Jahbulon
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Posted - 2003.07.08 10:16:00 -
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I've been using a 56k modem to play, and found that I kept keep getting disconnected randomly, or - even more mysteriously - when docking, undocking, gating or when my local area of space is very busy. I also couldn't get the music to work without it being very choppy, which also led to it disconnecting. Cumulatively, this made the game unplayable for more than 10 mins at a time.
I had this problem to a lesser extend on Earth & Beyond as well, and couldn't figure out what was wrong - hardware easily within the recommended specs, all drivers present and correct, internet connection works fine for web browsing and so forth. Phone line fine, DUN settings optimal. But the internet connection kept dropping.
The good news is that after a lot of research I've now sorted it out. If you are using an internal 56k PCI modem, especially a cheapish one, you may find that this is the source of the trouble. Specifically, that most internal 56k PCI modems are either "winmodems" or Host Signal Processor modems, and are little more than a phone socket on a card, leaving the CPU to provide the bulk of modem function processing. When EVE needs to use a lot of CPU resources, there's not enough free to keep the internet connection alive and - hey presto - dropped connection.
What I subsequently discovered is the comparatively little known fact that apparently internal 56k modems are complete rubbish for online games.
What you need, therefore, is a hardware modem with both an on-board controller and datapump. Finding the right one is easier said than done, because manufacturers don't tend to detail the differences on the packaging. You should look for:
- An external modem, not an internal card (as virtually all internal modems don't have controllers and datapumps)
- Connection through the RS232 Com interface, not USB. Don't get USB!!!
- Compatibility with other operating systems other than Windows (as "windows only" tends to suggest "winmodem only").
- A price of more than ú40.00 (as anything less than this probably doesn't have the necessary chips).
Having shopped around, I can wholeheartedly recommend a good one for you - the Zoom 56k v92 external fax modem available at PC World and elsewhere for ú49.99. I installed this at the weekend, and can confirm it works perfectly and has immediately resolved the problem, subsequently delivering perfect, drop-free connection. US Robotics make a 56k V92 external fax modem which retails for around ú60.00, which looks like it might also do the trick.
Edited by: Jahbulon on 08/07/2003 10:16:55
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 Originally by: Orestes, EVE Lead Forum Moderator
Market people are strange. Fighting is so much more straightforward.
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