Black Box MD403A User Manual 2

CUSTOMER

SUPPORT

INFORMATION

Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

MARCH 2004

MD403A

Portable USB Modem

Users’ Manual

1

FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

AND

INDUSTRY CANADA

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

Class B Digital Device. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B computing device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
telephone reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.

• Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Caution

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

To meet FCC requirements, shielded cables and power cords are required to
connect this device to a personal computer or other Class B certified device.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de classe B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage
radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

2

PORTABLE USB MODEM

EMC, Safety and R&TTE Directive Compliance

The CE mark is affixed to this product to confirm compliance with the following
European Community Directives:

Council Directive 89/336/EEC of 3 May 1989 on the approximation of the laws of
Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility.

and

Council Directive 73/23/EEC of 19 February 1973 on the harmonization of the
laws of Member States relating to electrical equipment designed for use within
certain voltage limits.

and

Council Directive 1999/5/EEC of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and
telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their
conformity.

3

FCC REQUIREMENTS FOR TELEPHONE-LINE EQUIPMENT

FCC Requirements for

Telephone-Line Equipment

1. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established rules which
permit this device to be directly connected to the telephone network with
standardized jacks. This equipment should not be used on party lines or coin
lines.

2. If this device is malfunctioning, it may also be causing harm to the telephone
network; this device should be disconnected until the source of the problem
can be determined and until the repair has been made. If this is not done, the
telephone company may temporarily disconnect service.

3. If you have problems with your telephone equipment after installing this
device, disconnect this device from the line to see if it is causing the problem.
If it is, contact your supplier or an authorized agent.

4. The telephone company may make changes in its technical operations and
procedures. If any such changes affect the compatibility or use of this device,
the telephone company is required to give adequate notice of the changes.

5. If the telephone company requests information on what equipment is
connected to their lines, inform them of:

a. The telephone number that this unit is connected to.

b. The ringer equivalence number.

c. The USOC jack required: RJ-11C.

d. The FCC registration number.

Items (b) and (d) can be found on the unit’s FCC label. The ringer
equivalence number (REN) is used to determine how many devices can be
connected to your telephone line. In most areas, the sum of the RENs of all
devices on any one line should not exceed five (5.0). If too many devices are
attached, they may not ring properly.

6. In the event of an equipment malfunction, all repairs should be performed by
your supplier or an authorized agent. It is the responsibility of users requiring
service to report the need for service to the supplier or to an authorized
agent.

4

PORTABLE USB MODEM

Certification Notice for

Equipment Used in Canada

The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This certification means
that the equipment meets certain telecommunications-network protective,
operation, and safety requirements. Industry Canada does not guarantee the
equipment will operate to the user’s satisfaction.

Before installing this equipment, users should ensure that it is permissible to be
connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications company. The
equipment must also be installed using an acceptable method of connection. In
some cases, the company’s inside wiring associated with a single-line individual
service may be extended by means of a certified connector assembly (extension
cord). The customer should be aware that compliance with the above conditions
may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized maintenance
facility—in this case, Black Box. Any repairs or alterations made by the user to this
equipment, or equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications
company cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.

Users should ensure for their own protection that the electrical ground
connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal metallic water pipe
system, if present, are connected together. This precaution may be particularly
important in rural areas.

CAUTION

Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but
should contact the appropriate electric inspection authority, or
electrician, as appropriate.

The LOAD NUMBER (LN) assigned to each terminal device denotes the
percentage of the total load to be connected to a telephone loop which is used by
the device, to prevent overloading. The termination on a loop may consist of any
combination of devices, subject only to the requirement that the total of the load
numbers of all the devices does not exceed 100.

5

NOM STATEMENT

NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.

4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..

6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.

7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.

8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.

9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.

11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

6

PORTABLE USB MODEM

12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.

13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.

14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.

15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.

16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.

17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.

18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:

A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u

B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o

C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o

D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su

desempeño; o

E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

7

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

America Online is a registered trademark of Quantum Computer Services, Inc.

AT&T is a registered trademark of AT&T.

MNP is a registered trademark of Microcom Systems Incorporated.

UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters’ Laboratories Incorporated.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

8

PORTABLE USB MODEM

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2. Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.2 What the Package Includes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.4 What Can You Do with Your Modem? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.5 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2.5.1 Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2.5.2 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.5.3 Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.6 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.6.1 Connecting to the Computer (“USB”). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.6.2 Connecting to the Telephone Line (“LINE”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.6.3 Surge Protectors and Lightning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.7 Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.1 Step 1: Connect the Modem to Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.1.1 USB Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.1.2 Line Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.2 Step 2: Installing the Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.2.1 Installation in Windows 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.2.2 Installation in Windows Me. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

3.2.3 Installation in Windows 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

3.2.4 Removing Your Old Modem from Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

3.3 Configuring the Modem for Your Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

3.3.1 Using the Global Wizard Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

3.3.2 Using AT Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

3.4 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

4. AT Commands, S-Registers, and Result Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

4.1 AT Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

4.2 S-Registers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

4.3 Result Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

9

CONTENTS

Chapter Page

5. Remote Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

5.1 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

5.2 Basic Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

5.3 Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

5.3.1 Changing the Setup Password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

5.3.2 Changing the Remote Escape Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

6. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

6.1 None of the Indicators Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

6.2 The Modem Does Not Respond to Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

6.3 The Modem Dials But Cannot Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

6.4 The Modem Disconnects While Online . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

6.5 The Modem Cannot Connect When Answering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

6.6 The Modem Doesn’t Work with Caller ID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

6.7 Fax and Data Software Can’t Run at the Same Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

6.8 Calling Black Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

6.9 Shipping and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Appendix A. V.90 Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

A.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

A.2 V.90 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Appendix B. Loopback Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

B.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

B.2 Local Analog Loopback Test (V.54 Loop 3). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

B.3 Remote Digital Loopback Test (V.54 Loop 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

B.4 Local Digital Loopback Test (V.54 Loop 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Appendix C. Dial-Up Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

C.1 Windows 98/Me Dial-Up Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

C.2 Windows 2000 Dial-Up Networking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Appendix D. Upgrading the Modem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

D.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

D.2 Upgrade Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

10

PORTABLE USB MODEM

1. Specifications

Client-to-Server Data Rates: V.90 or K56flex speeds when accessing an ISP type
V.90 or K56flex server (actual speed depends on server capabilities/line
conditions)

Client-to-Client Data Rates: 33,600, 31,200, 28,800, 26,400, 24,000, 21,600, 19,200,
16,800, 14,400, 12,000, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400, 300 bps

Fax Data Rates: 14,400, 12,000, 9600, 7200, 4800, 2400, 300 bps

Data Format: Serial, binary, asynchronous

Modem Compatibility: ITU V.90, K56flex; ITU-T V.34 enhanced, V.34, V.32terbo,

V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22; Bell 212A and 103/113; ITU-T V.29, V.42, V.42bis;
ITU-T V.21 and V.23 in international versions

Fax Compatibility: ITU-T Group 3, Class 1 and 2, T.4, T.30, V.21, V.27ter, V.29,
V.17, and TIA/EIA TR29.2

Error Correction: ITU-T V.42 (LAP-M or MNP

®

3–4)

Data Compression: ITU-T V.42bis (4:1 throughput), MNP 5 (2:1 throughput)

Flow Control: X-ON/X-OFF (software), RTS/CTS (hardware)

Intelligent Features: Plug and play; fully AT command compatible; autodial, redial,

repeat dial; pulse or tone dial; dial pauses; auto answer; caller ID; EIA extended
automode; adaptive line probing; automatic symbol and carrier frequency during
startup, retrain, and rate negotiation; call status display, auto-parity and data rate
selections; keyboard-controlled modem options; non-volatile memory; on-screen
displays for modem option parameters; command lines of up to 40 characters
each; help menus; remote configuration

Command Buffer: 40 characters

Data Modulation: FSK at 300 bps, PSK at 1200 bps, QAM at 2400, 4800, and 9600

bps (non-trellis), QAM with trellis-coded modulation (TCM) at 9600, 12,000,
14,400, 16,800, 19,200, 21,600, 24,000, 26,400, 28,800, 31,200, 33,600, and
56,000 bps

Fax Modulation: V.21 CH2 FSK at 300 bps (half-duplex); V.27ter DPSK at 4800 and
2400 bps; V.29 QAM at 9600 and 7200 bps; V.17TCM at 14,400, 12,000, 9600, and
7200 bps

11

CHAPTER 1: Specifications

Carrier Frequencies ITU-T V.34: 1600, 1646, 1680, 1800, 1829, 1867, 1920, 1959,
2000 Hz

Carrier Frequencies ITU-T V.32bis/V.32: 1800 Hz

Carrier Frequencies V.22bis/V.22 or Bell 212A Standard (2400 and 1200 bps):

