modem speed indicator

[redbaron_snoopy]

How accurate is the connection speed indicated by the modem/windows for dial-up ? On my telephone line, it ranges from 46kbs to 52kbs for different PCs/Modems combination and I wonder if the indications are correct.
Is there a simple software that measures the connection speed ?

[Confused]

Go to www.pcpitstop.com You can check download speed there.
Chas

[doctorgonzo]

The connect speed is not always the throughput speed. If the line is bad, then even though you may be connected at 52K the resending of bad packets will decrease the throughput. Go to a site like www.pcpitstop.com like Confused said.

[SARGE]

That's the indicated "initial" connect speed. Modems will retrain during the connection to compensate for variables. Some modems will disconnect if initial speed cannot be maintained. I used to force a lower speed to maintain the connection on some modems. And the throughput will vary depending on traffic and line conditions. It's all interwoven. That's why connect speed never was important to me.

[redbaron_snoopy]

thanks everyone for the advice. Much appreciated
I notice that whenever I use a USR ISA modem, it connects at a higher speed than other modems, esp those PCI soft modems.
I feel that USR throughput is also higher than many other modems. Thats why I wanted to use some sort of indicator to see what kind of speeds I'm getting with various types of modem.
Strange this is coming from such an oldie. I haven't had a chance to tried out those newer USR externals. Does anyone know how they fair against other modems, including the oldie USR ISA ?

[SARGE]

Got or had 'em all. USR never gave me trouble and was among my favorites. There was one model a few years ago that wouldn't break 28.8, internal or external-wise, for me anyway. Currently still have the 00568600 and the newer v.92, both externals. Ain't for sell.

[glc]

My USR 5687 ISA jumpered modem is the best modem I have ever owned. There isn't a PCI modem out there that can hold a candle to it for speed and stability.

[AlwaysUp]

I have had great results from a particular ISA internal modem. I have intentionally built my systems with the mobo having at least one ISA slot for this very reason. The Diamond SupraExpress internal SP (speakerphone) ISA modem. Never drops connections, and with a little looking around they are still available out on the net new, even though S3 or SonicBlue or whomever now has the Diamond Multimedia line of products these days has only legacy support available for these discontinued modems they have worked flawlessly for me.

[glc]

We bought 10 of those Supras last time Compgeeks had them for $14, and we keep them around for modem replacement in legacy systems. Yes, they are outstanding, but I like my USR better for lousy phone lines. The Supra needs a fairly clean line to shine.

[AlwaysUp]

You are correct that my phone lines are clean and free of "noise" GLC, so I defer to your experience with lower quality lines and the use of this modem. We now have DSL available in my neighborhood, but it is too much money for as little as I download. A modem is cheap and reliable and although not very fast I wait til I go to work to get on the T1!