Title:  Why can't my "56k" modem connect at 56,000bps?

Question:
My modem is a 56k modem and when I dialup to the UW 56k modem pools, I get
a connection that is slower than 56k. Why is the connection speed not 
faster?

Answer:
A "56k" modem does not in fact guarantee a connection at 56kbps.  The
modems involved will negotiate the speed of the connection based on
current line conditions, and under ideal conditions a connection in excess
of 40kpbs may be obtained. Not all telephone systems/connections present
ideal conditions, however.

Also, not all the University of Washington's dial-in numbers support 56k
connections, so be sure you are dialing an appropriate number.  The UW 56k
numbers will usually end in "5590" or "5570", for a list of all the
current UW dial-in numbers see:

   Phone Numbers for UW Dial-in Modem Access
   http://www.washington.edu/computing/connect/dialins.html

Lastly, the UW's 56k modem pools use the V.90 connection protocol, so make
sure to check for the following:

1.  Your modem supports the V.90 protocol. If your modem is a 56k modem
and isn't using V.90, or you are not sure, consult with the manufacturer
of your modem.

2.  Your modem uses the latest available "flash" firmware and is using the
latest available driver.  If you are not sure about this, you can contact
the manufacturer of your modem.

For more information on 56k/V.90 modems and trouble-shooting connections, 
see:

   http://www.56k.com

Especially if you are using a Macintosh system, but also of general 
interest, 
Apple has a page of similar information, but aimed at the Mac user:

   http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=24482