Transmit originate: 1200 Hz; Transmit answer: 2400 Hz; Receive originate:
2400 Hz; Receive answer: 1200 Hz

Carrier Frequencies ITU-T V.23 (1200 bps): Transmit originate: 390 Hz mark,
450 Hz space; Receive originate: 1300 Hz mark, 2100 Hz space; Transmit answer:
1300 Hz mark, 2100 Hz space; Receive answer: 390 Hz mark, 450 Hz space

Carrier Frequencies ITU-T V.21 (0 to 300 bps): Transmit originate: 980 Hz mark,
1180 Hz space; Receive originate: 1650 Hz mark, 1850 Hz space; Transmit answer:
1650 Hz mark, 1850 Hz space; Receive answer: 980 Hz mark, 1180 Hz space

Carrier Frequencies Bell 103/113 (0 to 300 bps): Transmit originate: 1270 Hz
mark, 1070 Hz space; Receive originate: 2225 Hz mark, 2025 Hz space; Transmit
answer: 2225 Hz mark, 2025 Hz space; Receive answer: 1270 Hz mark, 1070 Hz
space

Fax Carrier Frequencies: V.21 Ch2 (half-duplex): 1650 Hz mark, 1850 Hz space
for transmit originate; 1650 Hz mark, 1860 Hz space for transmit answer; V.27ter:
1800 Hz originate/answer; V.29 QAM: 1800 Hz originate/answer; V.17 TCM:
1800 Hz originate/answer

Transmit Level: -11 dBm (dial-up)

Frequency Stability: ±0.01%

Receiver Sensitivity: -43 dBm under worst-case conditions

AGC Dynamic Range: 43 dB

Connectors: (1) USB connector; (1) RJ-11 phone jack

Cables: (1) RJ-11 phone cable

NOTE

Any cables connected to the computer should be shielded to reduce
interference.

Diagnostics: Power-on self-test, local analog loop, local digital loop, remote digital
loop

12

PORTABLE USB MODEM

Indicators: LEDs for Data, Carrier Detect, Off-Hook, Terminal Ready

Temperature Tolerance: 32 to 120°F (0 to 50°C)

Humidity: 20 to 90%, noncondensing

Size: 1"H x 1.25"W x 3.1"D (2.5 x 3.2 x 7.9 cm)

Weight: 2.2 oz. (62 g)

13

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

2. Introduction

2.1 Overview

The Portable USB Modem incorporates V.90 technology, which enables Internet
connections at data rates up to 56 kbps* over standard telephone lines. V.90
technology sends data downstream from the Internet to your computer at these
speeds because data on the telephone network typically is converted from digital to
analog only once before it reaches your modem. Upstream transmissions, and
transmissions between client modems, are limited to data rates of 33.6 kbps, as are
downstream transmissions that are converted more than once on the telephone
network.

The modem is Plug-and-Play in Windows

®

2000, Windows Me, and Windows 98
operating systems with interactive automatic dialing and command mode
configuration. In standard mode, you can store up to two command lines or
telephone numbers of up to 40 characters each in the modem’s nonvolatile
memory. The modem pulse- or tone-dials, and recognizes dial tones and busy
signals for reliable call-progress detection. The modem can detect AT&T

®

calling
card tones. It also has Caller ID, remote configuration, and incorporates self­resetting lightning protection. The modem is FCC-registered for connection
without notification to the telephone company.

This full-duplex, intelligent modem also has V.42 error correction, V.42bis data
compression, and V.17 (14,400 bps), Class 1 and 2, Group 3 fax capabilities.

The modem operates with the Global Wizard program. Telephone company
technical requirements differ from country to country. In the Global Wizard
program, simply specify the country in which you will operate, selecting from a
pull-down menu. Global Wizard does the rest, automatically setting up the correct
operating parameters for your modem to operate in your country.

The Flash Wizard utility lets you update the modem’s firmware.

* Although K56flex technology is capable of downloads of up to 56 kbps, FCC
regulations currently restrict ISP modems to downloads of 53 kbps.

14

PORTABLE USB MODEM

2.2 What the Package Includes

Your package should include the following items:

• Portable USB Modem

• (1) CD-ROM

• (1) RJ-11 telephone cable

• (1) Quick Start Guide

If anything is missing or damaged, please call Black Box at 724-746-5500.

You must supply:

• A computer with an unused USB port.

• A nearby telephone line jack.

