Re: (PMOD) Netgear RM356

bmw@visgen.com
Fri, 20 Aug 1999 07:21:38 -0400 (EDT)

Steve Heaven writes:
> We have a customer who wants to put in a Netgear RM356 modem/router.
> In particular, do they connect OK to PM3s at V90 speeds ?

We have been using 3 of these internally for emergency ISDN backup
and employee dialup. I'm generally happy with them: easy setup;
good network support; telnet interfaceas well as the GUI-for-dummies.
But no matter what I do with them I get frequent
retrains/pauses/disconnects. If you use them right out of the box,
you will be very frustrated with this. You can reduce r/p/d to a
background annoyance by:

1. add the 3 commas after the dial string
2. modify the init string to:

at&fs0=0w2s95=1&k0%c1

that removes the caller-id detect and disables all compression.
Note: this only applies to the R-version (Rockwell modem).

It took me a long time to figure this string out. There is NO
documentation provided on the modem inside this box. Netgear support
was *useless*.

When it works, you get V.90, high connect rates and Stac kicks in
and you can get fantastic download speeds.

I will admit here though that I've switched mine for a 3Com 3C886
OfficeConnect LanModem. When I brought the Netgear back I had to
remove its metal cover and remove a noticeable dent with a rubber
mallet first. It was seriously bent where I had hit it repeatedly
with my fist in frustration. I don't normally do that with
anything--I'm known around here for my patience. But I guess having
a tough metal case is actually a feature. :-)

-- 
-bmw   | Double helix in the sky tonight
       | Throw out the hardware
       | Let's do it right   -- Steely Dan; Aja

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