ThinkPad 390E Online User's Guide

Using the Modem Features

You can use the following functions with the ThinkPad Modem:

• Data modem functions

  • Asynchronous communications port interface (NS16550A UART compatible) operation

  • ITU-T V.90 up to 56 Kbps data modem

  • ITU-T V.34 up to 33.6 Kbps data modem

  • ITU-T V.32bis protocols with data rates of 4800, 7200, 9600, 12000, and 14000 bps

  • ITU-T V.32 protocols with data rates of 4800, 9600 uncoded, and 9600 bps Trellis coded

  • ITU-T V.21/V.22, V.22bis protocols with data rates from 300 bps to 2400 bps

  • Hayes** AT command set compatibility

  • Asynchronous error recovery protocol

  • Microcom Network Protocol (MNP**) protocols

    • Error correction via MNP classes 1-4

    • Data compression via MNP class 5 and V.42bis

    • MNP class 5 for up to 2x data compression

  • VoiceView (Windows 98 and Windows 95 only)

  • K56flex** protocol with data rates of 56 Kbps (Windows 98, Windows 95 and Windows NT only)

• Facsimile (fax) modem functions

  • Class 1 fax modem

  • G3 transfers

  • ITU-T T.4 & T.30 operations

  • ITU-T V.27ter-2400/4800 bps send/receive

  • ITU-T V.29-7200/9600 bps send/receive

  • ITU-T V.17-14400 bps send/receive

You can use this ThinkPad modem only on a public-switched telephone network (PSTN). You cannot use a private branch exchange (PBX) or some other type of digital telephone extension line. If you connect the modem to a line other than PSTN, an error message appears, preventing you from using the line. If you are not sure which kind of phone line you are using, contact your telephone company.

Attention for Use Overseas

In many countries, you cannot use the ThinkPad modem function before obtaining approval from the proper authorities. Your ThinkPad modem is a worldwide modem and can be used in any country where Postal Telegraph and Telephone (PTT) type approval has been obtained. You can change the country name to the country in which you are actually traveling in by setting it in the Dialing Properties window. If the country you want is not on the country selection listing, see http://www.pc.ibm.com/thinkpad on the Internet. For more information on the use of the internal modem in a specific country, contact the IBM customer support center in that country. You can look up the phone number by referring to the International Service Information booklet that came with your computer.

DANGER!
DANGER

To avoid shock hazard, do not connect the cable to or disconnect the cable from the telephone outlet on the wall during electrical storms.

To use the ThinkPad modem, connect one end of the telephone cable to the modem port; then connect the other end to the telephone outlet on the wall.

For Windows 98, Windows 95 and Windows NT:

When you start Windows, the ThinkPad Modem automatically starts and is ready for use.

For DOS, Windows 3.11 and OS/2:

Before you can use the modem, do the following:

1. Restart the computer.

2. While the IBM ThinkPad logo is being displayed, press F1 to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

3. Use the up/down cursor keys to select Config and press Enter.

4. Select Advanced Setup and press Enter.

5. Select Modem for Legacy OS and press Enter

6. Enable Modem for Legacy OS by using the space or - keys.

7. Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

For OS/2:

To start the ThinkPad modem from OS/2, do the following:

1. Open the Communications for OS/2 folder.

2. Double-click on the Modem icon.

3. Start your communication program.

Using the 56-Kbps Modem

To take advantage of your modem's 56-Kbps technology, you must first make sure that your Internet service provider (ISP) supports a 56-Kbps modem protocol. Your modem supports the V.90 standard 56-Kbps protocol which supports both x2** and K56flex** protocols.

Contact your ISP and determine which 56-Kbps modem protocol they use. Your modem and your ISP must support the same 56-Kbps protocol, or your maximum connection speed will be limited to V.34 technology.

Significantly higher Internet modem connection speeds up to 56 Kbps require all-digital transmission connections from your ISP to the line card in the central office to which your phone line is connected. The actual rate of reception is limited by the quality of your telephone line, which may vary from location to location.

In the U.S., current FCC regulations limit the maximum speed for downstream communication to 53 Kbps. Even though your modem contains 56-Kbps technology, connect rate in the receive direction might be significantly less than 56 Kbps.

Currently, 56-Kbps capability is in the receive direction only (from the ISP to your local modem). The transmit or send direction (from your local modem to the ISP) uses V.34 technology.

Note:

56-Kbps transfer rates are not available in all locations or countries. You must check with your ISP to determine if your area is capable of 56-Kbps transfer rates.