128k modems

[avx]

I only really know about 56k and dsl, but my friend has this impression that you can get a 128k modem and install in on your computer, and use it just as you would any other 56k modem, and all you have to pay for is your ISP. Thats got to be wrong, dont you have to pay for a specific internet connection for a 128k modem, I think they are called ISDN hook ups or something like that right?

Thanks for the advice

avx

[reboot]

He's thinking of ISDN or DSL, either way, there's no such thing as a 128k modem. Modem stands for modulator/demodulator, translating a digital computer signal to analog, sending it out over phone lines, and doing the reverse for data coming in.
ISDN, Cable, and DSL are digital, so calling the interface box a "modem", is a misnomer.

[avx]

I figured he was wong, its just that he knows so little about computers, and when he tries to explain things to me...he just confuses me...I hate it, but anyway, what hes trying to do is get something higer than his 56k without paying for it, cause he has AOL, but he wants "fast aol" and no matter how hard I try he wont listen to me when I tell him 56k is as high as you can go without paying extra, but of course, as any computer illiterate person will do, he will argue and not believe me....

[ktkendall]

I do remember a thing called multilink with dialup modem properties wherein If you had 2 phone lines, 2 modems, and your ISP was set up properly to do so, then you could combine the 2 modems into 1 connection giving 128K access. I learned about it studying for A+, but never seen anyone use it. Most likely is ISDN line which people can and do have in their homes, it is a digital phone line with 128K access.

[glc]

AOL does not support multilink or ISDN. The only way he is gonna go faster with AOL is get their (extra cost) broadband or 1 way satellite service - or get another ISP that does support it or some other broadband and connect to AOL through the Internet.

Bottom line - one phone line, one analog modem, 56k is all you get, if that (you won't).

[reboot]

ktkendall, I've used multilinking. It's not quite as you describe. The theoretical speed is only 112k, and it's more likely less than 100k. Even with two exceptional modems, and superb ISP, with new, flawless phone lines, the fastest I ever got was 102,666 (51,333 each). More likely you may get around 80k.

[glc]

The owner of our business who lives in Arkansas used multilink before DSL was available. His lines were very clean and he had 2 Rockwell-based hardmodems - one external Zoom and one internal Best Data - and the best he ever got was 102667k, one modem at 50667 and the other at 52000. Even so, due to the asymmetrical nature of "56k" technology, his uploads were at 57.6 (28800x2).

[Streams]

What is the typical download speed of a multilink setup?

[glc]

Twice the speed of a single connection.