you
with a ready-made initialization string that is automatically selected when
you choose your modem model from a list. It is a poor idea to use an
initialization string intended for another modem, especially one from
another manufacturer, because modem capabilities and command
implementations vary from modem to modem. However, if your MT2834BR
does not appear on a modem list, you may use the MultiModemII
initialization string.