Chapter 21 - Modems and Communications Tools

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This chapter illustrates how to install and use modems with Microsoft Windows 98, and describes other communications tools included in Windows 98, such as HyperTerminal, Phone Dialer, and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). It also contains technical information relating to modems and communications tools. The chapter is written for system and network administrators.

See Also

• For more information about remote networking and mobile computing, see Chapter 19, "Remote Networking and Mobile Computing." 

• For more information about access to the Internet and Internet tools, see Chapter 20, "Internet Access and Tools."

• For more information about e-mail and Outlook Express, see Chapter 22, "Electronic Mail with Outlook Express." 

Overview of Modems and Communications Tools

The Windows 98 communications subsystem allows users to make simultaneous connections to a variety of communications services, including electronic mail and online services. With Windows 98, connecting to a communications service is as easy as connecting to your network.

Users need select and configure a modem only once for it to work with all applications created for Windows 98. You can install a modem in the Modems option in Control Panel, or in an application created for Windows 98—the first time the application is run.

Two other communications tools facilitate modem calling: HyperTerminal connects two computers over a modem or a serial connection and transfers files between them, and Phone Dialer dials voice telephone calls.

Windows 98 provides the basic protocols and utilities users need to connect a computer to a server that has access to the Internet, and the software they need to browse and download information from the Internet.

The Windows 98 communications subsystem allows applications to transmit data quickly and reliably, and to cooperatively share communications devices. The new kernel and new communications architecture in Windows 98 provide the following benefits.

High-speed reliability. The data-transmission speed in Windows 98 is limited only by the hardware characteristics of the computer, such as the processor speed and the type of communications port. Windows 98 supports communications with devices of high transmission speeds, such as ISDN, which can communicate at speeds of 64 or 128 kilobits per second (Kbps).

High data throughput. The 32-bit communications subsystem and preemptive multitasking architecture provide high data throughput and an instant response.

Support for Plug and Play and legacy communications devices. Plug and Play support and device installation wizards, simplify installation and configuration of Plug and Play and legacy modems and communications devices.

Device sharing among communications applications. The Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) arbitrates among applications that want to share the same communications ports and devices.

Summary of Modems and Communications Tools

This section contains a brief summary of the communications tools included in Windows 98. The tools are described in more detail later in this chapter.

Modems

Modem is short for modulator/demodulator. It is a communications tool that enables a computer to transmit information over a standard telephone line. Because a computer is digital (works with discrete electrical signals representing binary 1 and binary 0) and a telephone line is analog (carries a signal that can have any of a large number of variations), modems are required to convert digital to analog and vice versa.

HyperTerminal

You can use HyperTerminal with a modem to connect two computers so you can send and receive files or connect to computer bulletin boards and other information programs. For example, you can use HyperTerminal to connect to an online service and to download files from a bulletin board on the online service. You can also use HyperTerminal to connect a computer directly to another computer.

Phone Dialer

The Phone Dialer application lets you dial telephone numbers using the calling card and location information defined in Dialing Properties. It also stores frequently dialed numbers, dials stored telephone numbers, and logs telephone calls.

Dial-Up Networking and Mobile Computing

Dial-Up Networking provides remote users with complete network capabilities, including downloading and browsing electronic mail, accessing shared files, and running a client/server application. Dial-Up Networking lets you make a dial-up connection to remote networks, such as the Internet over a telephone or ISDN line.

Mobile computing features include Briefcase, which keeps documents up-to-date on two computers; Direct Cable Connection, which allows two computers to share resources when connected by a serial cable; and deferred printing capability, which lets you generate print jobs from a remote site and print them when you return to the office.

For more information about Dial-Up Networking, see Chapter 19, "Remote Networking and Mobile Computing."

Outlook Express

Microsoft Outlook Express is a universal information client that can read and send electronic mail from any message application that supports MAPI services.

For more information about Outlook Express, see Chapter 22, "Electronic Mail with Outlook Express."

Windows Telephony API

The Win32 communications APIs in Windows 98 provide an interface for using modems and communications devices. Applications call the Win32 communications APIs to configure modems and perform data I/O through them.

Windows TAPI provides a standard way for communications applications to control telephony functions for data, fax, and voice calls. The TAPI manages all signaling between a computer and a telephone network, including basic functions, such as dialing, answering, and hanging up a call. It also supports supplementary functions, such as hold, transfer, conference, and call park found in PBX, ISDN, and other telephone systems.

Universal Modem Driver

The universal modem driver (Unimodem) is a layer that provides services for data and fax modems and voice so that users and application developers will not have to learn or maintain difficult modem AT commands to dial, answer, and configure modems. Instead, Unimodem does these tasks automatically by using INF files supplied by modem hardware vendors.

Unimodem is both a VCOMM device driver and a TAPI Service Provider. Other Service Providers (for example, those supporting other devices, such as an ISDN adapter, a telephone on a PBX system, or an AT command modem) can also be used with TAPI.

Integrated Services Digital Network

Microsoft provides Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) for remote computing in Windows 98. ISDN, with speeds of up to 128 Kbps, offers higher bandwidth than modems over analog telephone lines. ISDN can be used over an existing telephone network and can provide connections to the Internet that support World Wide Web browsing, multimedia, and video presentation applications.

Requirements for Communications Tools

To use your modem with the built-in communications features of Windows 98, including HyperTerminal and Dial-Up Networking, you must configure your modem using the Modems option in Control Panel. Settings made in the Modems Properties dialog box do not affect modem operation in programs designed for MS-DOS or Windows version 3.1.

Communications Tools Management

Windows 98 includes the following tools for expanding communications capabilities:

• HyperTerminal lets you connect two computers through a modem and TAPI for transferring files.

• Phone Dialer lets you use a computer to dial telephone numbers for voice telephone calls. It includes a telephone dial pad, user-programmable speed dials, and a call log.

• Microsoft NetMeeting is a set of application and network components that enable real-time audio and data communication over the Internet. For more information about NetMeeting, see Chapter 20, "Internet Access and Tools." 

• Microsoft Outlook Express is an Internet standards-based e-mail and news reader. For more information about Outlook Express, see Chapter 22, "Electronic Mail with Outlook Express." 

With Windows 98, you can do the following:

• Configure HyperTerminal to predefine computers to which your computer can connect.

• Configure Phone Dialer for voice telephone calls.

• Define the location you are calling from for all applications and tools.

• Dial a telephone call or display a terminal window before or after dialing. 

• Connect to a remote computer. 

Using a Modem

A modem is a communications tool that enables a computer to transmit information over a standard telephone line. With Windows 98, you can install a modem in one of four ways:

• Using the Modems option in Control Panel. 

• Running a communications application that causes Windows 98 to prompt you to install a modem. 

• Adding a modem through the Add New Hardware option in Control Panel. 

• Plugging in your Plug and Play modem and letting Windows 98 connect to it. 

In these cases, the Install New Modem Wizard appears and asks if you want Windows 98 to automatically detect the modem, or if you want to manually select a modem from the list of known manufacturers and modem models. If you choose the detection option, the wizard detects and then queries the modem to configure it. If it cannot detect the modem, it prompts you to select one.

Once the modem has been selected, you can adjust its properties (if necessary), such as the volume for the modem speaker, the time to wait for the remote computer to answer the call, and the maximum speed.

Depending on the type of modem you have, installing and configuring it might vary slightly as follows:

• If you install an internal legacy (non–Plug and Play) modem adapter, its built-in COM port must be configured by using the Add New Hardware Wizard, before it is installed by using the Modems option in Control Panel. In most cases, the Install New Modem Wizard does this automatically for you. 

• If you are using Windows 98 PC Card drivers, Windows 98 will detect and configure PC Card modem cards automatically when they are first inserted. Otherwise, you might need to run the Add New Hardware Wizard in Control Panel to configure the card's built-in COM port. Then install the modem card by using the Modems option in Control Panel. For more information, see Chapter 24, "Device Management." 

Note Before you install a modem, check the Modems section in the Windows 98 Readme.txt for possible information.

To install a modem by using the Modems option in Control Panel

1. In Control Panel, double-click Modems. 

2. If no modem is currently installed on your computer, the Install New Modem Wizard starts automatically to lead you through the steps for installing a modem. Follow the online instructions. 

   – Or – 

   If you are installing a second modem, click Add to start the Install New Modem Wizard. 

In most cases, it is best to let the Install New Modem Wizard detect the modem for you. If it cannot detect the exact manufacturer and model, the wizard picks a standard configuration that is usually compatible. Your modem will still function at its maximum speed and according to factory default settings. A few advanced features, such as enabling and disabling compression, error control, and flow control, might be disabled.

Note This procedure is for both internal and external modems. PC Card modems automatically install when inserted; they require protected-mode PC Card drivers.

For information about installing a modem if your modem is not detected or listed, or about finding a better match than any of the Standard Modem Types, see "Correcting Problems with Modem Installation" later in this chapter.

