Modem Information

Contents:


1. Introduction
2. RRZ Account
3. Access via Modem
4. Modems
5. Transmission Protocol
6. AT Commands
7. Modem Setup
8. Modem Configuration
9. Tips and Recommendations
10. Problems Connecting
11. Problems During Connection
12. Software and Services
13. ISDN Dialup


1. Introduction:

Connection to the Internet from home is possible either via the telephone system with an analogue Modem, or via a digital ISDN card. Software compatible with the particular computer operating system is also required.
Software for computers running under Windows and Macintosh may be downloaded from the RRZ's FTP Server:
ftp://ftp.uni-hamburg.de/pub/modem/Windows
The software is a standard feature of the Linux and Windows95 operating systems, and only needs to be configured.

2. RRZ Account:

There are two forms of User Account:
1. University staff, and students with particular academic projects may apply for a Project Account. The Application Form is acquired from the User Consulting Office in Room 129. The applicant must apply for the use of Aix and Modem access. The Application Form must be signed by the authorized staff member in the respective faculty. This account facilitates the use of RRZ programmes (e.g. Word) and services (e.g. printers) in the university network, and e-mail, WWW, News, FTP and Telnet via modem.
All university students may apply for a Standard (Restricted) Account. The Application Form is electronically produced via a Terminal in Room 19. A copy of the Student Card, with metriculation number and faculty, is obligatory. A photocopier is freely available. The account facilitates the use of RRZ computer pool programmes and services, and e-mail, WWW, News, FTP and Telnet via modem.

The RRZ provides various courses for beginners: e.g. introduction to the various computer operating systems, and the use of the Internet.

3. Access via Modem

The Unix Project Account has 2 dialup numbers: 41538, 41532, and ultimately 6391/6.
This allows for a total of 60 ISDN lines and 76 modems.
When one or the other ASCEND Router continuously registers "BUSY" there may be a problem with Telekom and/or the Router. In this case it is possible to login on one of the 6 slower original modems: 6391/6.
The Standard Account has one dialup number: 41532.
This allows for a total of 90 ISDN lines and 66 modems.

The Communication Protocol is Point-to-Point (PPP).

4. Modems mo(dulator) dem(odulator):

A modem is a device for connecting two computers by a telephone line, consisting of a modulator that converts computer signals ("ones" and "naughts") into audio signals, and a corresponding demodulator.
A free serial interface (com1 or com2) of the computer is connected to the modem with the appropriate connector cable N.B. Macintosh and PCs require different cable types. It is also necessary to take account of the plug/socket.

A TAE-6NFN telephone socket is required to connect to the telephone network. Telekom AG installs a TAE-6NF/N three-way socket as standard when installing new lines. The socket connects a telephone and two attachments (e.g. answerphone, modem, or Fax). When only a one-way TAE-6F is installed an adaptor may be used to convert it into a three-way socket.

There are different types of modem:
· table machines with their own power supply.
· socket cards to build into the PC.
· PCMCIA cards to build into Laptops.
· socket cards to build into modem racks.

We recommend the use of external modems i.e. table machines. The advantages of such machines is that they give better means of adjustment through loudspeaker and LED (light-emitting diode) readings. Hearing whether the machine is dialling or transmitting data simplifies the situation when problems arise. They place less strain on the PC network adaptor, have better conduction, and suffer less from interrupts.
Modems are available from all computer shops or from Telekom.

Modern modems allow a transmission rate of up to 28800 bps (bits per second) with an interface rate of up to 115200 bps, and cost between DM 100,- and DM 1,500,-. The charges for data transmission via the telephone network are the same as for telephone calls.

5. Transmission Protocol

A basic condition for data transfer is that the two modems, when communicating with one another, have the same transmission speed, and the same modem procedure.
It is therefore possible to give generally valid recommendations and standards for interfaces and transfer parameters.
Modem Protocol
V.21 300 bps duplex manual dialup
V.22 1200 bps duplex
V.22bis 2400 bps duplex compatible with V.22
V.23 600/1200 bps half-duplex with help canal, Btx 1200/75 bps duplex
V.24 Serial interface with 25- or 9-poligem port
V.25  
V.25bis automatic dialing and/or answering device using V.24 for serial automatic dialup.
V.32 9600 bps duplex dialup 4800 or 2400 bps
V.32bis 14400 bps duplex
PEP 19200 bps duplex Telebit multi-carrier protocol
V.34 28800 bps duplex dialup 28800 bps and less
V.fast 28000 bps duplex forerunner of V.34 (Industry standard only)
V.FC  

Some standards specify the form of error management, data transfer, and data security through protocol.

Modem Protocol
MNP4 Error correction technique
MNP5 Data compression
   
V.42 Error correction technique (LAPM) (includes MNP4)
V.42bis Data compression (includes MNP5)
V.100 V.100 Adaptive transfer adjustment
   
V.110 Connection of V.24 terminals via ISDN

Including baud rate adjustment:

Modem Protocol
PEP Data protection and compression
V.terbo AT&T transmission method (19200 bps)
HDLC Data Security Protocol (level 2)
PPP Point to Point Protocol (see 3.1)
X.75 Level 2/3 Protocol, similar to HDLC, for data protection (ISDN)
T.70 Level-4-Protokoll (above X.75), used with VTX T.70NL and file transfer (ISDN and EuroISDN).

