V.92 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the V.92 ITU standard (with Modem on Hold and Quick Connect)?
What is V.92? V.92 is the new dial-up modem specification from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Three new features, Quick Connect, Modem-on-Hold, and PCM Upstream, are included in the V.92 protocol. They add convenience and performance for the modem user.
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Why do I need or want V.92?
Because most people around the world only have access to analog telephone lines, dial-up modems will remain the primary means to get on the Internet for several years. The V.92 protocol was created to improve user experience on this technology.
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What does QuickConnect do?
QuickConnect shortens the time it takes to make a connection by remembering, or "training," the telephone line characteristics and storing them for later usage. Typically, the modem handshake takes from 25 to 27 seconds. QuickConnect can cut the modem handshake time in half for most calls.
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Does QuickConnect work for me while I am traveling with my portable computer?
Yes. Because QuickConnect "trains" the modem on the first call, all of the following calls are QuickConnects with faster handshake times. People usually make more than one connection from the same telephone line, for example in a hotel, when they are traveling.
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What does PCM Upstream do?
PCM Upstream boosts the upstream data rates between the user and Internet service provider (ISP) to reduce upload times for large files and e-mail attachments. A maximum of 48 kilobits per second (Kbps) upstream rate is supported. PCM Upstream works well with new equipment like Internet-connected digital cameras, which primarily upload information.
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Are QuickConnect, Modem-on-Hold, and PCM Upstream supported in V.34 mode?
Yes.
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When will my ISP support V.92?
RC Technologies is supporting V.92 TODAY....one of the first ISP's in the State of South Dakota to be supporting V.92. Due to limitations of some technologies we are not able to offer the V.92 updates at the xxx-5500 dial-up numbers.
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What does Modem-on-Hold do?
Many households use one telephone line for both voice and data, or Internet, calls, so when the user is browsing the Internet, an incoming call cannot get through. Modem-on-Hold allows you to receive an incoming call and to stay connected to the Internet. Call Waiting service from your phone company is required. It also works in reverse. You can initiate a voice call while connected and keep the modem connection.
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Why do I not get the Modem-on-Hold pop-up box?
The correct driver must be loaded in conjunction with having Call Waiting. The Device Manager should show the v.92 driver loaded. Also, when dialing out, you cannot disable Call Waiting. For example, *70 should not be enabled.
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What does the pop-up box look like?
That Call Waiting/CallerID pop-up box may not be the same. Each V.92 modem vendor provides different software. i.e Zoom distributes Net Waiting and Buzz Me software where US Robotics packages a software product called ICN or Internet Call Notification. Other modem venders may package other call answering software.
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Why can my ISP not be put on hold?
In order to use Modem-on-Hold, the customer must be connected to a V.92 enabled server modem and have Call Waiting. If a customer wants to know who is calling, the customer must also have Call Waiting CallerID. Both Call Waiting and Call Waiting CallerID are premium services that you must order from your local telephone company.
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How much time do I have if I decide to take an incoming call?
The hold time is defined by your ISP. The V.92 specification allows for hold times to be anywhere from 10 seconds to infinite. RC Technologies currently has the "hold" set for 60 seconds.
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Do I have to redial to get back to the Internet if my ISP supports Modem On Hold?
No. When you hang up the telephone, you can resume browsing. Follow the software's pop-up instructions for proper answer/hang-up procedures.
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Can I stay on the Internet and make a telephone call?
Yes. Initiating calls uses Modem-on-Hold.
- A Modem-on-Hold program is executed.
- The program puts the modem on hold, flashes the hook, and a dial tone appears on the extension handset so you can make a call.
- When your call is complete, the modem detects an extension on hook, flashes the hook twice, and returns to the data, or Internet, connection.
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How long do I have before the Internet connection is dropped?
RCT allows the 60 seconds......Again, the hold time is determined by your ISP. For example, the Modem-on-Hold program can display the time allotted and also display a countdown so you know how much time you have left for the telephone call.
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What telephone services do I need to use Modem-on-Hold?
You must have Call Waiting in order to take advantage of Modem-on-Hold. Additionally, Call Waiting must be enabled. Some ISPs, like AOL, automatically turn off Call Waiting in their dial-up scripts. CallerID is not required. However, it can be helpful if the user is able to receive details, such as the telephone number, of the in coming third-party call.
Additional information about CallerID:
There are two types of CallerID: type 1 and type 2, which is preferred for use with Modem-on-Hold.
Type 1 CallerID
- Allows a telephone subscriber to receive information on the incoming call before the user or modem takes the call by going off hook.
- Sometimes called on-hook CallerID, it does not require Call Waiting, but it does require hardware support on the modem if you want to use this feature through the modem. Without specific hardware support, there is no data path from the telephone line to the modem device when the modem is in the on-hook condition.
Type 2 CallerID - preferred for use with Modem-on-Hold
- Also referred to as CallerID on Call Waiting.
- Does not require hardware support on the modem.
- Type 2 CallerID is not required for Modem-on-Hold to work. However, without type 2 CallerID support from the telephone company, the user is not able to receive details, such as the telephone number, of the incoming third-party call.
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Vendor links for V.92 drivers
Listed below are the just a few vendor sites for V.92 information and driver updates:
- US Robotics V.92 information
- Dell Support Site
- Gateway
- Compaq and HP
- Zoom
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