V92 Services

PCstar Communications
P O Box 26141
Salt Lake City, Ut 84126

Voice 801-613-5040

It's here at last! The long talked about V.92/V.44 service.

PCstar Networks now has V.92 on at over 1000 locations in the U.S.

Click here for a list of V92 Access Numbers: Network 4, Network 9

What does V.92 mean?
There are three major advantages to V.92. A faster compression routine has been developed, entitled V.44. It replaces the older V.42 compression procedures that have been used by V.90 56k modems. What it means to you is somewhere between a 30% and a 50% increase in the speed at which data is downloaded to your computer.

And V.44 compression will work even if you are in a rural area and only able to get a 28.8 connection with your current 56k modem.

Secondly, V.92 supports modem on hold. If you have call waiting on your phone, and modem on hold software provided by your modem manufacturer, you will be notified when an incoming call is received while you are online. You can then elect to pause your internet connection long enough to take the voice call. When the voice call is completed, you can return to your internet session. No more need for two phone lines.

Thirdly, V.92 provides quick connect. Unlike the old V.90 connection routine, which could often take as much as a minute to go through all of the handshaking noises, V.92 will connect in 15 to 20 seconds. This means less waiting time to get online.

Yes, you will need a V.92 modem. They are available at your local computer store for about $30. (Or, you may be able to upgrade your existing modem - Check with the manufacturer.)

How can I tell if I already have a V.92 modem?
Go to the Control Panel. Select modems and then Diagnostics. Select your modem and press the button "More Info". (You need to do this when you are NOT CONNECTED.) After a few seconds, a number of lines of information will be returned to the screen. On about the third line, you should see either V.90 or V.92, which indicates which type of modem you have.

V.92 Frequently Asked Questions...

Q: What is the V.92 ITU standard (with Modem on Hold and Quick Connect)?
A: What is V.92? V.92 is the new dial-up modem specification from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Three new features, Quick Connect, Modem-on-Hold, and PCM Upstream, are included in the V.92 protocol. They add convenience and performance for the modem user.

Why do I need or want V.92?
A: Because most people around the world only have access to analog telephone lines, dial-up modems will remain the primary means to get on the Internet for several years. The V.92 protocol was created to improve user experience on this technology.

What does QuickConnect do?
A: QuickConnect shortens the time it takes to make a connection by remembering, or "training," the telephone line characteristics and storing them for later usage. Typically, the modem handshake takes from 25 to 27 seconds. QuickConnect can cut the modem handshake time in half for most calls.

Does QuickConnect work for me while I am traveling with my portable computer?
A: Yes. Because QuickConnect "trains" the modem on the first call, all of the following calls are QuickConnects with faster handshake times. People usually make more than one connection from the same telephone line, for example in a hotel, when they are traveling.

What does PCM Upstream do?
A: PCM Upstream boosts the upstream data rates between the user and Internet service provider (ISP) to reduce upload times for large files and e-mail attachments. A maximum of 48 kilobits per second (Kbps) upstream rate is supported. PCM Upstream works well with new equipment like Internet-connected digital cameras, which primarily upload information.

Are QuickConnect, Modem-on-Hold, and PCM Upstream supported in V.34 mode?
A: Yes.

Why do I not get the Modem-on-Hold pop-up box?
A: The correct driver must be loaded in conjunction with having Call Waiting. The Device Manager should show the v.92 driver loaded. Also, when dialing out, you cannot disable Call Waiting. For example, *70 should not be enabled.

What does the pop-up box look like?
A: That Call Waiting/CallerID pop-up box may not be the same. Each V.92 modem vendor provides different software. i.e Zoom distributes Net Waiting and Buzz Me software where US Robotics packages a software product called ICN or Internet Call Notification. Other modem venders may package other call answering software.

Why can my Internet service not be put on hold?
A: In order to use Modem-on-Hold, the customer must be connected to a V.92 enabled server modem and have Call Waiting. If a customer wants to know who is calling, the customer must also have Call Waiting CallerID. Both Call Waiting and Call Waiting CallerID are premium services that you must order from your local telephone company.

Can I stay on the Internet and make a telephone call?
A: Yes. Initiating calls uses Modem-on-Hold.

A Modem-on-Hold program is executed.
The program puts the modem on hold, flashes the hook, and a dial tone appears on the extension handset so you can make a call.
When your call is complete, the modem detects an extension on hook, flashes the hook twice, and returns to the data, or Internet, connection.
What telephone services do I need to use Modem-on-Hold?
A: You must have Call Waiting in order to take advantage of Modem-on-Hold. Additionally, Call Waiting must be enabled.
Additional information about CallerID:
There are two types of CallerID: type 1 and type 2, which is preferred for use with Modem-on-Hold.
Type 1 CallerID

Allows a telephone subscriber to receive information on the incoming call before the user or modem takes the call by going off hook.
Sometimes called on-hook CallerID, it does not require Call Waiting, but it does require hardware support on the modem if you want to use this feature through the modem. Without specific hardware support, there is no data path from the telephone line to the modem device when the modem is in the on-hook condition.
Type 2 CallerID - preferred for use with Modem-on-Hold

Also referred to as CallerID on Call Waiting.
Does not require hardware support on the modem.
Type 2 CallerID is not required for Modem-on-Hold to work. However, without type 2 CallerID support from the telephone company, the user is not able to receive details, such as the telephone number, of the incoming third-party call.

Vendor links for V.92 drivers
Listed below are the just a few vendor sites for v.92 information and driver updates:

V.92 links
http://www.usr.com/v92/

Computer Vender Websites
Dell http://support.dell.com/us/en/register.asp?redirect=yes ( you will be asked to login or for your email address)
Gateway http://search.support.gateway.com/iphrase/query?query=v.92
Compaq and HP http://wwss1pro.compaq.com/support/home/index.asp
Zoom http://www.zoomtel.com/techsprt/xpfiles.shtml