Windows 98 automatically assigns COM names to communications ports, internal modem adapters, and PC Card modem cards according to their base I/O port addresses, as described in Chapter 24, "Device Management."

Defining Your Location

A location contains information that Dialing Properties uses to analyze telephone numbers in international format and to determine the correct sequence of numbers to be dialed. It need not correspond to a particular geographic location, but it usually does. The first time you set up a modem, the Install New Modem Wizard prompts you for information about the location you will usually be calling from (the default location), including your area code and country code. This information is stored in Dialing Properties, a communications utility that is accessible from all communications applications created for Windows 98, and in the Modems option in Control Panel.

To set dialing location information

• Run the Install New Modem Wizard, and then type the area code and country code information in My Locations. 

  – Or – 

  In Control Panel, double-click Telephony, and type the country code and the area code in My Locations. 

After you install the modem, more specific location information, such as calling card numbers or the number you must dial to access an outside line, can be entered into the My Locations tab in the Dialing Properties dialog box. For more information, see "Using Dialing Properties" later in this chapter.

Setting Modem Properties

In the Modems option in Control Panel, you can change default modem settings.

To view General properties for a modem

1. In Control Panel, double-click Modems, click a modem, and then click the Properties button.

2. View the default settings for the modem that will be used by all applications created for Windows 98. Table 21.1 explains these settings. 

   Table 21 . 1 Default modem settings 

   Option	Description
   Port	A port is either a COM or an LPT port to which an external modem is attached, or a COM port name that identifies an internal or PC Card modem. Windows 98 automatically assigns a port name (COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4) to any device it detects. Usually, the name is adjusted only if you move an external modem from one COM port to another. For PC Card modem cards, the port cannot be changed. The port can also be a virtual infrared COM port.
   Speaker volume	This option sets the volume for the telephone speaker, which broadcasts the dial tone, modem connection, and voices (if applicable) on the other end. To change the volume, move the slider bar to the right or left.
   Maximum speed	This is the speed at which Windows 98 communicates with the modem. It is limited by the CPU speed of the computer and the speed supported by the communications port. Windows 98 selects a conservative default speed so that slower computers do not lose data during transfers. Set the speed lower if the faster rate causes data errors. Set it higher for faster performance if you are using a computer with an 80486 or a Pentium processor. For example, 57,600 might work better than the Windows 98 default setting of 38,400 for v.32bis (14,400 bps) modems on fast computers. If applications report data errors, set a lower speed (for example, change it from 38,400 to 19,200 for v.32bis modems).

Tip If you have a slower computer and an external modem, you can install a 16550A universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART)–based COM port adapter to increase speeds. Some internal modems have an integrated 16550A UART adapter.

To change or view the Connection properties

• In General Properties for your modem, click the Connection tab to display its connection options, which are explained in Table 21.2. 

  Table 21 .2 Modem connection options 

  Option	Description
  Connection preferences	Connection settings usually correspond to what the computer on the other end is using. Therefore, do not change connection settings by using the Modems option in Control Panel. Rather, use a specific tool or application, such as HyperTerminal, to change these settings connection by connection.  Preferences include Data bits, Parity, and Stop bits. For information about these values, see Help.
  Call preferences	Specifies dialing and connections options for connections you make using this modem and port. The following preferences are available:
  	Wait for dial tone before dialing. Clear this option if you are making calls from a country other than where your modem was purchased and your modem fails to properly detect the dial tone.
  	Cancel the call if not connected within. Change the number of seconds listed in this field if it takes a long time to make a connection; for example, this might occur when you are making an international call and there are long delays before the call is connected.
  	Disconnect a call if idle for more than. Change the number of minutes listed in this option if there is no activity on the line; for example, increase the number if you want to stay connected to a computer bulletin board even though there is no activity.

To view or change Advanced Connection properties

• Click Advanced in the Connection properties to display the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box. In this box you can set error control, flow control, and modulation, and audit the modem operations, as explained in Table 21.3. 

  Table 21 .3 Modem advanced connection options 

  Option	Description
  Use error control	Check this option to boost file transfer speeds by eliminating errors caused by noise on a telephone line. This feature is available on most newer modems. When it is enabled, modems sometimes have trouble connecting. If this occurs, clear the check box and try again.
  Required to connect	Check this option when you want your modem to connect with another modem, only if error control is enabled on a call. This is useful in areas with very noisy telephone lines, where connecting at a slower speed can improve data throughput.
  Compress data	Check this option to boost transmission speeds by compressing data between the modems. This feature is available on most modems. When it is enabled, modems sometimes have trouble connecting. If this occurs, clear the check box and try again. Using modem compression can sometimes reduce performance if the data being sent is already compressed by the application.
  Use cellular protocol	Check this option when you want your modem to use special protocols designed to reduce errors over cellular connections. You might want to clear this when making a call on a normal non-cellular telephone line.
  Use flow control	Check this option for all external modems to avoid loss of data. If your modem cable has RTS and CTS wires connected, you can use hardware flow control; otherwise, use software flow control.
  Modulation type	Switches modulation type to be compatible with the modem signals for the computer to which you are trying to connect. Both computers must use the same type of modulation to exchange information successfully.
  Extra settings	Use this field to type modem commands that Windows 98 will include in the initialization sequence that it sends to the modem before dialing. Do not include the "AT" prefix in this box. The option is intended only for debugging purposes and should be used only by experienced modem users.
  Append to log	Windows 98 records commands and responses to and from the modem in a text file in the Windows folder. If the box is not checked, Windows 98 erases the old log and records a new log at the beginning of each call. If the box is checked, Windows 98 appends new call logs to this file. The file name is Modemname.txt, where modemname is the name of the modem in the General tab of the Control Panel Modem option.
  View Log	The modem log is a powerful tool for diagnosing problems, particularly with connection problems. However, the interpretation of the contents of the file requires modem documentation, technical support, and/or experience with modems. The problems diagnosed may be in the local modem, its configuration, the telephone system, the remote modem (for example, the Internet Service Provider's), or in some combination.

You can also click Port Settings in the Connection properties to set Receive Buffer and Transmit Buffer.

Dialing Manually

Windows 98 lets you dial your modem manually if you are having difficulty making an international call or other connection. To do so, you need a separate telephone headset and keypad. You can request manual dialing, using slightly different procedures from within any Windows 98 – based communications applications, such as HyperTerminal or Dial-Up Networking. The following procedure describes how to dial your modem manually by using Dial-Up Networking.

To control modem dialing manually

1. In My Computer, double-click Dial-Up Networking. 

2. Right-click the connection icon you want to change, and then click Properties. 

3. Click Configure, and then click the Options tab. 

4. Select the Operator assisted or manual dial check box, and then click OK. 

5. Connect to the shared resource that uses this connection, or click the icon for this connection in Dial-Up Networking. 

6. Click Connect. 

7. When instructed, pick up the telephone and dial the number. 

8. When you hear the other computer answer, click Connect and hang up the telephone. 

Displaying the Terminal Window

Before or after dialing, you can display a terminal window to type AT modem commands if a connection requires them. A terminal window can be used to log on for security purposes, for establishing connections with servers that require a specific logon procedure, and for other reasons. The following procedure describes this process for Dial-Up Networking.

To display a terminal window before or after dialing

1. In Dial-Up Networking, right-click a connection icon, and then click Properties. 

2. Click Configure, and then click the Options tab. 

3. Select the Bring up terminal window before dialing check box or Bring up terminal window after dialing check box, and then click OK.

Using Hardware Compression

Hardware compression at higher connection speeds is available on most newer modems. For example, V.42bis is an industry standard that allows modems to compress all data sent through them. Compressing the data decreases communication time.

To choose hardware compression

1. In Control Panel, double-click Modems, click Properties, and then click the Connection tab. 

2. Click Advanced, select Use error control, and then click Compress Data. 

Using HyperTerminal

HyperTerminal lets you connect two computers with a modem so you can send and receive files, or connect to computer bulletin boards and other information programs. For example, you can use HyperTerminal to connect to an online service and to download files from a bulletin board on that service. You can also use HyperTerminal to connect a computer directly to another computer, such as a debugging terminal.

You can install HyperTerminal with Custom setup during Windows 98 installation. Select HyperTerminal when selecting components to install. See Chapter 3, "Custom Installations" for more information about custom installations.

To install HyperTerminal after Windows 98 Setup

1. In Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs, and then click the Windows Setup tab. 

2. In the Components list, click Communications, and then click Details. 

3. In the Communications dialog box, click HyperTerminal, and then click OK. 

To start HyperTerminal

1. Click Start, point to Programs, Accessories, and then Communications. 

2. Click HyperTerminal, and then click Hypertrm.exe. 

For more information, see the online Help in HyperTerminal.

File Transfer Protocols

HyperTerminal supports the File Transfer Protocols (FTPs) described in Table 21.4.

