On Jun 26 05:07, 1997, Edward Rutledge of 1:218/801 wrote:
ER> I really can't tell if it is a WinModem.  Usually that is specified 
ER> on the box.  Assuming, and I _*DO*_ mean assuming that it isn't, the 
ER> problem with the 286 processor trying to handle a 28.8 kbps, or 14.4 
ER> kbps for that matter, is that the amount of information that is 
ER> being dumped into the CPU is so great that it "swamps" the CPU and 
ER> you will get unreliable data transfers.  If this is a Win/DOS 
ER> FAX/Modem, then you will want to stick with the 386DX33 or better 
ER> processor. 
Absolutely _wrong_.  A 286 can handle data much much faster than a 33.6 modem 
can hope to provide it.  Even a 4 Mhz 8086 has no problem with the data rate 
from a 33.6.  Problems with those speeds on older hardware is usually 
correctable by replacing the non-buffered UART (either an 8250 or 16450) with 
a buffered UART like the 16550.
You doubt?  Okay, how long to copy a 1 Mb file from one disk directory to 
another with a 286?  Compare that with how long it takes to download 1 Mb at 
33.6.
Rick
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