Microsoft KB Archive/174736

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

Cannot Establish 56K Modem Connection Using MSN
Last reviewed: October 6, 1997

Article ID: Q174736

The information in this article applies to:


 * The Microsoft Network, versions 1.3, 2.0, 2.5

SYMPTOMS
When you connect to MSN, The Microsoft Network, your modem may not establish a 56K connection.

CAUSE
This behavior can occur for any of the following reasons:

53K Connections

 * FCC regulations limit the amount of power an Internet service provider (ISP) can insert into phone lines. This limitation restricts connections to a theoretical maximum of 53K.

42-48K Connections

 * There is excessive noise on the telephone line.
 * The location of your modem is 1-2 miles or more from a telephone company switching station.

28.8-33.6K Connections

 * There is more than one analog-to-digital conversion in the phone line.
 * The telephone company switching station does not support the proper switching method.
 * Your ISP does not support 56K technology.
 * Your ISP supports a standard different than the K56flex technology.
 * Your ISP has no digital phone lines.

MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this behavior, connect to the U.S. Robotics Line Test Facility. To do so, use the following steps:


 * 1) Click Start, point to Programs, click Accessories, and then click HyperTerminal.
 * 2) Double-click the Hypertrm.exe file.
 * 3) In the Name box, type "Line Test" (without quotation marks), and then click OK.
 * 4) In the Area Code box, type "888" (without quotation marks).
 * 5) In the Phone Number box, type "877-9248" (without quotation marks), and then click OK.
 * 6) Click Dial.
 * 7) When you are prompted "Do you want graphics (ENTER)=Yes," press ENTER.
 * 8) When you are prompted "What is your first name," type "line" (without quotation marks), and then press ENTER.
 * 9) When you are prompted "What is your last name," type "test" (without quotation marks), and then press ENTER.
 * 10) Follow the prompts on the screen to perform the telephone line tests, and then quit HyperTerminal.

For information about interpreting or using the line test tool, please contact U.S. Robotics or 3Com Corporation.

NOTE: Initial MSN field tests of 56K connections are based on Rockwell/Lucent K56flex technology, not the U.S. Robotics x2 technology.