Table 21 .4 HyperTerminal File Transfer Protocols 

Protocol	Description
Xmodem	The most common error-correcting data communications protocol. Most communications packages support (and some will only support) Xmodem. This protocol is also supported by most online services. Xmodem is slower than other protocols.
1K Xmodem	A variant of traditional Xmodem, which sends data in 1 KB (1024-byte) blocks instead of 128-byte blocks. On some bulletin boards, this protocol is called Ymodem.
Ymodem	A faster version of Xmodem, transferring data in 1 KB blocks.
Ymodem-G	A variant of Ymodem designed for use with modems that support hardware error control. If you cannot transfer files by using Ymodem-G, your modem might not support error control; use Ymodem instead.
Zmodem	The fastest data transfer protocol and the primary choice of most bulletin-board users. Zmodem dynamically changes its block size based on line conditions, and it is extremely reliable. You can also choose Zmodem with crash recovery.
Kermit	An extremely flexible protocol, found most often on Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) VAX computers, IBM mainframes, and other minicomputers. However, Kermit is quite slow and should not be used if faster options are available on the other computer.

Note You can choose a File Transfer Protocol to use when you send or receive a file by using the Send or Receive File options in the Transfer menu, as described in Help.

Terminal Emulation Types

HyperTerminal supports the following terminal emulation types:

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 

• Minitel (for France) 

• Auto Detect 

• TTY/TDD 

• Viewdata (for the United Kingdom) 

• DEC VT 100 

• VT 52 

To choose a terminal emulation type

1. Right-click a connection icon, and then click Properties. 

2. In the connection's properties, click the Settings tab, and then select the emulation type. 

   Note Some modems might not be able to connect to French Minitel in HyperTerminal using the Windows 98 default settings. To correct this, you need to add an extra command in the Extra settings field in the Advanced Connection Settings dialog box in the modem's properties. Check the modem manual for the command that enables the modem to connect in V.23 modulation to Minitel, and then add this to the Extra settings field. 

Using Phone Dialer

The Phone Dialer application in Windows 98 allows you to use your computer and a modem to dial telephone calls using the calling card and location information defined in Dialing Properties. It also stores frequently dialed numbers, dials stored phone numbers, and logs telephone calls.

You can install Phone Dialer by choosing Custom Setup during Windows 98 installation or by using the following procedure. See Chapter 3, "Custom Installations" for more information about custom installations.

You can also install it after installing Windows 98 by choosing the Add/Remove Programs option in Control Panel.

To install Phone Dialer after Window 98 installation

1. In Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs, and then click the Windows Setup tab. 

2. In the Components list, click Communications, and then click Details. 

3. In the Communications dialog box, click Phone Dialer, and then click OK.

To start Phone Dialer and make a call

1. Click Start, point to Programs, Accessories, Communications, and then click Phone Dialer. 

2. In the Phone Dialer dialog box type a telephone number using either your keyboard or the Phone Dialer numeric keypad.

3. Click Dial. 

When you dial a number with Phone Dialer, the number is automatically stored in a list of your most recently used telephone numbers. All local, domestic long distance, and international telephone numbers are stored when you type all the digits needed to dial in the Number to dial box. You can also store phone numbers as speed-dial numbers.

Important The Number to dial box can hold up to 40 digits. Therefore, you can type a local, domestic long distance, or international long distance telephone number in this text box. The same is true when you create speed-dial numbers.

If you type the area code and local telephone number, Phone Dialer automatically precedes the dialed number with a "1" if you have typed this information in the Area Code Rules properties of the Dialing Properties dialog box. Dialing Properties is a separate communications tool described in "Using Dialing Properties" later in this chapter.

If you type nonnumeric characters (such as a hyphen or a parenthesis) in a telephone number, Phone Dialer ignores them except when you type a plus sign (+) at the beginning of your number, which is international format. If you type a number in international format, you must put parentheses around the area code, for example, +1 (425) 882-8080. For more information, see the online Help in Phone Dialer.

Using Windows 98 Telephony

Computer telephony lets desktop computers interact with telephone hardware. The Microsoft Windows Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI) is an interface that provides a method for applications to support telephone communication easily. Windows 95 shipped with TAPI version 1.4, which provided support for the direct connection to a telephone network, automatic phone dialing, and interfaces for conference calling, voice mail, and caller ID.

Windows 98 supports TAPI version 2.1. In addition to being compatible with previously released versions of TAPI (including TAPI 2.0 in Windows NT version 4.0), TAPI 2.1 gives developers additional extensions for the creation of client/server telephony applications. TAPI helps make Windows 98 a powerful and flexible platform for developing and using computer-telephony integration (CTI) applications. It provides services that allow applications to share a line so that more than one application can wait for an incoming call while another dials out.

Windows 98 includes two TAPI Service Providers, Unimodem V and network driver interface specification wide area network (NDISWAN):

Unimodem V Unimodem V is the TAPI Service Provider available for Windows 95. Support for the following has been added in Windows 98:

• Sierra modems 

• Sparacom modem pooling 

• Denmark support 

• Intel H.324 support 

• Controller-less modems 

NDISWAN NDISWAN interfaces with ISDN cards and the Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP). It acts as a translation layer between TAPI and ISDN. For more information about NDISWAN, see Chapter 29, "Windows 98 Network Architecture."

Using Telephony Dialing Properties

Windows 98 includes a Telephony option in Control Panel from which users can adjust dialing properties and view installed telephony drivers.

The My Locations tab contains the information that was previously found in the Modems option in Windows 95, and the tab is still available from that option. It contains information regarding dialing location. The Telephony Drivers tab lets you identify, install, configure, and remove TAPI Service Providers.

Windows 98 includes the Dialing Properties utility, which enables you to do the following:

• Establish different locations (dialing rules ) depending on where you are dialing from. 

• Define calling card rules that you can use with one or more of your locations. 

The Dialing Properties utility enables you to define different locations from which you dial. For each location, you enter your country code, area code, and other information about the place you are dialing from. You can then dial a number using Dial-Up Networking, and Windows 98 automatically adjusts your dialing string (telephone number) based on the location you are calling from. For example, suppose you commonly dial from three different places:

• Home 

• Office 

• Hotel 

You can create three different locations, and enter area code and other information for each location. Then, whenever you make a dialing location, Dialing Properties automatically adjusts the telephone number based on the place you are calling from.

In Windows 98, you can access Dialing Properties from the following sources:

• From the Tools menu in Phone Dialer. 

• From the Telephony icon in Control Panel. 

• By clicking Dialing Properties when you make a new connection in HyperTerminal. 

See "Using Dialing Properties" later in this chapter for details about setting up dialing properties.

To define a new dialing location

1. In Control Panel, double-click Telephony. 

2. In the My Locations tab, enter the name of your new dialing location, the area code you are dialing from, and other information about your location. Optionally, enter information about your calling card. This information will then be available to any Dial-Up Networking connection that you create. 

To use the dialing location

1. When you define a Dial-Up Networking Connection, make sure that Use area code and dialing properties is selected. 

2. When you dial the connection (described in "Making a Dial-Up Networking Connection" later in this chapter), make sure that you have selected the correct dialing location. 

For more information about Dial-Up Networking, see Chapter 19, "Remote Networking and Mobile Computing."

Making a Dial-Up Networking Connection

After you have defined a remote connection by using the Make New Connection Wizard, you can make a connection.

Note If you selected Use area code and Dialing Properties in the General properties for your connection, Dial-Up Networking automatically adjusts the dialing string (telephone number) according to your dialing location.

To make a Dial-Up Networking Connection

1. In My Computer, double-click Dial-Up Networking. 

2. Double-click My Connection. 

3. Optionally, enter a user name and password. 

4. Optionally, if you selected Use area code and Dialing Properties in the General properties for your connection, in the Dialing from: box, ensure that you have selected the correct dialing location. If necessary, select another dialing location or select Dial Properties to define a new dialing location. 

Installing a Dial-Up Networking Connection

You need an installed and correctly configured modem. If the Dial-Up Networking option is not installed, add it by opening Control Panel and then double-clicking Add/Remove Programs. Click the Windows Setup tab, and then follow the instructions on your screen.

Open the Dial-Up Networking folder in My Computer, and start the Connection Wizard.

Dial-Up Networking uses the Windows 98 communications architecture to communicate through a modem to a network. It initializes the modem, determines device status, and dials the telephone number by using TAPI and the Unimodem driver. For more information about the communications architecture and the Dial-Up Networking architecture, see Chapter 29, "Windows 98 Network Architecture."

A Windows 98 Dial-Up Networking configuration can include the following components:

• The dial-up client. 

• Connection protocols. 

• Local area network (LAN) protocols. 

• The dial-up server. 

• Security options for the dial-up client and server. 

• Hardware and software compression. 

The Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) protocol is a connection protocol installed by default because it has become the standard for remote access because of its flexibility, password encryption security, and compatibility with future client and server hardware and software. If a dial-up client is running PPP, it can connect to a network running the IPX, TCP/IP, or NetBEUI protocol. Windows 98 dial-up clients can use PPP to connect to any remote access server running PPP, including Windows NT Server version 3.5 or later. PPP is the default protocol for the Microsoft Dial-Up Adapter.

Using Dialing Properties

Dialing Properties is a utility integrated with Telephony, Phone Dialer, HyperTerminal, the Internet Connection Wizard, Dial-Up Networking, and other communications applications created for Windows 98. The options you set with Dialing Properties are stored in the registry.

With Dialing Properties, you can do the following:

• Define locations, specifying area code, country code, and in-house dialing rules. 

• Define calling card rules. 

• Define area code rules with 10-digit dialing. 

In Windows 98, you can access Dialing Properties from the following sources:

• From Telephony in Control Panel.

• From the Tools menu in Phone Dialer.

• By clicking Dialing Properties from one of several applications, such as HyperTerminal, MSN, or the Internet Connection Wizard. 

For purposes of discussion, procedures in this section describe accessing Dialing Properties from the Telephony Control Panel applet. The procedures are the same, however, no matter how you access Dialing Properties.

Defining Locations

You can name locations anything you choose to help you remember and select them later. Dialing Properties allows you to add new locations, edit existing locations, and remove locations. For more information, see "Defining Your Location" earlier in this chapter.

To define a location in Dialing Properties

1. In Control Panel, click Telephony. 

   In the My Locations tab, type information about where you are calling from, including the following:

   • Name of your location (for example, home or office). 

   • Name of your country. 

   • Area code. 

   • Access number required to make a local or long distance call. 

   • Whether your telephone has call waiting and whether it should be disabled. 

   • Whether your telephone uses pulse or tone dialing. 

   • Whether you use a calling card to make calls. 

2. If you live in an area that requires 10-digit dialing, click Area Code Rules and specify which area codes do not have to be dialed as long distance. Click OK. 

3. If you want to change calling card information, click Calling Card. For more information about calling cards, see "Defining Calling Card Rules" later in this chapter. 

Defining Calling Card Rules

The calling card contains information that Dialing Properties uses to create the sequence of numbers to be dialed on a particular call. The calling card can include a calling card number that can be dialed at a specified time during call placement. You can choose any name for the calling cards to help you remember them.

Dialing Properties include predefined settings for several popular calling cards, including AT&T, Sprint, MCI, British Telecom, France Telecom Mercury, Telecom New Zealand, and others. You can modify and use these directly. Dialing Properties allows you to add new calling cards, edit existing calling cards, and remove calling cards.

The information stored in a calling card includes the name, the card number, and the dialing rules for local, long distance, and international calls.

To specify that you are using a calling card in Dialing Properties

1. Run Phone Dialer, click the Tools menu, and then click Dialing Properties. 

2. In the My Locations tab, click Calling Card.

3. In the Calling Card dialog box, click your calling card type in the list (for example, AT&T), or click New and type the calling card name. 

4. Type your calling card personal ID number, and then click OK. 

If you are making a calling card telephone call from outside the United States and do not want Windows telephony applications to automatically add a "0" prefix to the number you are calling, precede the telephone number with a different numeric code.

To redefine numbers that automatically precede the phone number

1. In the Calling Card dialog box, click New. 

2. Type the name of the calling card. A dialog box tells you that you must enter dialing "rules" for this calling card. Click OK. 

3. Type the personal ID number. Settings for the card also include the access numbers for long distance calls and international calls, and the calling card sequences. 

Using Integrated Services Digital Network

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is the digital telephone service that works over existing copper telephone wiring. To use ISDN, you need either an ISDN modem or an ISDN adapter. You might also need an NT-1 (the equivalent of the phone jack into which you plug your device) and an ISDN line from your telephone company.

ISDN modems hook up to your computer through a serial port, just as regular modems do. This means that, because a serial port can go no faster than 115 Kbps (which is lower than the total effective bandwidth of the ISDN line), some throughput will be lost if you are using the maximum ISDN bandwidth. An ISDN adapter, which operates at bus speed, provides the higher rate that ISDN needs. With most ISDN modems and adapters, you also need an NT-1. Some ISDN equipment comes with the NT-1 built in.

In addition to the configuration the telephone company must do at their end of your ISDN line, you must do some configuration at your end. You need to know three pieces of information supplied by the telephone company to make your ISDN service work with your Windows 98:

• Switch type 

• Telephone numbers

• Service Profile Identifiers (SPIDs)

Switch type Most ISDN hardware adapters need to know what type of switch they are connected to. The switch type simply refers to the brand of equipment and software revision level that the telephone company uses to provide you with ISDN service. There are only a few types of switches in the world and usually just one in countries other than the United States.

Telephone number The second type of information is your telephone number or numbers. In some cases, each B channel on an ISDN line has its own number, while in other cases both B channels share a single telephone number. (See "Technical Notes on Communications Tools" later in this chapter.) Your telephone company will tell you how many numbers your ISDN line will have. Separate numbers may be useful if you plan to take incoming calls on your ISDN line.

Service Profile Identifier The last type of information is the Service Profile Identifier (SPID), which is used only in the United States and Canada. The SPID usually consists of the telephone number with some additional digits added at the beginning and end. The SPID helps the switch understand what kind of equipment is attached to the line. If multiple devices are attached, it helps route calls to the appropriate device on the line.

ISDN Versus POTS

ISDN is typically supplied by the same company that supplies analog service, also referred to as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). However, ISDN differs from analog telephone service in several ways, including:

• Data transfer rate 

• Available channels per call 

• Availability of service 

• Cost of service 

• Quality of connection 

Data transfer rate ISDN can provide data transfer rates of up to 128 Kbps. These speeds are slower than those of local area networks (LANs) supported by high-speed data communications technology, but faster than those of analog telephone lines. In addition to the difference in data transfer rates, ISDN calls can be set up much faster than analog phone calls. While an analog modem can take up to a minute to set up a connection, you usually can start transmitting data in about two seconds with ISDN. Because ISDN is fully digital, the lengthy handshaking process of analog modems is not required.

Channels POTS provides a single channel, which can carry voice or digital communications, but not both at the same time. ISDN service is available in several configurations of multiple channels that provide simultaneous voice and digital communications. In addition to increasing data throughput, multiple channels eliminate the need for separate voice and data telephone lines.

Availability POTS is generally available throughout the United States. Although increasing in availability, ISDN is not as widely available as POTS.

Cost The cost of ISDN hardware and service is generally higher than for POTS modems and service.

Connection quality ISDN transmits data digitally and, as a result, is less susceptible to static and noise than are analog transmissions. Analog modem connections must dedicate some bandwidth to error correction and retransmission. This overhead reduces the actual throughput. In contrast, an ISDN line can dedicate all its bandwidth to data transmission.

Configuring Windows 98 for ISDN

Windows 98 provides built-in support for ISDN. To connect to the Internet by using ISDN, you need to install and configure the Dial-Up Networking feature in Windows 98.

Before configuring ISDN on a computer running Windows 98, you need the following:

• Installed internal or external ISDN adapter. 

• ISDN telephone line service at the location where you will use Dial-Up networking to connect to the Internet. 

• ISDN telephone line service at the remote location to which you want to connect, usually either your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or a Remote Access Service (RAS) server. 

In general, it is recommended that you also use PPP with ISDN for connections to the Internet. This protocol is the one typically used to access the Internet over dial-up connections. To use PPP, you must have a PPP account with your ISP. If you currently have a Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) account, you should ask your ISP to change the account to PPP.

After you have installed your ISDN adapter and received notice from your telephone company that your ISDN service has been installed, you can configure Windows 98 for your ISDN service.

For more information about ISDN services, see "Technical Notes on Communications Tools" later in this chapter.

To install your ISDN device

1. In Control Panel, double-click Network. 

2. Click Add, and then click Adapter. 

3. Select the appropriate manufacturer and model, and then click OK. 

   Note If your ISDN adapter is Plug and Play–compatible, Windows 98 will automatically install the required support. 

4. The ISDN Configuration Wizard starts automatically. Follow the directions on the screen. The following information needed by the Wizard must be provided by your telephone carrier and ISDN provider.

   Information	Supplied by
   Switch protocol	Telephone company
   Telephone numbers	ISDN provider
   SPID numbers	ISDN provider

After you have configured ISDN on your computer, you can enable PPP Multilink protocol by using the procedure described in the following section.

Enabling Multilink

ISDN increases speed from a single 64 Kbps channel by providing dual-channel support for up to 128 Kbps performance on standard ISDN lines. This dual-channel support is commonly referred to as multilinking. The protocol for multilinking is called PPP Multilink Protocol.

Multilink is available when you have more than one dial-up device (such as two B channels of an ISDN connection). If you have only one dial-up device configured, you will not be able to use Multilink. Multilink depends upon the capabilities of the service or corporate network that you are dialing into in order to function properly. To use Multilink, the answering ISP, online service, or corporate LAN must provide Multilink support.