6. AT Commands:

AT Command Language has become the de facto standard control language for telephone network modem dialling.
Not all modems have the same range of command language. Many models offer an additional "extended command set".

The most important commands are:

Command Meaning
AT Attention
   
A/ Repeat the last command line.
   
Dn Instructs the modem to go on-line in originate mode. If followed by a telephone number your modem dials the number and waits for an answer tone from the remote modem.
',': Pause delimiter. S8 (S register) dial pause time: (range 1-10, default 2).
'W': Wait for dial tone.
's=n':Dial a stored phone number. When S proceeds the D command (i.e. ATDS=1)
'@': Wait for silence.
'P': Dial modifier for Pulse or Rotary phone types.
'T': Dial modifier for Touch Tone phone systems.
'!': Dial modifier for hook flash.
'R': Reverse mode. To dial an originate only modem.
   
E0 Echo off.
E1 Echo enabled. The modem echoes back commands sent from the DTE.
   
H Puts the modem on hook and consequently terminates the call.
H1 Takes the modem off hook in command mode.
I Identity (Range 0-6).
Q Quiet modus
S Status register
X0 (blind dialling) The modem attempts to dial regardless of the presence or absence of a dial tone after the period specified by register S6. After dialling, the modem:
(1) returns a CONNECT message having established a connection; or
(2) returns the NO CARRIER message if the connection could not be made.
X1 Same facility as X0, but additionally, the CONNECT message is enhanced with the connection speed.
X2 Behaves as for X1 but only dials when a tone is detected. If dial tone is not detected within five seconds the NO DIALTONE message is returned. Engaged signals are not recognised.
X3 Behaves as for X1 but detects engaged or number unobtainable signals and returns the BUSY message.
X4 Enables all messages and provides both dial tone and engaged signal detection.
   
Z Reset modem to User profile.

Important "extended command set" commands:

Command Meaning
&Fn Restore factory defaults (n=0,1)
   
&Vn Displays the modem's current configuration, user profiles 0 and 1, and the first four stored telephone numbers.
or or;
I4
Returns the modem's identification followed by its version number.
&Wn Writes the current S register and AT command settings to the non-volatile memory of the modem as User profile defaults (n=0,1).

Example:
atz (software reset to User profile 0) ats7=90s=0 (S-Register 7: wait 90 seconds after dialling for a remote carrier signal, S-Register 0: disable the automatic answer facility).
at&w (write the current configuration to User profile 0)

7. Modem Settings:

The baud rate (unit used to measure the speed of electronic code transmissions, equal to one unit (bit) interval per second) is generally not explicitly set but rather adopted automatically from the setting on the connected computer.
Baud rates vary according to modem:

Modem Baud Rate
V.22bis 9600 bps
V.32 38400/57600 bps
V.34 57600/115200 bps

High Speed Modems:

Modem Facility
V.32bis/V.42/MNP4 Error Correction
V.42bis/MNP5 Data Compression

Computer Settings:

Modem Baud Rate
High Speed: 28800
Otherwise, as appropriate: 19200, 9600, or 2400

8 Data bits
1 Stop bit
no parity
|
|
|
8
N
1


as symbol

When the modem has a baud rate capacity of 14400 or more:
Set both the baud rate on the modem (usually AT&B1) and the Hardware Flow Control.

Save these settings either in the Terminal Programme or in the modem (AT&W).

With most current modems a specific Initstring is not required.
One can use at&f or atz as standardised settings. With high screen modems one may try the following Initstring:

atq0v1e0l1m1%c1\c0\j0\n6s7=120

With Creatix SG144 modem they advise S48=0.
The settings S48=7 or S48=128 are also possible.

For a USRobotics V.34 modem they advise
Initialisation: ats54=32

For Motorola: at&r0%r2*th1*ft1*td15\v4
Further information about other types of modem is found under Modem FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions).
Flow Control RTS/CTS

Set the speed as specified on the modem; with modems with data compression (V.42bis, MNP5), when possible set them to the highest possible value.

Modem Baud Rate
V.22bis 9600 bps
V.32bis 38400/57600 bps
V.34 57600/115200 bps

8. Modem Configuration:

The Unix Project Account has 2 dialup numbers: 41538, 41532, and ultimately 6391/6.
This allows for a total of 60 ISDN lines and 76 modems.
When one or the other ASCEND Router continuously registers "BUSY" there may be a problem with Telekom and/or the Router. In this case it is possible to login to one of the 6 slower original modems: 6391/6.
The Standard Account has one dialup number: 41532.
This allows for a total of 90 ISDN lines and 66 modems.
Access can be achieved through a Terminal Emulation Programme (e.g. Telix; Windows 3.1x Zubehör/Terminal; Windows95 Hyperterm; Mac PPP), or a Login Script PPP.
The Internet software is available from the RRZ FTP Server:
ftp://ftp.uni-hamburg.de/pub/modem/Windows
According to the efficiency of individual modems, speeds from 2400 bps to 28800 bps, ISDN connections 64Kbps, are possible.
The IP Address (Internet Protocol) is dynamic and the corresponding entry in the PPP Software Configuration must be "0.0.0.0".

