Can you explain the technical factors particular to 56k modem connections that degrade transmission speed?
One major reason why 56k modems rarely live up to their name is because they are designed to extract every spare ounce of speed possible from lines that do not efficiently carry digital data, and were once thought to be fundamentally incapable of anything faster than 9600 bps. Consequently, a lot of things have to go in your favor in order to reach the top speeds. In not a few cases, you may never be able to achieve high speeds from a 56k modem. Another major reason is due to inhospitable line characteristics. Sometimes, these characteristics are accidental, such as the long local loop lengths that are very common in the New England area. In other cases, voice grade lines are installed with devices such as load coils that are designed to enhance voice quality, but which are detrimental to modem transmissions. Finally, in an increasing number of cases, telcos have installed equipment on voice grade lines to permit increased phone line density, which do not have a perceptible impact on v
