From: "lois laulicht" <lois.laulicht@channel1.com>
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems
Subject: zyxel a product revw
Date: 7 Apr 92 08:31:43 EST
Reply-To: "lois laulicht" <lois.laulicht@channel1.com>
Distribution: comp
Organization: Channel 1 Communications

(Continued from the previous message)


Before You Lay Down Your Hard Earned Cash!


The world of telecommunications is one of the more unfriendly aspects
of using a computer.  It is also one of the most satisfying areas of
interest with very high rewards once one is easy about getting and
disseminating information. Therefore, it is up to you to ask the proper
questions before you purchase ANY modem.

What do phrases like 32/32bis really mean?  If the sales people can't
answer your questions in a way which you understand, you don't
want to do business with them. You have to keep asking questions until
you're satisfied that you understand the product you are buying.

Will the modem you are interested in speak (handshake; receive and
send files) to any other modem out there?  Which ones give it fits and
why?  Is it a problem with the modem you are interested in or a
problem in the modem at the other end?  Your local Sysop can often
help with an experienced opinion. We do live, however, in a world of
rebates, kickbacks and other favors given and received, all perfectly
legal. And finally, no-one knows everything of importance about all
modems. Many of the nets have conferences where they discuss hardware
in general terms and telecommunications in particular. We regularly
check the ILink Telecomm conference for seasoned responses to queries
about modems in general and specific questions about modems of interest
to us. An excellental modem reference is Hank Volpe's Modem Primer
found on most BBBes as Mprimer.zip. If your local BBS is not affiliated
with one of the national nets, you might consider joining one which
provides this kind of service. It is really worth the extra bucks to be
affiliated with such a BBS. Channel1 in Boston almost always gets our
unsolicited vote as a very well managed BBS. They connect you with RIME,
ILINK, and SMARTNET as part of their normal $85 per annum membership
fee. They also, for an extra fee provide access to the world thru
Internet

Is the modem set up and ready to work as it is delivered or will you be
required to fiddle around with it.  You may wish to fiddle with it
later in your telecommunicating experience but will it run as set up
NOW? How extensive is the fiddling and do you know enough to be a
successful fiddler.
Finally make sure that you understand how the modem is configured.
Have the salesperson write down the Comm port and any other
information you might require. Your modem package should include
cables, telephone wires and a manual if it is an external modem.  If
an internal modem, it should have the newest and fastest UART chip..
..the 16550... and a manual. If the modem is an external model the
16550 should be located in the IO card or mother board consistent with
your comm port configuration. You may have to upgrade your IO board
with this chip as it buffers the data and makes for the more orderly
queue of FIFO...first in; first out.  This is essential for high speed
communications.

Software is not a mandatory item although many modem manufactureers
include both Communications and Fax Software as part of their package.
Most of us have strong preferences in this area by the time we buy a
high-speed modem so that the inclusion of software is not terribly
impressive.
A final warning! Remember hands on daily use is the very best teacher
around.  Be patient with yourself and the sysop of your BBS. Many of
the high speed modems in daily use have given their owners fits.  A
sampling of problems include over heated chips shorting out the modem
and corrupting the communications software, proprietory chip sets
which speak only to each other and chip sets which are flawed
requiring us to ask the obvious question of cutting corners to tight
in the name of a competetive edge.

As we all develop experience and moxie in this high speed world of
modeming the problems will ease.  I would expect that a well made
modem like the ZYXEL 1496 will be going strong for a very long time
to come....at least until the next big technological breakthrough !
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  DeLuxe 1.1 #10184  Now using Qmail DeLuxe...and loving it!
--
Channel 1 (R)   Cambridge, MA

Newsgroups: comp.dcom.modems