PRW.NET FAQ's : Dialup and Modems :
What are the requirements for a dual analog (112 K) connection ?
1. With a router like the
This is the preferred alternative for a network because they include an ethernet port in addition to the two (or more) analog ports. A network connection can not be used with a personal WebSurfer account. It requires a WebBusiness account for interactive use or a WebEnterprise account for continuous 7x24 use.
2. With a "dual modem" card such as the Diamond Multimedia SupraSonic II. This is a good solution for an individual PC. Most "dual modem" cards support Windows 95/98 (e.g. not Windows NT).
3. With two modems on the same PC. This requires Dialup Networking (DUN) 1.2 or above. Windows 98 includes DUN 1.3. If you have Windows 95 this can be downloaded from the Microsoft site.
This alternative generally achieves a lower connection speed than a dual modem card since two separate modems usually do not achieve the same integration. We recommend that both modems are from the same manufacturer (and preferrably the same model) to avoid driver conflicts.
All dual analog alternatives require two phone lines. Call waiting is not considered a second phone line.
Typical V.90 rates are between 42 and 53 Kbps so a dual analog connection is expected to achieve 84 to 106 Kbps. Reaching 56 Kbps per channel on a V.90 connection requires minimal noise, which is not common on local analog phone lines.
How can I choose the best modem for my Internet connection ?