RRZ Gateway IP Address: 134.100.41.253
Netmask Number: 255.255.255.0
Domain Number: public.uni-hamburg.de
Mameserver Address: 134.100.33.240
Backup Nameserver: 134.100.9.61

9. Tips and Recommendations:

It is always advisable to set the HV Flow controller (High Voltage) (RTS/CTS) both on the modem and the computer.
The data throughput can be optimized by setting the interface speed to the maximum value. With Data Compression (V.42bis/MNP5) set the throughput when transmitting a text file and the speed can be raised fourfold. The transfer of compressed files or executable programmes (e.g. .ZIP, .EXE files) using NMP5 can greatly decrease the amount of throughput due to the continuous compression. If necessary MNP5 should be switched off, using the corresponding AT Command, before a connection is established. This does not apply to V.42bis data compression, as this Protocol recognizes compressed data and makes no further attempts at compression.

The Link Speed should, when possible, be set to variable with automatic Fallback. This is normally preset on all modems. When connection is not achieved one should initially try setting "no data compression" (MNP, V.42bis disabled) and then set the Link Speed. One can then try increasing the Carrier waiting time to 90 seconds (usually ats7=90). Sometimes a better connection is attained when the Hamburg Area Code 040 is dialled, when dialling from within Hamburg.
Higher charges are not accrued.

Some modems are interrupted by a meter pulse.
Some other machines achieve connection when "Result Code Options" are set.

Tips when buying a modem:
Our experience is that cheap (no name) modems generally create more problems than brand name machines (e.g. Zyxel, USRobotics, Elsa, Multilink).
Modems costing under DM 300,- very often fail to connect or break down during connection, or non-completion of connection.

10. Problems Connecting:

NO DIALTONE

Wrong connection lead, faulty or damaged.
Wrong telephone socket installed, or faulty.
With a multiple socket the telephone must be connected!
With PABX: dialling tone is not recognised, set atx0

NO CARRIER

Pulse or Rotary dialing rather than Touch Tone dialling!
Waiting period for carrier signal is too short (set ats7=90)
All RRZ lines are busy.

Abort of the H i g h s p e e d - connection.
Frequent cause: 14400/V.42bis/MNP5 setting unsuccessful.

11. Problems During Connection

Login not possible

Wrong parity set (data format 8N1)
Password incorrect(N.B. upper and lower case letters)

Characters are lost

Set flow control to RTS/CTS
PC interface too slow: download Drivers / TSRs, exit Windows
Reduce interface speed (19200)

Connection broken

Telephone charge counter impulse? (every 6 minutes)
Lengthy period without either input/output (Timeout)
Telephone line interference

12. Software and Services



Modem software for Windows 3.xx and Netscape 3 for Win 3.xx/Win95 are available on the RRZ FTP server. ftp://ftp.uni-hamburg.de/pub/modem/Windows
The software Freeppp for Macintosh is available in the RRZ. The appropriate configuration procedures are available from the Beratung/User Consulting Office, Room 129 Schlüterstraße 70.
With both Linux and Windows '95 the software is installed with the programme and need only be correctly configured. This procedure is also available from the Beratung/User Consulting Office.

13. ISDN Dialup


The digital telephone network ISDN is becoming more popular due to its versatility (telephoning, data communication, faxing and video conferencing) and sinking prices. The RRZ supports configuration of ISDN for Linux, DOS/Windows and OS/2.
ISDN adapters make the physical connection between a computer and the ISDN connection. There is a choice between internal devices (e.g. PC cards) or external devices (terminal adaptor (TA) or ISDN modem).

ISDN PC Cards

ISDN PC Cards are inserted into a free card location in the PC. There is a distinction between active or passive cards, as well as type of bus system (ISA, PCI, PCMCIA). Active cards possess a their own processor and memory, however, they are very expensive (approx. 1000,- DM). A passive card is normally sufficient when connecting a single PC; a 486er can achieve the full ISDN speed. The passive card has the disadvantage that the driver takes up a lot of memory space in Low Memory (ca. 100 KB). However, this is no problem, if a virtual device driver VxD is available with Windows 3.xx or Windows 95.
We have experience of ISDN cards from the companies AVM and Teles. The products sold under the names "Creatix" and "1&1" are identically constructed with the respective Teles cards, the only difference being the accompanying software. There is said to be a problem with fonts when Teles cards are installed with the WISPA driver package under Windows 3.1. This does not occur, for example, with the AVM Fritzcard, so that we can recommend these (approx. 150 DM).

We do not have experience with other manufacturers.

We would be grateful for all suggestions for improvements, tips and tricks.

German Text: Gaby Kortum 22.7.96


Struan Robertson