faster connect speed

[alchemy]

Had computer built w/56k modam. Have yet to connect faster than 36k, nomater where the computer is at. Was using same phone line as roomate and only seperated by one wall, still could not connect as fast as he.
Just replaced modam, no luck, same connect rate.
Any help would be great.

 

[Weird Harold]

There are lot's of factors that determine what speed your modem negotiates.

Quality of your modem -- Not all 56K modems are equal, not even those of the same brand and model. It could be that you got two modems in a row that were just slightly "tone deaf."

Telephone line noise/quality -- Even though you're "on the same phone line seaparted by one wall" the quality of the telphone line could be (and probably is) a bit different between your neighbors room and yours. Even if you are using the same telephone number, the wires from your room and his room are probably different out to the connection box outside the house.

The other modem -- The quality and speed of your connection depends on TWO modems. If the modem you're connecting to is different than the one your neighbor connects to then that probably explains the different speeds.

Other devices on the phone line -- If you don't have a dedicated line for the modem, you probably have a phone and/or answering machine on the same line. Try disconnecting everything else from the line when you are using the modem.

The only factors you really have any control over is the quality of your modem and other devices on the line.

You just might be able to get the phone company to do something about the phone line, but I very much doubt it. If you're paying for a "voice quality" line, the phone company is not going to do anything unless there is a clearly audible echo or static. Even then, they probably won't do anything if the problem is inside the house without charging extra.