2.3 Universal Serial Bus (USB)

Universal Serial Bus (USB), defined by a consortium of industry leaders, permits
connection of multiple low-speed and medium-speed computer peripheral
devices—telephones, modems, printers, keyboards, mice, and scanners—all from a
single personal computer port. The specification, based on an open architecture is
quickly becoming a standard feature in new desktop and notebook computers.

2.4 What Can You Do with Your Modem?

You can use it to access commercial on-line information services such as America
Online

®

, Genie, and Prodigy. These services provide access to databases,
encyclopedias, stock reports, news, weather, and shopping. They provide e-mail
links to subscribers of the same and other services. Public message areas, called
forums, allow subscribers to trade information and opinions on a vast array of
topics, while vendor forums provide hardware and software support from
manufacturers. Online services also allow you to upload and download computer
programs, data files, and updated software such as video and printer drivers.

Your modem can also connect you to the Internet. Like the commercial online
services, the Internet provides e-mail services, public message areas, and access to
information and software, much of it easily accessed through the Web.

15

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

Other uses include direct links to colleagues with modems, to banks, and to service
bureaus. You can also telecommute with your fax modem—work at home while
communicating with the office by modem or fax.

And of course, you can use your modem to exchange faxes with any fax machine in
the world, enabling you to communicate quickly with businesses and organizations
that do not have direct modem communications.

2.5 Features

• Complies with major ITU-T, TIA, and EIA international standards to ensure
compatibility with other modems.

• Caller ID capability can identify a caller’s phone number (available only on
U.S. products).

2.5.1 D

ATA

• Supports the V.90 standard for data transmission speeds up to 56 kbps while
maintaining compatibility with lower-speed modems.

• Supports the enhanced ITU-T V.34 standard, with data transmission speeds to

33.6 kbps.

• Supports asynchronous data rates at 56, 33.6, 31.2, 28.8, 26.4, 24, 21.6, 19.2,

16.8, 14.4, and 12 kbps as well as 9600, 4800, 2400, 1200, and 300 bps.

• Supports automatic fallback to slower speeds in noisy line conditions, and fall­forward to faster speeds as conditions improve.

• ITU-T V.42 LAP-M and MNP Class 3 and 4 error correction.

• ITU-T V.42bis (4-to-1) and MNP 5 (2-to-1) data compression.

• Automatically disables data compression when transferring already­compressed files.

• Autodial, redial, pulse (rotary), and touch-tone dial.

• Dial tone and busy signal detection for reliable call-progress reporting.

• Compatible with the standard AT command set used by most communication
programs.

16

PORTABLE USB MODEM

2.5.2 F

AX

• Supports V.17, Group 3 fax communication standards, allowing it to
communicate with other fax modems as well as with fax machines.

• Responds to EIA/TIA Class 1 and 2 fax commands.

• Sends and receives faxes from your computer at 14,400 bps, 9600 bps,
7200 bps, 4800 bps, 2400 bps, or 300 bps.

2.5.3 R

EQUIREDEQUIPMENT

In addition to the contents of your modem package, you need the following
equipment.

• Computer: Your modem can be connected only to a computer with a USB
port.

• Telephone Line: You must have a telephone line with jack (connector) that
accepts the cable that comes with the modem. If you do not have a telephone
jack near your computer, you should install one before proceeding.

Do-it-yourself telephone extension kits and accessories are available wherever
telephones are sold. You may also hire an independent contractor or your
local telephone company to install an extension. If you want a separate line for
your fax modem, you must contact your telephone company.

• Communications Software: To operate your modem, you must have data
communications and fax communications software (included with the
modem). Data communications software simplifies control of the modem by
guiding you through the process of selecting your serial port, your port speed,
and other variables, and then storing your settings, including frequently called
phone numbers, so they can be recalled with the stroke of a key or the click of
a mouse. Data communications software must be set up, or configured, before
you can use it.

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CHAPTER 2: Introduction

2.6 Connections

To use your modem, you must connect its USB cable connector to your computer
(“USB”) and to a telephone line (“LINE”).

Figure 2-1. USB and communications connectors.

2.6.1 C

ONNECTING TO THE

C

OMPUTER

(“USB”)

Connect the USB connector on the Modem to a USB connector on the back of
your computer.

2.6.2 C

ONNECTING TO THETELEPHONELINE

(“LINE”)

Plug one end of the cable provided with the Modem into the telephone jack in
your home or office. Plug the other end into the LINE jack on the modem.

NOTE

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Industry Canada, and
other regulatory agencies impose certain restrictions on equipment
connected to public telephone systems. See pages 1–3 for more
information.