Dial-Up Networking Multilink combines multiple physical links into a logical "bundle." This aggregate link increases your bandwidth. The most common use is bundling ISDN channels, but you can also bundle two or more modems or a modem and an ISDN line.

Before using Multilink, consider the following issues:

• The server or ISP you connect to must also support PPP Multilink. Otherwise, Multilink will not function correctly. 

• You can use the Multilink protocol feature only when your computer is configured with multiple devices that can be combined to form the logical PPP pipe over the communication link.

• For best performance, the devices you use should function at the same speed. 

• When you combine both B channels under ISDN, you cannot use your second channel for other applications, such as fax or voice calls. 

• If you are dialing a server that is configured to call you back for security purposes, that server will call only one telephone line. If you are using ISDN, you can solve this problem by configuring both ISDN lines with the same telephone number. 

Example You can provide up to 128 Kbps wire speeds on a single ISDN-BRI line by combining the two B channels. Each B channel provides a 64 Kbps line, and the two combined achieve speeds of up to 128 Kbps. You can also combine an analog line with an ISDN line to increase bandwidth.

To configure Multilink

1. Double-click My Computer. 

2. Double-click Dial-Up Networking. 

3. Double-click Make New Connection if this is a first-time connection. Define the connection to the dial-up service you want to use. Double-click the icon that represents your new connection in the Dial-up Networking folder. For more information about creating a new Dial-up Connection, see Chapter 19, "Remote Networking and Mobile Computing." 

   – Or – 

   Right-click the existing connection that you want to configure for Multilink. 

4. Click Properties, and then click the Multilink tab. 

5. Click Use Additional Devices. 

6. Click Add, and then specify the devices to bundle to form the multilink connection. 

   Use the Add, Remove, and Edit buttons to change the list of additional devices. You can enter a different telephone number for each device, and both numbers will be stored. If you subsequently change the telephone number for the connection icon, the numbers associated with additional devices on this page will not change. 

Using Multilink

After configuring your additional devices, you are ready to dial your Multilink connection. When you dial the connection, Dial-Up Networking dials the primary number of the primary device specified for the connection. Once the first connection has been established, Dial-Up Networking dials the other devices specified in the Additional Devices list.

Once the connections are established, you can view status information about the link by double-clicking the communicating computers icon displayed in the taskbar, or you can disconnect.

Note Using Multilink with two modems requires that both modems be connected to separate telephone lines. Communication will be at the highest common connect speed. For example, if you have modems with baud rates of 14.4 and 28.8, the highest speed you can use is 14.4.

The status information includes the number of bytes sent and received, the network protocols negotiated for use on the connection, and additional devices. When you select an additional device, a Suspend or Resume button is displayed. If a Suspend button is displayed, the device is in use and bundled into the multilink connection. Clicking Suspend disconnects that line and removes it from the bundled connections.

If the Resume button is displayed, click it to dial that connection and add that line to the bundle. You can suspend and resume individual links without dropping the connection.

To use Multilink

• After you have configured Multilink, click the connection icon and click Connect. Dial-Up Networking will connect using the primary device and then the secondary device. 

To view information about your link

1. Click the Dial-Up Networking icon displayed on the taskbar. 

2. In the dialog box, click Details. 

Technical Notes on Communications Tools

This section provides further information about Windows 98 communications tools.

Windows Telephony API

The Windows Telephony API (TAPI) is an important part of the Windows Open System Architecture (WOSA). TAPI lets developers of virtually any skill level create powerful, easy-to-use, and effective telephony applications. TAPI provides full client/server telephony, and is open, comprehensive, scalable, and integrated.

Open TAPI was defined with substantial, ongoing input from the telephony and computing industries from all over the world, so it is truly an open industry standard. TAPI-compatible applications can be run on a wide variety of personal computer and telephony hardware and can support a variety of network services.

Comprehensive TAPI supports many telephony features. A developer can program telephone capabilities into most general-purpose applications. TAPI supports Unicode, so it is easier to make applications work globally. In addition, it integrates call control and other WOSA elements. With Active Controls for telephony provided by a variety of vendors, corporate developers can put together powerful telephony applications.

Scalable With TAPI, you can have CTI applications that are affordable for one person or can scale to support thousands, because TAPI supports the widest array of call models. With TAPI you can run several telephony applications simultaneously on a client or server computer, unlike with other competitive APIs.

Integrated TAPI is tightly integrated with Windows 98.

Telephony Drivers from Other Vendors

There are several ways to add telephony drivers from other vendors, if necessary. Some telephony drivers work over the network and consist of software only. If this is the case, the software can be installed through the Add/Remove Programs option in Control Panel.

Hardware drivers can be installed through the Add New Hardware option in Control Panel, unless the hardware requires its own class installer. In this case, the hardware should come with a standard Setup program to install it.

Integrated Services Digital Network

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is the digital telephone service that works over existing copper telephone wiring. There are several types of ISDN service, but the most appropriate type for individual computer users—and the type that this section focuses on—is the ISDN Basic Rate Interface (BRI).

Basic Rate ISDN divides the telephone line into 3 digital channels: 2 B channels and one D channel, all of which can be used simultaneously. The B channels are used to transmit data, at rates of 64 Kbps or 56 Kbps (depending on your telephone company). The D channel does the administrative work, such as setting up and terminating the call and communicating with the telephone network. With two B channels, you can make two calls simultaneously.

Most of the world's existing telephone network is already digital. The only section that typically is not digital runs from the local exchange to your house or office. ISDN makes that final leg of the network digital.

Unlike analog telephone service, ISDN service is not yet available everywhere. Your telephone company must have installed the necessary equipment in the central office that serves you.

Provisioning is a telephone company term for the configuration of your line on the telephone company's end. A normal analog telephone line comes with a few options, such as Call Waiting or Caller ID, but it is not necessary to choose any of them. An ISDN line, on the other hand, has many, many options, and choices for all of them must be defined in order for the line to function.

In addition to the configuration the telephone company must do at their end of your ISDN line, there is also some configuration you must do at your end. You need to know three pieces of information supplied by the telephone company to make your ISDN service work with Windows 98:

• Switch type 

• Telephone numbers (also known as directory numbers) 

• Service Profile Identifiers (SPIDs)

Most ISDN hardware adapters need to know what type of switch they are connected to. The switch type simply refers to the brand of equipment and software revision level that the telephone company uses to provide you with ISDN service. There are only a few types of switches in the world and usually just one in countries other than the United States.

The second type of information is your phone number or numbers. In some cases, each B channel on an ISDN line has its own number, while in other cases both B channels share a single phone number. Your telephone company will tell you how many numbers your ISDN line will have. Separate numbers may be useful if you plan to take incoming calls on your ISDN line.

The last type of information is the Service Profile Identifier (SPID), which is only used in the United States and Canada. The SPID usually consists of the phone number with some additional digits added to the beginning and end. The SPID helps the switch understand what kind of equipment is attached to the line, and if there are multiple devices attached, helps route calls to the appropriate device on the line.

Internal and External ISDN Adapters

There are two types of ISDN hardware adapters: internal and external. Internal ISDN adapters are cards that you put inside your computer. External adapters connect though a port on the back of your computer.

These ports impose certain limitations. Most personal computer serial ports will not transmit information faster than 115 Kbps, which is less than ISDN's maximum data speed of 128 Kbps. These serial ports impose overhead on the transfer of information between the computer and the external adapter, further slowing data speeds. An external ISDN modem can impact the performance of your system, because an external adapter places heavy requirements on the CPU. To use an external ISDN adapter, it is recommended you have a 486/66 MHz or faster processor.

There are also potential interoperability issues with external adapters, because higher level protocols like PPP or authentication are implemented in the modem itself. These protocols are evolving quickly and can be difficult to update in the modem should you want to install new protocols or fix bugs.

U and S/T Interfaces

Once you have ISDN service, you need to know which ISDN interface your equipment expects. There are two ISDN interfaces. The U-Interface carries ISDN signals over a single pair of wires between your location and the central office. This interface is designed to carry ISDN signals over long distances. The Subscriber/Termination (S/T) Interface uses two pairs of wires to deliver the signal from the wall jack to your ISDN adapter or other ISDN equipment.

Some ISDN adapters sold in North America connect directly to a U-Interface. If the computer is the only equipment to be connected to an ISDN line, this type of adapter is the easiest to install.

Wiring and Jacks

ISDN service from the phone company officially ends at what is called the demarcation point ("demarc"), usually just inside the building. You are responsible for the "inside wiring" from the demarc to your ISDN equipment, including the wall jacks. Direct wiring between the ISDN wall jack and the demarc (also known as a "home run") is recommended. The telephone company or an electrical contractor will install and maintain the inside wiring for an additional charge.

