Internal -vs- External modem

[@drian]

I'm considering a USR V.92 56K modem (no jokes, please!). They have
two versions, a "Performance Pro" internal version and a regular
external version requiring the serial cable. In the past I usually
steer to an external device for minimal setup problems (used to have
problems with internal modems), however, I would like to entertain the
internal version due to less cables (no PSU & serial cables).

Has anyone tried the internal version (Performance Pro) of this modem?
Just wondering how successful or not the setup was.

@drian.

 

[Rich Barry]

It used to be true that Internal Modems eat up CPU cycles. Also, it will
take up a IRQ. Depending upon how many
PCI cards you have that may or may not be a problem. But two things to
think about.
Check out some of these reviews

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=dim_modem&message.id=21581&page=2
-- http://tinyurl.com/lszo

 

[@drian]

Thanks for the link Rich. After reading it all, I don't feel I'm any
better off knowledge-wise, as some people say it works (the internal
version), some say they have problems.

Looks like further research is required.

@drian.

 

[kony]

Thanks for the link Rich. After reading it all, I don't feel I'm any
better off knowledge-wise, as some people say it works (the internal
version), some say they have problems.

Looks like further research is required.

@drian.

In general, the internal version works fine... it's those rare times
it doesn't that people are vocal about it.

Just buy the internal card you want from someplace with a good return
policy... odds are it'll do fine but if not you are at worst out a
shipping (and possibly restocking) fee, not much for a small,
relatively inexpensive part.


Dave

 

[Stacey]

I'm considering a USR V.92 56K modem (no jokes, please!). They have
two versions, a "Performance Pro" internal version and a regular
external version requiring the serial cable. In the past I usually
steer to an external device for minimal setup problems (used to have
problems with internal modems), however, I would like to entertain the
internal version due to less cables (no PSU & serial cables).

Has anyone tried the internal version (Performance Pro) of this modem?
Just wondering how successful or not the setup was.

Yep the internal one works good. I have crappy phone lines and no software
modem would go over 28,800 and many hardware modems wouldn't get over
31,100. The performance pro would get 44,000 while their external wouldn't
go past 31,000. The best performance I ever got was an old ISA V.everything
internal that had a 56K flash update done to it. Now I'm on DSL..

 

[Conor]

I'm considering a USR V.92 56K modem (no jokes, please!). They have
two versions, a "Performance Pro" internal version and a regular
external version requiring the serial cable. In the past I usually
steer to an external device for minimal setup problems (used to have
problems with internal modems), however, I would like to entertain the
internal version due to less cables (no PSU & serial cables).

Has anyone tried the internal version (Performance Pro) of this modem?
Just wondering how successful or not the setup was.

USR kit is fairly safe both external and niternal. Sure it'll use an
IRQ and some CPU cycles but a 2GHz computer isn't going to notice.

At the end of the day I still go for external serial port ones. Why?
Because if the driver disk is fried I can still use it. I can use it in
any OS (such as Linux) without issues. If the modem hangs I can turn it
off without rebooting the PC. If lightning strikes and my Surge
protector isn't as good as the adverts then my modem will sacrifice
itself for the good of the PC.

The choice is yours though.

--
________________________
Conor Turton
(e-mail address removed)
ICQ:31909763
________________________

 

[Al Dykes]

USR kit is fairly safe both external and niternal. Sure it'll use an
IRQ and some CPU cycles but a 2GHz computer isn't going to notice.

At the end of the day I still go for external serial port ones. Why?
Because if the driver disk is fried I can still use it. I can use it in
any OS (such as Linux) without issues. If the modem hangs I can turn it
off without rebooting the PC. If lightning strikes and my Surge
protector isn't as good as the adverts then my modem will sacrifice
itself for the good of the PC.

The choice is yours though.

--

It looks like you'e picked this modem. I like it.

http://www.usr.com/products/home/home-product.asp?sku=USR5610B

It claims to be a hardware ("controller") modem. The spec sheet
says they support windows and "other" operating systems.

Ditto on the advantages of a hardware modem, but this model should be
the same as an external hardware modem. If you set it up an a IRQ for
COM1-COM4 you should be able to boot a DOS diskette with a terminal
emulator on it and read Usenet even if the real OS is fried. I used
to do this all the time. (I've never set up a DOS device on modern
box that does interupt sharing it should emulate classic IRQs until
XP/Linux takes over.)

