The use of v90 protocol allows a modem to achieve speeds greater than 33.6K. If your modem is not performing at speeds higher than 33.6K, there are a number of possible reasons.

The first thing to check is that your modem supports the v90 protocol, which is needed to connect at speeds higher than 33.6k with Alphalink. If it does not, you can usually upgrade it to v90 with a firmware upgrade. These are usually available from your modem manufacturer, and should be a free download from their web site. If you are not sure, check with your modem manufacturer (through their web site or support line). Even if your modem does support v90, it might be a good idea to see if a firmware upgrade is available, as they often have a newer version of the v90 protocol which can also help with this kind of problem.

If your modem does support v90, then possibly it is not correctly detecting that it needs to use v90 as the first choice of protocol. Most modems can be instructed to use v90 as the first choice with an initialisation string. To do this, go to the Start menu and choose Settings, then click on Control Panel. Double-click on Modems. Click the modem that you use, then click Properties. Click the Connections tab then the Advanced button. At the bottom you will see "Extra Settings". Here type "at&f+ms=12,0" (without the quotes).

If this does not help, you might also like to try the following strings. (Note that some of these strings may cause your modem to stop responding - if this is the case then it is not the correct string for your modem and you need to restart your modem then try another one. If none of them work, check your modem manual or contact your modem manufacturer for a string to force v90, or disable k56flex.)
at&f+ms=v90
ats38=0
atn0s37=14
at&f+ms=90
ats109=2
at&f+ms=17,1

If you are still not getting v90 connections, then the problem possibly lies with your phone line or telephone exchange. Contact your phone company and tell them you are having problems with your modem connections (try to avoid mentioning that it is a connect speed problem, as they can be reluctant to help with this). Have them check the line - this will usually come back clear. If not, that's most likely your problem, and they should be able to fix it for you. If it is, ask for a MOLDS test (some line providers call it a FROG test). This is a test where you dial into a line provided by them so that they can run diagnostics while you are connected. It often helps to pick up any line or exchange settings or problems that can cause trouble with modem connections. When you get the results, check to see if it is connected at v90 (ie. above 33.6k). If the connection protocol is listed as v34, or the TX rate (or connection speed) is 33,600 or lower, then it is possibly a problem with your line or exchange.

Some line providers use a technique called pair-gaining which splits a line in half to provide a second line. This is fine for voice calls, however it usually restricts the maximum modem connection speed achievable on the line. If you live in a flat or unit, you or your neighbours have recently had a new line installed, or new houses are being built in your area, this is likely, especially in the inner suburbs. Another possibility is that your telephone exchange may be experiencing periodic congestion or your line has been provisioned on older technology at the exchange.

If your modem can connect at v90 to another provider but you are still having speed problems with us, the issue may be related to the way in which your exchange connects to the rest of the telephone network. If there are two or more digital/analog conversions between your exchange and the one you are connecting to, v90 will not work, and the fastest possible protocol is v34. This has been a problem for quite a few members who are connected to a digital exchange. On its way through the phone system, the call is routed through an analog exchange, which causes 2 conversions and restricts the speed. This problem is slowly disappearing as exchanges are upgraded, however it still happens in some areas.

The best way to determine whether your speed issue is with your modem or your telephone line/exchange, is to take your whole system (computer and modem) to a completely different location such as a friend’s place or your work place, and try it out there. If possible, choose an area that is on a different telephone exchange to your own. If you achieve v90 speeds, then your problem is most likely your telephone line or exchange. You should contact your telephone line provider for assistance.

If you do not achieve v90 speeds, then it is more likely an issue with your modem. Where it appears that the problem may be your modem, don’t rush out and buy a new one until you have confirmed that this is the case. Where possible, borrow a v90 compatible modem from a friend to try with your system. If you get v90 speeds with that, you should check the firmware or configuration of your modem. You should contact your modem manufacturer for assistance with this or visit their website for information about any firmware updates.