If you are just connecting your personal computer to the ISDN line, the wiring requirements may be very simple. Many homes and offices are wired with extra sets of telephone wires, and one of those sets can be used for your ISDN line. There are a number of possible wiring pitfalls, however:

• Your "extra" wires may already be in use for analog line(s). 

• Your "extra" wires may already be in use to power lighted phone buttons. 

• Your "extra" wires may not be connected directly to the demarc. 

• The wiring may be daisy-chain rather than home-run. 

For more information on wiring issues, consult your telephone company or an electrical contractor.

The NT-1 (Network Termination 1) is a device that is required to connect ISDN terminal equipment to an ISDN line. The NT-1 connects to the two-wire line that your telephone company has assigned for your ISDN service. Your ISDN service will not work if the NT-1 plug is not connected to a working electrical outlet.

Two types of jacks are associated with ISDN:

• RJ11 — the standard analog phone jack. The RJ11 has 4 wires. The wire from the wall to the NT-1 usually has RJ11 jacks.

• RJ45 — a jack is slightly wider than the RJ11, with 8 wires. The wire from the NT-1 to the ISDN adapter usually has RJ45 jacks.

Connecting Multiple Devices to an ISDN Line

It is possible to connect up to eight devices to a single ISDN line. These devices can include network routers and bridges, Group 4 ISDN fax machines, and ISDN telephones, as well as traditional analog telephone devices. ISDN is intelligent enough to arbitrate the use of the two B channels between these devices (up to two devices can be in use simultaneously) and route incoming calls to the appropriate device.

Instead of connecting the ISDN line to a single computer, it is possible to connect an ISDN line to a LAN so that all the computers on the LAN can share the ISDN line. This requires an ISDN network bridge or router.

It is also possible to connect several ISDN devices to a single ISDN line. For example, you might wish to have an ISDN adapter in your computer, an ISDN telephone for voice calls, and a Group 4 ISDN fax machine, all connected to the same ISDN line. Incoming data calls would go to the personal computer, voice calls to the telephone, and fax calls to the fax machine. To support this configuration, you need an NT-1 that supports multiple S/T Interface connections. Each device must be connected to the NT-1. Each device also needs its own SPID to ensure that the telephone company can route calls to the appropriate device.

In addition to ISDN devices, some NT-1s or ISDN adapters also support analog telephone devices, such as telephones, data modems, Group 3 fax machines, and answering machines. The NT-1 or the ISDN adapter converts the analog signal into ISDN and vice versa.

Connection Quality

Because ISDN is a digital service, it is sensitive to outside interference, and certain factors affect the quality of ISDN connections to the telephone network and the Internet. The computer connecting to the ISDN line must be within a given distance of the telephone company's central office equipment that serves the computer for the ISDN connection to work. The maximum distance allowed between the computer and the central telephone office is typically 18,000 feet. Additionally, ISDN connections can be adversely affected by telephone lines that are not wired using twisted-pair wiring.

The most appropriate type of service for small Internet Information Server sites is ISDN-Basic Rate Interface (ISDN-BRI). The most appropriate type of service for medium to large Internet Information Server sites is ISDN-Primary Rate Interface (ISDN-PRI).

ISDN - Basic Rate Interface ISDN-BRI divides the telephone line into three digital channels: two bearer channels, commonly referred to as B channels, and one D channel. All three channels can be used simultaneously. The B channels can be used to send voice, circuit-switched data, or packet-switched data at rates of 56 Kbps to 64 Kbps. The maximum available transfer rate is determined by your local telephone company. The B channels function independently of one another. They can be used simultaneously for separate calls or combined to provide a total bandwidth of 128 Kbps. The D channel can transfer data at 16 Kbps and is used for signaling and control information sent between the computer and the telephone office. D channel signaling provides such functions as call setup, call monitoring, call termination, and enhanced telephony features.

When using ISDN-BRI, it is possible to perform several types of connections. For example, it is possible to have a voice conversation on one B channel, a circuit-switched data call on the second B channel, and a packet-switched data call on the D channel. The D channel can simultaneously complete all necessary signaling and call control functions.

ISDN - Primary Rate Interface The U.S. standard for ISDN-PRI consists of 24 digital channels: 23 B channels and 1 D channel, commonly referred to as a 23 B+D connection. ISDN-PRI provides a total bandwidth of 1.544 megabits per second (Mbps) and is designed for transmission over a North American - standard T1 line connection.

The European standard for ISDN-PRI provides a total of 31 or 32 digital channels. Each of these channels is a 64 Kbps B channel, except for one that is the D channel for the entire group. In Europe, ISDN-PRI is designed for transmission over a European-standard E1 line connection. A PRI D channel can be used to control one or multiple T1 or E1 lines.

Ordering ISDN Service

ISDN is a powerful but complex service and is not yet available throughout the United States. For this reason, getting ISDN can sometimes be confusing or frustrating. Microsoft provides an online service that can guide you through the ordering process. This service and useful information is available for computers running Windows-based operating systems. This service can simplify and streamline the process of getting ISDN for your Windows-based computer by helping you:

• Identify which telephone companies offer ISDN. Most but not all telephone companies offer this service. 

• Check whether the necessary ISDN equipment has been installed in your area.

• Learn about the ISDN service options and pricing in your area. 

• Send an electronic order for ISDN to your telephone company.

• Automatically tell the telephone company how to configure your ISDN line. 

To use this online service, connect to the Microsoft World Wide Web site at https://www.microsoft.com/windows/getisdn/ .

Note Even if the right equipment is installed in your area, ISDN may not be available. To determine whether your particular wiring supports ISDN, your telephone company must perform what is known as a line qualification.

Windows 98 Architecture Support for ISDN

Support for ISDN is a built-in feature of Windows 98. ISDN requires Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), which Windows 98 fully supports. PPP is an industry standard that enables Windows 98 – based computers to support remote access networking in multi-vendor networks.

Troubleshooting Modems and Communications Tools

This section describes how to solve problems with installing modems, making connections, and using applications to access the modem. Windows 98 provides a troubleshooting aid for modems in online Help. Windows 98 captures call control information in a log file, for troubleshooting connections.

Try using online Help for troubleshooting before trying the steps included in this section. In addition, a general modem diagnostic tool is located in the Modems option in Control Panel. It provides information about each modem or COM port that has been configured on the computer.

This section also includes troubleshooting information for ISDN.

To use the Modems Diagnostics Tool

1. In Control Panel, double-click Modems, and then click the Diagnostics tab. 

2. In Diagnostics Properties, click Driver to find out which communications driver is installed. For these applications, the driver should be Comm.drv. If a different driver is listed and you are having problems with using Win16-based applications, the driver is probably the cause.

3. In Diagnostics Properties, click More Info to make sure Windows 98 can communicate with the modem. Clicking this button causes Windows 98 to send commands to and read responses from the modem, and then to display information about the modem and its COM port.

   The Port Information box displays the following information:

   • The interrupt request (IRQ) and I/O address of the modem's COM port. These should match the physical configuration of the port or modem adapter.

   • The UART type of COM port, for example, 8250 or 16550A. Notice that 16550A UART ports can sustain faster connection speeds with fewer errors. 

   • The highest port speed supported by the modem. Never set the modem's speed higher than the speed listed here.

   The Modem Information box displays the modem's responses to various AT commands that Windows 98 previously sent to it. Some modems return a response that indicates their make and model. This can help you select the correct modem if the Install New Modem Wizard did not detect it correctly. Notice that many modems return ERROR for some AT commands. This means that the modem does not support that particular AT command.

Tip You can access the Windows 98 Modems Troubleshooter by clicking Help.

Windows 98 helps you identify modem problems by recording modem commands and responses in a text file, as described in "Setting Modem Properties" earlier in this chapter. This log file always contains a log of the most recent call, and, if the Append a Log File option is checked, it records successive calls in the same log file. The file name consists of the name of the modem as displayed in the Modem applet of the Control Panel with a .txt extension. For example, if the modem is called Modem1, the name of the log file is Modem1.txt.

Correcting Problems with Modem Installation

This section describes situations that can interfere with installation of a modem and how to fix them.

Modem detection is incorrect. 

If Windows 98 detects your modem as a Standard Modem Type or incorrectly detects its make and model, use the Change button in the Install New Modem Wizard to make a different selection. However, if you manually select an incorrect type, your modem may not work with Windows 98 communications features. If this happens, double-click Modems in Control Panel, remove the modem, and then add it as one of the Standard Modem Types.

Windows 98 will use your modem with its factory default settings if you have configured it as a Standard modem. The modem will make optimal high-speed connections with Windows 98 communications features. However, you will not be able to adjust some of the modem's settings, such as those for speaker volume and cellular protocols.

You can also specify a location to load the drivers from by inserting the disk that came with your modem, and from the Install New Modem Wizard, click the Have disk button. Select your modem from the list.

Your Racal modem does not respond. 

If you have a Racal modem, do not use detection in the Install New Modem Wizard. Instead, click Don't detect my modem, and then pick one of the Standard Modem Types. If you have already run detection and your modem is not responding, turn the modem off and then back on again.

