V.90 Comes to Campus... More Improvements Coming Soon

Over the summer, the primary UO modem pool (346-6520) was upgraded to support V.90 56K modems, allowing UO modem users with either an x2 56K or a V.90 modem to connect to the UO at speeds faster than 33.6. Currently, K56flex modems that don't support V.90 only achieve a 33.6 maximum connection rate.

Later this fall, significant improvements to the UO modem pool will increase access for dial-in users. 346-3565, one of our secondary modem pools, is being upgraded to K56flex/V.90 and gaining 64 modems for a total of 96. 346-5975, currently home to 64 slower 14.4 modems, will be upgraded to 33.6.

Eventually, the modems at 346-3565 will be merged into the primary modem pool at 346-6520, creating a mixed pool of 288 56K V.90 modems At that time, 346-1586 will also go away. If this is all too confusing to keep track of, simply continue to dial in to 346-6520, and by winter term all the improvements should be complete.

These coming changes mean faster and better UOnet and Internet access through your home dial-in connection. The additional modems and support for K56flex will be added during fall and winter terms.

Upgrade to V.90 Encouraged

To prepare for these improvements, modem users with either x2 or K56flex modems are encouraged to upgrade to the V.90 standard if possible. Most 56K modems sold in the past year are freely upgradable through manu-facturer's web sites. US Robotics/3Com maintains a modem update site at http://www.3com.com/56k, as does Supra (http://www.diamondmm.com/56k/v90-upgrade.html). Most other modem manufacturers also provide web-based V.90 upgrade information.

If you do not (or cannot) upgrade your modem to V.90, nothing terrible will happen. You'll still be able to connect to the UO modem pool and read email or browse the web. The improvements make it possible for more people to get connected, and to get connected at the fastest dial-in speeds available with their modems.

Questions?

For information about upgrading your modem, or to find out which UO modem number is best for you, contact Microcomputer Services at 346-4412 or microhelp@oregon.uoregon.edu