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If you're in the market for a new modem and want the fastest possible standard connection speed, you're in luck. With the advent of "v.90," it's now possible to achieve the highest-speed 56K connection using a standard modem--without having to worry about incompatibility problems.
Until now, having a 56K modem was no guarantee of achieving the fastest Internet connection because not all 56K modems were compatible with each other. Now, however, as long as both your modem and your Internet service provider support v. 90, it's possible to use any 56K modem at its highest speed.
If you're buying a new modem, you'll want to make sure you're choosing one that's compliant with your standard connection.
To determine whether a modem is compliant with a connection standard, look at the packaging. The standard should be noted on the box. For example, boxes for 28.8K or 33.6K modems should display the logo for "v.34," while 56K modem boxes might display "v.90" and/or "X2" logos.
The UO currently supports the "X2" method of high-speed network connection via modem. If all goes well, v.90 connections should also be available to campus dial-in users sometime this summer.
In the meantime, if you're purchasing a 56K modem, play it safe and opt for one that is both v.90- and X2-compatible.