Why Upgrade Modem Firmware?
You often can solve modem compatibility
problems or optimize the performance of a modem by upgrading the
firmware. At the same time you upgrade modem firmware, also upgrade
the device driver software.
Note:
Sometimes device driver versions will work only with
certain firmware versions. Watch out for this hidden modem
configuration trap -- an issue with other PC peripherals as
well.
This discussion assumes that your modem has upgradeable
or flash-able firmware, which helps protect your modem investment
and ensures a longer useful life. Upgradeable firmware is often
among the features that separate a bargain-basement modem from one
that actually will work reliably with minimal configuration
headaches.
Not as Difficult as it Sounds
Although flashing a modem may sound terribly
complex and risky, it generally involves little more than
downloading and running a quick software application that reprograms
one of the chips on your modem.
Note:
If you own a V.90 modem, you may be able to upgrade to the
V.92 standard for free by downloading and flashing the
firmware. For details, contact your modem manufacturer or
visit its Web site.
Modem Firmware Action Items
Of the modems your company owns, do you
know which ones have upgradeable or flash-able firmware?
Do you have any modems that are either
exceptionally unreliable, or performing slowly, that might be
candidates for applying firmware and device driver updates?
Do you have a way to specify that all new modems your company
purchases include flash-able firmware capability?
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