This article comprises the Read Me for the Apple/GV 56K Modem Updater. This software was released by Apple on January 15, 1999 and is available for downloading from Apple Software Updates Online. Please see Software Updates Document Number 11206, or use the following URL to access the article directly: http://asu.info.apple.com/swupdates.nsf/artnum/n11206 .

Requires:

The 56k internal modem which came with the Power Macintosh G3 (Desktop, Minitower, or All-in-one), or Power Macintosh 6500 series computers.

Description:

Includes Apple/GV 56K Updater 2.200 and Apple/GV 56K Updater v1.001. The Apple/GV 56K Updater 2.200 installs the V.90 protocol. If you have updated to the V.90 protocol and discover that your ISP only supports K56flex, run the Apple/GV 56K Updater v1.001 to install the K56flex protocol.

Other Info:

These updaters DO NOT support the modem in the iMac or the new Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White). Note: Some Power Macintosh 6500 systems shipped with an internal 33.6Kbps modem. These modems are not supported by these updaters.

Important Information About the Apple/GV 56K Updaters

These updaters support the internal modem which came with your PowerMacintosh G3 (Desktop or Minitower or All-in-one, or Power Macintosh 6500 series computers. These updaters DO NOT support the modem in the iMac or the new Power Macintosh G3 (Blue and White). Note: Some Power Macintosh 6500 systems shipped with an internal 33.6Kbps modem. These modems are not supported by these updaters.

This document also contains several references to articles in the Apple Tech Info Library (TIL) that discuss modem connectivity issues. These articles are recommended reading for better a understanding of 56K modem technology.

Why are there two Apple/GV 56K Updaters?

Unlike the 56K modems that ship with the PowerBook G3 Series or the iMac, the Apple/GV 56K modem DOES NOT support both the V.90 and K56flex protocols at the same time.

Apple/GV 56K Updater 2.200 - installs the V.90 protocol

Apple/GV 56K Updater v1.001 - installs the K56flex protocol

IMPORTANT: If your ISP supports only one of the two protocols (V.90 or K56flex) it is necessary to install the same protocol on your modem, otherwise your connections will be limited to speeds of 33.6kbps or less (V.34 protocols). This modem cannot automatically negotiate with the service provider to determine whether to use V.90 or K56flex. Check with your ISP to determine which protocol they support.

What The Apple Modem Updater Does

The Apple/GV 56K Updater 2.200 installs the V.90 protocol. If you have updated to the V.90 protocol and discover that your ISP only supports K56flex, run the Apple/GV 56K Updater v1.001 to install the K56flex protocol. The ROM on the Apple/GV 56K modem is capable of being updated several thousand times, far more than would be needed even under extraordinary conditions.

After you have updated the modem you may notice that the connection speed that is reported when you first establish a connection may be lower than it was prior to the upgrade, however the modem throughput will be at least as good and often better than before the upgrade. Throughput is the measure of how quickly a certain amount of data is transferred from one modem to another. It is important to remember that the connection speed that is reported is only the initial connection speed. The modems will adjust their communications speed as line conditions require.

A faster connection speed does not necessarily indicate a higher throughput, factors like resending data due to noise on the phone lines will lower overall throughput. This is discussed in more detail in article 30734, " V.90 Protocol: Connectivity Discussion " and article 24482, " 56Kbps Modems: Getting The Fastest Connection ".

Updating The Modem

Before updating your modem, make sure the modem and modem port are not in use. Turn answering off in fax or other communications programs. Log off any open Internet/modem connections. (Disconnecting the phone line will force any active modem connections to be closed.)

IMPORTANT Do not cancel the installation process once you start updating; canceling the upgrade process will damage the modem. This modem updater may take up to five minutes to complete.

To update your modem:

1. Double click on the Apple/GV 56K Updater icon.

2. Click Update Modem

3. Click OK to turn off AppleTalk. Note: You may be warned that the modem already contains the current firmware. Click OK to install the version of the firmware you have selected. Status messages appear as the updater installs the firmware onto the modem.

4. Click Quit when the update is complete.

5. Drag copy the file PowerMac G3 Internal 56K into the Modem Scripts folder, located in the Extensions folder within the System Folder. Click OK to replace any existing file. Open the Modem control panel and select: PowerMac G3 Internal 56K

You do not need to restart your computer after updating the modem firmware.

Future Modem Software

New firmware updates, modem scripts, and modem drivers may be released for 56K modems until the technology stabilizes. For more information on V.90 modem upgrade information, see Apple's support web site: http://www.apple.com/support