Your Minitel modem (France) does not connect. 

Some modems may not be able to connect to French Minitel in HyperTerminal if you use the Windows 98 default settings.

Check your modem manual for a command that will enable your modem to connect in V.23 modulation to Minitel.

To reset your modem to connect to French Minitel

1. In Control Panel, double-click Modems, click the name of your modem, and then click Properties. 

2. Click the Connection tab, and then click Advanced. 

3. In the Extra Settings box, type the correct command. 

Modem detection may start AutoRun CDs. 

On some computers, running modem detection may start the CD AutoRun application.

PC Card Power Management Modem not found or not ready. 

When PC Card Power Management is enabled, some PC Card modems require an extra delay before they are ready. If you encounter this with your PC Card modem, the symptom is that it may not work when you try to use it, but it works if you try again right away.

To increase the delay, use the following procedure.

Caution Before modifying any registry values, always back up your system. See "Backing Up and Recovering the Registry" in Chapter 31, "Windows 98 Registry." If you use Registry Editor to change values in the registry, you will not be warned if any entry is incorrect. Editing the registry directly by using Registry Editor can cause errors in loading hardware and software, and can prevent users from being able to log on to the computer.

1. Click Start, click Run, and then type regedit. 

2. Go to the \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \System \CurrentControlSet \Services\Class\Modem subkey. 

3. Click the key for the modem that you are trying to use. 

4. To add a key in the root of the modem, click the Edit menu, and then point to New. 

5. Click DWORD Value, and create a DWord named ConfigDelay. 

6. Set the value equal to "3000" for a three-second delay. 

The Install New Modem Wizard detects the modem as a Standard Modem Type. 

This does not indicate a problem. Rather, it means that Windows 98 was unable to detect the exact make and model of a modem. Most communications applications work correctly with the standard modem; that is, you can successfully make connections using the modem's factory default settings. However, advanced control of some features, such as speaker volume, error control (for example, V.42 protocol), and compression (for example, V.42bis protocol) will be disabled in the modem's properties.

If you do not want to use the standard modem, you can run the Install New Modem Wizard to select a specific type of modem similar to the modem you are using. If you specify another, similarly named model from the same manufacturer — for example, if you configure the modem as a Practical Peripherals PM9600HC when a Practical Peripherals PM9600FX modem is actually installed — Windows 98 usually treats the models as being identical, and the specified configuration will probably work well.

To determine whether other modem models are compatible with the one you are using, check the modem manual. Many modems are compatible with Hayes, Microcom, Rockwell, or U.S. Robotics models.

You can also use the disk that came with the modem to install the modem drivers by clicking the Have disk button in the Install Wizard.

The Install New Modem Wizard did not detect any new modems. 

Take the following steps:

• Make sure the modem does not already appear in the list of installed modems. Windows 98 will not redetect already installed modems. 

• Make sure no other programs are running that might be using the modem or its COM port. 

• If the modem is external, check the connection between it and your computer, and reset it by turning it off and on again. If the modem's power was turned off, turn it on and run modem detection again. 

• If the modem is internal, make sure that its built-in COM port has been configured properly in Device Manager in the System option in Control Panel. If it does not appear, run the Add New Hardware Wizard to allow Windows 98 to detect and configure it. 

• Make sure the modem's COM port is active and has a correct IRQ by checking its Resources configurations in Device Manager, in the System option in Control Panel. Make sure the IRQ does not conflict with one in use by another device. For details, see Chapter 24, "Device Management." 

• Make sure the modem is not listed under Other Devices. 

If the Install New Modem Wizard still does not detect a modem, there is probably a problem with the port, the cable, or the modem itself. Try the modem with another computer, if possible.

You cannot install a PC Card modem. 

If you are using a PC Card modem for your Dial-Up Networking connection to the Internet and have not yet installed the modem, you may have to enable Windows 98 PC Card socket support before running the Internet Setup Wizard.

To enable PC Card socket support

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel. 

2. Double-click the PC Card icon to start the PC Card Wizard, and then follow the instructions on your screen. 

If you cannot find the PC Card icon, you may need to install the PC Card drivers.

The Install New Modem Wizard does not detect PC Card modem drivers. 

If the Windows 98 PC Card drivers are loaded, Windows 98 should automatically detect and configure a PC Card modem when it is installed. Use the Add New Hardware option in Control Panel to check the configuration of a PC Card socket driver.

If the Windows 98 PC Card drivers are not being used, the modem card must be configured as a COM port before the Install New Modem Wizard can detect and configure it as a modem.

To detect and configure a PC Card modem when Windows 98 PC Card drivers are not used

1. Configure the modem according to the instructions that came with your original PC Card driver software. 

2. Run the Add New Hardware Wizard to detect and configure the card as a COM port.

3. Run the Install New Modem Wizard to detect and configure the card as a modem. 

Correcting Problems with Modem Connections

This section describes basic steps for troubleshooting modem connections and explains specific communications errors or problems and how to correct them.

The modem will not dial or will not answer. 

If your modem is not set up correctly, communications features might not function properly. The following procedures list steps in verifying the correct operation of your modem and the Windows 98 communications subsystem.

Because some communications programs designed for Windows 3.1 install incompatible driver files, which can cause COM ports and modems to stop working, start by verifying that the correct Windows 98 files are being loaded.

To verify that the required communications files are present

1. Verify file sizes and dates of Comm.drv and Serial.vxd in the System directory against the original versions from the Windows 98 floppy disks or compact disc. 

2. Confirm that the following lines are present in System.ini: 

   [boot]
   

comm.drv=comm.drv [386enh] device=*vcd

3. To revert to the default communications drivers for Windows 98, delete communications port entries in Device Manager.

4. Run the Add New Hardware Wizard in Control Panel to detect and install the Windows 98 drivers.

Note Windows 98 does not load the Serial.vxd driver in System.ini. Rather, Windows 98 loads it on demand by using the registry. Also, there is no corresponding file for the *vcd entry in System.ini. This is an internal file built into Vmm32.vxd.

To verify the modem configuration by using the Modems option in Control Panel

1. In Control Panel, double-click Modems. 

2. In General properties, verify that the manufacturer and model for your modem are correct. If not, you might have changed the modem and failed to reconfigure it. In this case, run the Install New Modem Wizard to detect the modem, and confirm it with the current registry configuration. 

3. If your modem does not appear in the list of installed modems, click Add, and then select the appropriate modem.

4. If the manufacturer and model are not correct and are not available from the list, try the Hayes-compatible option or the Standard Modem Types driver option, set to the maximum speed supported by the modem. Click OK.

5. Try removing any other modem entries in the list to eliminate any conflicts. 

To verify that the modem is enabled by using the System option in Control Panel

1. In Control Panel, double-click System. 

2. Click the Device Manager tab, click a modem from the list, and then click Properties.

To verify that the port is correct by using the Modems option in Control Panel

1. In General Properties, click a modem, and then click Properties.

2. In General Properties for that modem, verify that the listed port is correct. If it is not, select the correct port. Click OK. 

3. Select the Diagnostic tab, highlight the modem, and then click the More Info button. This will verify the system can communicate with the modem. 

To determine if a serial port's I/O address and IRQ settings are properly defined by using the System option in Control Panel

1. Click the Device Manager tab, click Ports, and then click a specific port (such as COM2). 

2. Click Properties, and then click the Resources tab to display the current resource settings (IRQ and I/O) for that port. To find the correct settings, consult the modem manual. 

3. In the Resources properties, check the Conflicting Devices List to see if the modem is using resources in conflict with other devices. 

4. If the modem is in conflict with other devices, click Change Setting, and then click a Basic Configuration that does not cause resource conflicts. 

Note Interrupt (IRQ) conflicts are common when using a modem on COM1 and a serial mouse on COM3. Usually, COM1 and COM3 ports use the same IRQ, meaning that they cannot be used simultaneously on most computers. The COM2 and COM4 ports may also use the same IRQ. If possible, change the COM3 or COM4 port to an IRQ setting that is not in conflict.

Also, some display adapters (especially S3, 8514A and ATI mach8) have an address conflict with COM4 ports. You can work around this by using another COM port or replacing your display adapter.

Click System in the Control Panel, and then click Device Manager to see how Ports (COM and LPT) are currently assigned.

To check the port settings by using the Modems option in Control Panel

1. Click a modem in the list box, and then click Properties.

2. Click the Connection tab to check the current port settings, such as bits per second (speed), data bits, stop bits, and parity.

3. Click Advanced to check error control and flow control. If you are using Win16-based applications, turn off these advanced features.

4. Verify the UART type. 

   Data transmission problems can occur if a speed greater than 9600 is selected on a computer not equipped with a 16550 UART, or when performing other tasks during a file download. If problems or errors occur during transmission, try lowering the speed. Attempting to use speeds greater than 9600 on computers equipped with 8250 or 16450 UARTs will probably result in dropped characters. 

