56K Modem Frequently Asked Questions Q.What 56Kbps modem technology does the PortMaster 3TM use? A.The PortMaster 3TM uses the K56flexTM technology developed jointly by LucentTM and RockwellTM. The modem software is running on Lucent digital signal processors (DSPs). Q.Can I expect to achieve 56Kbps transmission over existing phone lines? A.The condition of the local loop will determine the actual performance level achieved. Some lines will support 56Kbps all the time, while other lines are not capable of supporting it. Other lines will permit speeds between 33.6 and 56Kbps. Q.Does K56flex provide 56Kbps in both directions? A.K56flex is asymmetrical. It provides speeds up to 56Kbps in the downstream, and speeds of up to 33.6Kbps (V.34) in the upstream. Q.Are all True Digital modems upgradeable to 56Kbps? A.Yes, through our upgrade program. Q.What are the costs to upgrade? A.After the customer has completed the website form, Lucent will provide a FREE upgrade to 56Kbps. Customers are only required to return their old modem cards and pay the return shipping charges. Q.What client modems support 56Kbps operation with Lucent PortMaster 3 operation? A.Any K56flex modems will enable 56Kbps operation. This includes modems manufactured by Hayes, Zoom, Boca, Multitech and many other vendors. Please reference the official K56flex web site for a complete list of compatible products. Q.Does K56flex provide data compression? A.No, but the PortMaster 3 supports V.42bis data compression. Q.Can the PortMaster 3 communicate with US Robotics X2 client-modems? A.Yes, at any ITU-T standard up to V.34 (33.6Kbps). Because X2 is a US Robotics proprietary protocol, it will only operate at 56Kbps with X2 USR devices. Q.When do you expect the ITU-T 56Kbps modem standard to be announced? A.Industry expectations are sometime in 1998. Q.Will the PortMaster 3 support the ITU-T 56Kbps standard? A. Yes,Lucent guarantees PortMaster 3 customers a free ITU-T 56K upgrade when the international standard becomes available.