When you get it, Look for the model # "USR5610B" on the box (taken
from the spec sheet URL, above) Manufacturers make a confusing range
of models and sales people are clueless, if you ask. If that number
isn't clearly written on the PCI card, label it. It will make finding
the right upgrade software much easier, later.

You can get lots of info on comp.dcom.modems.

 

[@drian]

At the end of the day I still go for external serial port ones. Why?

Because if the driver disk is fried I can still use it. I can use it in
any OS (such as Linux) without issues. If the modem hangs I can turn it
off without rebooting the PC. If lightning strikes and my Surge
protector isn't as good as the adverts then my modem will sacrifice
itself for the good of the PC.

Good points. I'm hesitant as in the past I've always had problems
trying to get internal modems to work properly, but that could have
been the motherboard or Windows 98 (yes, unfortunate, eh?). The one
thing I like about the external modem, is being able to monitor the
lights and turn it off & on easily, as I'd sit it right behind the
keyboard.

The external one I'm looking at is:

http://www.usr.com/products/home/home-product.asp?sku=USR5686E

@drian.

 

[@drian]

It looks like you'e picked this modem. I like it.

http://www.usr.com/products/home/home-product.asp?sku=USR5610B

It claims to be a hardware ("controller") modem. The spec sheet
says they support windows and "other" operating systems.

Yes, and the external one I'm looking at is this one:

http://www.usr.com/products/home/home-product.asp?sku=USR5686E

Ditto on the advantages of a hardware modem, but this model should be
the same as an external hardware modem. If you set it up an a IRQ for
COM1-COM4 you should be able to boot a DOS diskette with a terminal
emulator on it and read Usenet even if the real OS is fried. I used
to do this all the time. (I've never set up a DOS device on modern
box that does interupt sharing it should emulate classic IRQs until
XP/Linux takes over.)

So you could boot to DOS and do that with a PCI modem? Interesting.

When you get it, Look for the model # "USR5610B" on the box (taken
from the spec sheet URL, above) Manufacturers make a confusing range
of models and sales people are clueless, if you ask. If that number
isn't clearly written on the PCI card, label it. It will make finding
the right upgrade software much easier, later.

Yes, so far, I'm not decided on one or the other. I do like the
ability to switch off & on the external modem if the line is hung or
something. I've had problems with internal modems in the past and
usually avoid them, but the lack of cables is attractive (of course,
if it doesn't work, lack of cables means nothing!).

@drian.

 

[Al Dykes]

Yes, and the external one I'm looking at is this one:

http://www.usr.com/products/home/home-product.asp?sku=USR5686E


So you could boot to DOS and do that with a PCI modem? Interesting.

I said _probably_. about running PCI modems in DOS.

Yes, so far, I'm not decided on one or the other. I do like the
ability to switch off & on the external modem if the line is hung or
something. I've had problems with internal modems in the past and
usually avoid them, but the lack of cables is attractive (of course,
if it doesn't work, lack of cables means nothing!).

@drian.

Current software modem drivers are much much better than they used to
be. I've recently supported hundreds of users with laptops. They
were very heavy dialup users and I have to say that the internal
software modems on those machines were never a problem.

USR is a first rate company, with once qualification; Get a retail
modem, not OEM. It's been a few years since I worked with these but
ISTR that USR wouldn't provide end-user support and upgrades for OEM
models.

 

[William]

Hey there.

I have used both internal and external modems. I need to move a modem
around between computers often so I went with the external modems. The
internal modems I did use were great. I have not used newer internal
modems on the market today, but I figure if you figure in the future that
you will move your modem around alot, just go external. Also, with the
external modem, if you don't have proper phone line protection, it'll
destroy your modem and computer during storms. I'm not sure of the
chances of a surge destroying your computer over the serial connection
with an external modem, but it'd be minimal. Have fun in your quest.

 

[Peter Ives]

USR kit is fairly safe both external and niternal. Sure it'll use an
IRQ and some CPU cycles but a 2GHz computer isn't going to notice.

At the end of the day I still go for external serial port ones. Why?
Because if the driver disk is fried I can still use it. I can use it in
any OS (such as Linux) without issues. If the modem hangs I can turn it
off without rebooting the PC. If lightning strikes and my Surge
protector isn't as good as the adverts then my modem will sacrifice
itself for the good of the PC.