2.6.3 S

URGEPROTECTORS ANDLIGHTNING

Your modem has self-resetting lightning protection to protect it from electrical
spikes on the telephone line. During an electrical storm, unplug your computer
equipment from both the power outlet and the telephone line.

PC

USB Connector

RJ-11 Connector

18

PORTABLE USB MODEM

2.7 Front Panel

The Portable USB Modem has four LEDs on the front panel indicating status,
configuration, and activity.

Figure 2-2. Front panel.

• Data. The Data LED flashes when the modem is transmitting/receiving data
to/from another modem.

• Carrier Detect. The CD LED lights when the modem detects a valid carrier
signal from another modem. It is on when the modem is communicating with
the other modem and off when the link is broken.

• Off-Hook. The OH LED lights when the modem is off-hook, which occurs
when the modem is dialing, online, or answering a call. The LED flashes when
the modem pulse-dials.

• Terminal Ready. The TR LED lights when Windows detects and initializes the
modem.

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CHAPTER 3: Installation

3. Installation

WARNING

1. Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.

2. Never install a telephone jack in wet locations unless the jack is
specifically designed for wet locations.

3. This product is to be used with UL

®

and cUL listed computers.

4. Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the
telephone line has been disconnected at the network interface.

5. Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

6. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an
electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electrical shock from
lightning.

7. Do not use a telephone in the vicinity of a gas leak.

8. To reduce the risk of fire, use only 26 AWG or larger
telecommunication line cord.

3.1 Step 1: Connect the Modem to Your System

Figure 3-1. Modem connections.

PC

USB Connector

RJ-11 Connector

20

PORTABLE USB MODEM

3.1.1 USB C

ONNECTION

Plug the USB cable connector on the Portable USB Modem into a USB port
connector on your computer.

3.1.2 L

INECONNECTION

Plug one end of the phone cable into the Portable USB Modem’s LINE jack and
the other end into a phone line wall jack.

NOTE

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada
impose certain restrictions on equipment connected to public telephone
systems. See pages 1–3 for more information.

3.2 Step 2: Installing the Modem

3.2.1 I

NSTALLATION INWINDOWS

2000

1. Power up your Windows 2000 system.

2. If you have not already done so, connect a) the modem to your computer’s
USB port and b) the telephone line to your modem and a telephone wall
jack.

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CHAPTER 3: Installation

3. Windows will detect that the new modem is present and indicate that it’s in
the process of installing. The Welcome screen of the Found New Hardware

Wizard appears.

Figure 3-2. Welcome screen.

Click Next >.

22

PORTABLE USB MODEM

4. The Install Hardware Device Drivers screen appears, indicating that it will
install the hardware device drivers.

Figure 3-3. Install Hardware Device Drivers screen.

Verify that “Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)” is
selected, and click Next >.

Portable USB Modem

23

CHAPTER 3: Installation

5. The Locate Driver Files screen appears and asks where you want Windows to
search for the driver files.

Figure 3-4. Locate Driver Files screen.

Verify that the “Specify a location” option is the only box selected, place the
Modem Installation CD into your CD drive, and click Next >.

6. The next screen will say “Insert the manufacturer’s installation disk into the
drive selected and then click OK.”

Click on the Browse button. When prompted to insert a disk into drive A:\,
click Cancel. Navigate to your computer’s CD-ROM drive. Select the folder
DRIVERS\WIN 2000. Select the file mdmbbusb.INF and click Open.

Portable USB Modem

24

PORTABLE USB MODEM

7. The Driver Files Search Results screen appears, indicating that Windows has
found the proper driver from the Modem Installation CD.

Figure 3-5. Driver Files Search Results screen.

Click Next > to install the selected driver.

Portable USB Modem

25

CHAPTER 3: Installation

8. The Digital Signature Not Found screen appears.

Figure 3-6. Digital Signature Not Found screen.

Click Yes to continue with the installation.

NOTE

This Microsoft®operating system searches for a digital signature when
you install any new hardware. If a “Digital Signature Not Found” screen
appears, simply click the “Yes” button to continue installation. Not
having a digital signature does not affect product performance in any
way.

Portable USB Modem Software

26

PORTABLE USB MODEM

9. A Copying Files screen appears briefly, indicating that driver files are being
copied to your computer’s hard drive. Then a completion screen appears and
tells you that Windows has finished installing the driver.

Figure 3-7. Completion screen.

Click Finish to complete the installation and exit the wizard.