Windows 7 - 56K USB External Modem Problem

I have an Acer Aspire 5552 laptop. It didn't come with a 56k modem so I purchased an external Conexant USB 2.0 56K modem. All is well the modem connects fine. But the PROBLEM... When i'm running only on battery power (with the ac cord disconnected) I connect to my internet provider at 40-44K every time. If I have the ac cord plugged in, I only connect at 21.6K every time. I've connected and reconnected hundreds of times and this is always the case. Why does having my ac cord plugged in make me connect at half of what i do when i'm running on battery power? This is very frustrating as 56K is slow anyway but when I connect at 40K at least its a lot faster than 21.6k! Please if anyone can help me on this issue I would greatly appreciate it. I think it has something to do with the modem being external because last year I had a Compaq laptop with an internal modem and usually connected at 40K with it. Is it a difference in the watts or power consumption while on battery power that makes it connect better. PLEASE HELP!!!

Hello Steve, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Double check your advanced Power Options for your selected power plan to make sure that you have the "Plugged in" option for Wireless Adapter Settings set to Maximum Performance as below.



Hope this helps,
Shawn

thank for you information brink, but this didn't solve my problem unfortunately. When i'm on battery power my laptop connects to my external 56k modem good, with a good download speed, but as soon as I plug in the ac power cord my connection drops to crap. I tried to trick my modem by connecting to the internet while on battery power, thus achieving at least 40K connect speed, but as soon as i plug in the power cord, my download goes from about 8kbps to 2Kbps or less. Very strange. I'm thinking it is something to do with the modem being external running through a USB port for some reason, but i have tried all 3 USB ports on my laptop and they all give me the same issue.

Have you tried a different power supply? Maybe the supply is allowing some AC ripple through and this could affect the modem?

no I haven't yet but am definitely gonna have to try that. Thanx. I have tried all different settings in advanced power settings but nothing has worked either. Do you know of any programs i could try to resolve this? Last year I had a different laptop it was a compaq with an internal 56k modem and i didn't have this problem. I feel that it is something of a power issue with the external 56k modem i'm using now. But why? Unless like you said that my ac adapter is causing a power ripple. cause i swear i can unplug that cord and reconnect to internet and it then connects usually at 42.6K but never less than 40K, but if i have the ac cord in it ALWAYS connects at 21.6K! Could the modem be using different init strings or something when on battery power vs. ac power? I'm at wits end and willing to try anything at this point but i do not have the money to buy a new ac adapter at this time. But i will as soon as possible if i can't find any other solution. thanx for your help.

Easiest way is to borrow one from a mate with the same model laptop to try it. Another possible is your mains supply might not be stable although unlikely. You could also look on ebay for power supply?

thanx wilywombat for the info. I sure hope it's not my main power supply. I did find a new ac adapter with cord and all for my laptop on ebay for $8 and it's on the way. I had never bought a new ac adapter before and assumed it would set me back at least $50 or $60 bucks. The $8 adapter with $2 more for priority shipping was a very nice surprise. I will post and let know if the new adapter works. I should get it in a few days. Evidently these modems are very sensitive to power fluctuations. I talked to my phone company and they are saying that within a couple months dsl is going to be available in my area so maybe then I can have a little 56k modem barbecue out in the back yard.

Good news re DSL and good luck with the PSU

hello wilywombat. I received my new ac adapter in the mail today so i brought it right home and hooked it up to my laptop. And whoala!! It works great. The first time i connected to the internet i got 42.6K connect speed. I've connected and disconnected multiple times and i always connect at 42.6K so i'm happy once again. Thanks for the information it really helped. If i hadn't got your post i'd still be stuck at 21.6K. There must be a power ripple in my original ac adapter. I'll throw it in a drawer and if this one burns up at least i'll have a spare. I think i'm still gonna burn this 56k modem when i get dsl eventually. But for now it's all i got. Hey thanks again. Take it easy.

Great news Steve, don't be a stranger on the forums..you can pick up a lot of good info...for free!! Good Luck.