56k Modems (Apple)

Welcome to Apple's Technical Information Library (TIL). This knowledge base contains product information, technical specifications, troubleshooting information, is updated daily with new and modified articles, and contains over 16,000 articles.

TITLE56Kbps Modems: Upgrade Options

Article ID: Created: Modified: 24326 1/23/98 4/29/98

This article contains the following questions (and answers) regarding 56K modem upgrade options:


1. I would like to add an internal 56Kbps modem to my Power Macintosh G3 and Power Macintosh 6500 computers. How can I do this?
2. What about the V.90 standard for a 56Kbps modem? Is there an upgrade/update for my modem?

Question 1: I would like to add an internal 56Kbps modem to my Power Macintosh G3 and Power Macintosh 6500 computers. How can I do this?

Answer: Some Power Macintosh 6500 computers include 56K Flex modems. They are also available as an option on build-to-order Power Macintosh G3 computers.

Power Macintosh G3 owners who would like an internal modem can purchase the Apple/GV 56K modem previously only offered as an option in the build-to-order computers. Users should contact an Apple-authorized service provider for information on ordering part number 652-0038. This part includes the modem, modem cables, and a CD-ROM disk with the modem software.

However, Apple currently does not offer 56K Flex modem upgrades for users with a slower speed modem. This includes the Power Macintosh and Performa 6200, 6300, 6400, 6500, 5400, 5500, and 4400 series computers. If you have a lower speed internal modem installed, you would need to add an external modem as an upgrade.

To use an external modem on the models with an existing internal communications slot modem, you must remove both the modem and the plastic cap covering the modem port. We would recommend having an Apple-authorized service provider do this for you.

Apple has no plans to update the Apple Telecom software for the internal GeoPort modems or the external GeoPort Telecom Adapter beyond the existing V.34 standard (33.6Kbps) currently available. Apple Telecom 3.1.1 is available from Apple Software Updates sites, and Apple Telecom 3.1.3 is on the Mac OS 8 CD in the CD Extras folder.

Question 2: What about the V.90 standard for a 56Kbps modem? Is there an upgrade/update for my modem?

Answer: Until recently, there were two proposed standards for 56K modems--x2 and K56 Flex--and Apple included modems incorporating the latter of these two standards in some Power Macintosh 6500 and Power Macintosh G3 computers.

In early 1998, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), one of the organizations responsible for defining international communication standards, announced the ratification of the V.90 standard.

Apple is in the process of developing and testing software that will allow those who purchased Power Macintosh 6500 or Power Macintosh G3 computers to upgrade the modems they received to the V.90 standard. Apple expects to post the software, when finalized, to Apple Software Updates. The software is expected to be available in summer 1998, though a specific date is not available. Apple expects to begin shipping product that includes the V.90 standard at approximately the same time.

These articles can help you locate the software update mentioned here:
• Article 14724: "Where To Find Apple Software Updates" - Lists online services for free Apple software updates.
• Article 16332: "US Apple SW Updates Available Online" - An index to USA Apple Software Updates showing the current software location on the Internet.
• Article 17664: "WW Apple SW Updates Available Online" - An index to International Apple Software Updates showing the current software location on the Internet.

Support Map The Apple Store | Hot News | Sign Me Up | Products | Support Design & Publishing | Education | About Apple | Where to Buy | Home Support Feedback Copyright © 1998 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.