This has happened to me. A lightning strike killed my modem, but the
computer was fine.

One other thing. I don't know if I'm being overly paranoid, but I also
like the idea that no hidden software is going to be able to get my
external modem, which is switched off when not in use, to dial out an
any time.

 

[@drian]

I said _probably_. about running PCI modems in DOS.

....and I said "could".

Current software modem drivers are much much better than they used to
be. I've recently supported hundreds of users with laptops. They
were very heavy dialup users and I have to say that the internal
software modems on those machines were never a problem.

Surely the internal modem I looked at and the one you linked, is a hardware
modem? It does say it's controller-based.

USR is a first rate company, with once qualification; Get a retail
modem, not OEM. It's been a few years since I worked with these but
ISTR that USR wouldn't provide end-user support and upgrades for OEM
models.

Absolutely, agree 100%. I always buy retail in that sense. I only buy OEM
when it comes to software.

Thanks.

@drian.

 

[@drian]

This has happened to me. A lightning strike killed my modem, but the
computer was fine.

One other thing. I don't know if I'm being overly paranoid, but I also
like the idea that no hidden software is going to be able to get my
external modem, which is switched off when not in use, to dial out an
any time.

Actually, I have had a modem that was dead for what appeared to be no
reason. A lightening strike was to blame but the thing wasn't black or
melted or anything. All good points. It looks like the external version
has some merit.

@drian.

 

[@drian]

What's the performance like with internal -vs- external modems? Is it a
myth that internal modems are slightly faster than external ones?

@drian.

 

[@drian]

Yes, I'm not basing my decision on a lightening strike alone! I do have the
phone line going into a Belkin surge protector anyway. The main item for me
is will I experience difficulties with an internal modem? But as I said
somewhere else, I do like to see the status lights and being able to switch
off and on the modem by hand...

Thanks.

@drian.

 

[V W Wall]

Yes, I'm not basing my decision on a lightening strike alone! I do have the
phone line going into a Belkin surge protector anyway. The main item for me
is will I experience difficulties with an internal modem? But as I said
somewhere else, I do like to see the status lights and being able to switch
off and on the modem by hand...

3Com(USRobotics) did make a program called "Modem Monitor", that put the
status lights as well as send and receive speed indication right on your
monitor. I have it, and use their Model 5610 internal PCI modem. It works
fine and consistantly gives me ~ 46K connections on a standard phone line.

It also has a "hang up" button on the Modem Monitor.

Virg Wall

 

[William]

Hehe, modems are only as fast as their baud rate on the serial lines. Not
to mention the quality of your phone link to the exchange box. I had a
winmodem back in the day and I didn't do many stats with the thing. All I
wanted was a modem that didn't require windows. So I got a US RObotics
V.Everything external modem. Works about the same if you ask me, the only
difference is I can move it to my router in the other room and connect to
my dialup ISP for a backup route to the internet that doesn't run windows.

 

[w_tom]

Those are simply wrong reason to compare internal verse
external. Modems are damaged because they are in a path from
cloud to ground. They must have two paths - one incoming and
the other outgoing. Outgoing is easy since phone lines
already have 'whole house' protectors installed free by telco
and connected to earth ground. Incoming path is typically the
AC electric - wire highest on pole, most often struck, and
that can enter house without any earthed protection.

Makes no difference between internal or external. If surge
protection is important, then the homeowner must install a
'whole house' protector on AC electric with the all so
necessary connection to earth ground. What does lightning
seek? Earth ground.

This is summarizes in another newsgroup discussion:
"Opinions on Surge Protectors?" on 7 Jul 2003 in the
newsgroup alt.certification.a-plus or
http://tinyurl.com/l3m9

Lets say the incoming path to modem is via computer
motherboard. Why then were all other motherboard ICs also not
damaged? They connected to the incoming path - AC electric
(yes all computer ICs have a direct connection to an AC
wire). But those IC did not have an outgoing path. Without
both paths, damage could not occur. But modems and portable
phone base stations have both paths - and are easily damaged.
Protection is always about earthing the surge before it can
enter a building - and not with internal verses external
modems.

 

[@drian]

Oh I see. I thought that without the serial cable, the internal modem would
be slightly faster. That's probably a myth as well though. I did have an
external modem a while back and it was plenty fast enough. The portability
angle isn't something I need to worry about, although I may try Linux again
soon...

Thanks!

@drian.