To check the modem speed by using the Modems option in Control Panel

1. Click a modem in the list box, and click Properties. 

2. In General Properties, check the speed to make sure it is not set too high for either the modem or computer. Lower speeds might work, especially when using an older, slower computer.

3. Click Only Connect At This Speed if it is not already selected.

Tip To optimize communications performance, you can set the speed higher if your computer has an 80486 or a Pentium processor.

To disable hardware flow control if your modem cable does not support it

1. In Control Panel, double-click Modems, click a modem in the list box, and then click Properties. 

2. Click the Connection tab, and then click Advanced. 

3. If a check appears in the Use Flow Control check box, click the box to clear it. 

To remove VxDs from other vendors that might be interfering with modem operation

• Use MSConfig to search for and comment out (type a semicolon as the first character of the line) any related entries in the System.ini file. When commenting out a line in System.ini, it is useful to add a comment line noting this. For more information about MSConfig, see Chapter 27, "General Troubleshooting." 

The initialization (dialing) string is improper for the modem. 

If the modem will not pick up the line and dial, the problem might be due to an improper initialization string. Typically, the manufacturer's recommended dial command string is loaded from the corresponding modem INF file; however, if your modem driver is not available and you select a compatible modem, the dial command string might not work correctly. Try using the Standard Modem Types option, and retest the modem dialing the selected number.

The modem repeatedly drops the connection. 

Take the following actions:

• Check for a bad or loose serial cable to the modem. If all connections are tight, test for a faulty cable by replacing it with a working cable, and retest the modem communications.

• Check the connection between the RJ-11 telephone outlet and the modem. Verify that the connection is firmly plugged in and well connected. 

• Try using a different telephone line. If you have ruled out other factors, consistent modem errors might be due to problems in the telephone line used for communication. 

• Disable call waiting, if it is in use. The call waiting feature can interfere with remote connections and file transfers. If you use this feature regularly, disable it only temporarily, when the modem is in use. 

• Check communications with the host computer. The communications problems might be due to the host computer not connecting or repeatedly dropping the line. 

• Try using a lower speed in Modem Properties, in the Modems option in Control Panel. 

The COM ports remain in Device Manager after the modem has been removed. 

After you have installed an internal modem and assigned it to a COM port that does not physically exist on your computer, the port appears in Device Manager. After removing this adapter, you might also need to manually remove the port in Device Manager, as described in Chapter 24, "Device Management."

You are unable to dial international calls.

Windows 98 allows you to set specific modem properties that assist you when making international calls over your modem. You set these properties in Dial-Up Networking, Dialing Properties, and in Modems Properties.

To check location and calling card settings

1. In Control Panel, double-click Telephony. 

2. In the My Locations properties, verify that your calling location and calling card settings are correct.

To disable dial tone detection if your modem fails to detect a dial tone

• In Control Panel, double-click Modems, click the Connection tab, and then clear the check box next to Wait for dial tone before dialing. 

To increase the time between dialing if connections are taking a long time

• In Control Panel, double-click Modems, click the Connection tab, and then increase the number of seconds in the Cancel the Call If Not Connected Within option. 

To control modem dialing manually, see "Dialing Manually" earlier in this chapter. To display a terminal window to type AT commands before or after dialing, see "Displaying the Terminal Window" earlier in this chapter.

Correcting Problems with Modem Access Through Applications

This section describes troubleshooting problems with applications using a modem.

You cannot send or receive binary files by using HyperTerminal. 

Take the following actions:

• Make sure that both computers are using the same file transfer protocol (Xmodem, 1K Xmodem, Ymodem, Ymodem-G, Zmodem, or Kermit). 

• If you are using the Ymodem-G file transfer protocol, ensure that your modem supports hardware error control. If it does not, try using Ymodem instead. 

• If you are trying to use an alternative protocol (such as Kermit) and you encounter transmission errors, try Xmodem instead. Most communications packages, bulletin boards, and online services support Xmodem.

• If a session is open, HyperTerminal does not recognize when a PC Card modem is inserted. 

• When receiving a file, HyperTerminal does not know if the disk is full. 

• To use the CTRL keys for Cut, Copy, and Paste in HyperTerminal, you need to use Windows keys instead of Terminal keys. To change this setting, in HyperTerminal, click the Settings tab. 

• In File Transfer, HyperTerminal does not send files with attributes marked as System or Hidden. 

You cannot dial with Phone Dialer. 

Take the following actions:

• In the Dialing Properties dialog box, make sure your area code and country code are correct. 

• Under the Tools menu, select Connect Using and verify that the modem you are dialing out with is selected. 

• For each access number you want to use for calling out, specify at least the country code, area code, and telephone number. 

• Verify basic modem and port configurations. 

Win16-based applications cannot access the modem, but MS-DOS-based or Windows 98–based applications can. 

Make sure the communications driver for Windows 3.1–based applications in the System.ini file is Comm.drv. Some applications replace this driver for various reasons.

MS-DOS-based applications cannot access the modem (especially a PC Card modem), but all Windows-based applications can.

Take the following actions:

• If possible, adjust the IRQ setting in the MS-DOS-based application according to the application's documentation. 

• If the MS-DOS-based application's IRQ settings cannot be adjusted, adjust the IRQ settings for the modem COM port as described earlier in this section. 

Errors occur during MS-DOS-based applications communications sessions, especially file transfers. 

Increase the COMxBuffer setting in the [386Enh] section of System.ini. The default value is 128 bytes.

Correcting Problems with Integrated Services Digital Network

To connect through ISDN, you must specify a telephone number for each channel you request when requesting more than two. For example, if you request three channels, you must specify three telephone numbers (separated by colons, with no spaces). Insert the telephone numbers in the Phone number box in the Basic tab, as you would when adding, editing, or cloning any other entry — for example:

555-1234:555-1234:555-5678 

If you request four channels, specify four telephone numbers — for example:

555-1234:555-1234:555-5678:555-5678 

Note If there are more channels specified than telephone numbers given, the extra channels will attempt to use the last number. For this reason you can use one number for a two-channel call, because ISDN lines normally support two channels each. However, some ISDN telephone companies require a unique number for each channel. Check with your ISDN provider.

ISDN fails to connect. 

When you dial through ISDN and fail to connect, the error message "No answer" appears. This message means one of several things may be wrong:

• The remote access server does not answer because it is turned off or the modem is not connected. 

• The line is busy. 

• There is a problem with your hardware. Make sure your ISDN cards have been installed and configured correctly. 

• A poor line condition, such as too much static, interrupted your connection. Wait a few minutes and try dialing again. 

• You did not enable line-type negotiation in the ISDN Settings dialog box, and a connection could not be made with the line type you chose in the dialog box. 

• Your ISDN switching facility may be busy. Try again later. 

Check for any of these potential problems. When you have solved the problem, redial the number.

Your ISDN adapter can support only a single channel. 

Not all ISDN adapters can support more than one channel. Read the documentation included with your adapter to identify whether your ISDN adapter can support Multilink PPP.

Your ISDN line is not set up for dual-channel connections. 

When you have your ISDN line installed, you may need to specify to your ISDN provider that you need support for two channels on your line. This is not always the default configuration from an ISDN provider.

Your ISDN adapter settings are not correct. 

With most ISDN adapters that can support Multilink PPP, you must change the settings to enable dual-channel capabilities. Use the documentation included with your adapter to identify which settings to use for Multilink PPP. Then you can change the settings using the following steps.

1. In Control Panel, double-click Modems.

2. Click the ISDN adapter you are using, and then click Properties.

3. Click the Connection tab, and then click Advanced.

4. In the Extra Settings box, type the dual-channel settings for your ISDN adapter. You can find these settings in the documentation for your adapter.

The two ISDN channels are connected to different access boxes. 

Internet access numbers sometimes have more than one access box to handle a large number of incoming calls at once. Sometimes, when you connect with two channels, the channels get separated into two different access boxes. This situation is called straddling. When straddling occurs, your second channel might not make a connection. And in some cases, your adapter might not make a connection at all. If this happens, you must wait and try your connection again later.

The telephone numbers for your adapter are not configured correctly. 

ISDN lines usually come configured with two telephone numbers. When you use dual-channel ISDN, your adapter uses only one telephone number. The second number might be the reason your second line is not connecting. This problem is especially common with the 3Com Impact adapter running firmware version 2.02. If you think the second telephone number might be the problem, try reconfiguring your adapter to use only one of your ISDN numbers.

Drivers are not supported in Windows 98. 

ISDN drivers from the ISDN version 1.0 Accelerator Pack are not supported in Windows 98. Contact your ISDN adapter's manufacturer if you require updated drivers. For a list of known vendor drivers that work with ISDN 1.1 included with Windows 98, see https://www.microsoft.com .

Additional Resources 

For more information about	See this resource

ISDN	https://www.microsoft.com/windows/getisdn/