What Is The Diff Between Modems?

[Fuzzy Z]

Hi All,

Whats the difference between a class I, class II & class III modems?

Also, what is a Tapi compatible modem?

Thanks,
Fuzzy Z

[Graham]

The classes refer to the fax standard, from memory v27, v27bis, v27ter, these relate to speed (9600,14400 etc), but I cant remember which is which.

G

[Fuzzy Z]

Hmmmm...

Is one type a voice modem?

Fuzzy

[Ygor]

Voice capability is an option some modems offer. If you know you'll never use it, don't bother to look for it.

The other main difference is hardware vs winmodems. The only hardware modems I've found on pricewatch came from us robotics and 3com, which is a part of us robotics.

A hardware modem has all it needs to function on its' card (except perhaps the drivers). Winmodems rely on your cpu to do a lot of the work but can also be upgraded via software.

[Graham]

I would always get an external modem, less hassle all round,

it has all the functionality built in (unlike winmodems)
less hardware conflicts
you can see the led's
you can reset it easily
you can change it easily
you can even thump it if all else fails

G

[Roy]

Check this Modem Thread (http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/007715.html).

BTW ~ 3Com sold USR. It's now a joint venture with an offshore company.

[paradoxtime]

>I would always get an external modem, less >hassle all round,
>it has all the functionality built in
>(unlike winmodems)
>less hardware conflicts
>you can see the led's
>you can reset it easily
>you can change it easily
>you can even thump it if all else fails

G

And more cables lying around your computer as if there isnt enough of them aready.