56K Vs 33.6K

[usman]

Hi:
I am using Zoltrix Cobra 56K V90 PCI modem and quiet happy with its performance. My friend told me that if I use 33.6K ISA USR modem I will get much reliable and faster pefrormance from it because according to him Cobra is a Software Modem and USR 33.6K ISA modem is a Hardware modem.
Please guide me regarding it and tell me is it good to buy that old ISA modem 33.6K from old junk shop also tell me is it possible to upgrade V90 modem into V92 modem by installing a new Driver.

Best Regards
Usman

[James]

stick with 56k. advice: broadband.

[Huz]

A hardware modem (like the 33.6k one you mention) will probably give you lower latency (lower ping times) if you use it to play CPU-intensive 3D games online. The problem with software-driven modems is that they have to share processing time with every other program on the computer, and if you're trying to run a game at the same time, the modem can get slow and unreliable. However, that's the only advantage a hardware-based modem has over a software 'WinModem' - for normal browsing and downloading, the 56k should be faster, even if it is software-based.

Also, you may be able to upgrade the modem to V92 by installing a new driver, but the only advantage is a slightly faster upload speed (which you probably won't use anyway) and something that allows you to put the Internet 'on hold' while you use the phone. A lot of ISPs don't even support V92 (because of the minimal advantages), so I wouldn't waste my time if I were you! :)

[usman]

you may be able to upgrade the modem to V92 by installing a new driver, but the only advantage is a slightly faster upload speed (which you probably won't use anyway) and something that allows you to put the Internet 'on hold' while you use the phone. A lot of ISPs don't even support V92 (because of the minimal advantages), so I wouldn't waste my time if I were you! :)

Any related link for downloding driver for Zoltrix Cobra 56K.

[Intrepid Homoludens]

You can't get broadband where you are?