Modem Drivers

Diagnosing and solving modem driver problems

If you are having troubles with your modem, you may think you need to update your modem drivers. After all, updating drivers is an excellent troubleshooting step with most hardware devices.

Many different types of modems exist including dialup modems that connect to a phone line, DSL modems that connect to Digital Subscriber Lines, and cable modems that connect to a cable line. In addition, these different modem types can be internal or external. Further still, modems can either use modem drivers or flash firmware for providing your operating system with instructions on how to operate it.

For example, not all modems require modem drivers. If you have a modem with a hardware controller, the modem doesn't require the typical device driver. Instead, flash firmware on board the modem itself and instructions contained in an .inf file define the modem's responses and command sets. Rather than updating modem drivers, a firmware flash might be in order. A variety of manufacturers make modems of this type including Conexant, USR, and Lucent. In this case, updating modem drivers is not an option.

These same manufacturers also make modems that do require modem drivers. Modems that do not have hardware controllers require modem drivers in order to work with your computer. While hundreds of different modems of this type exist, most use chipsets from just a few manufacturers with a common driver base for each chipset.

Why keep your modem drivers up-to-date?

If you have a modem that requires modem drivers, you may need to update them from time to time, especially if the modem is not functioning properly. Signs that you may need to update your modem drivers include: limited connectivity, disconnections, and slower-than-normal connection speeds. Likewise, if your modem is not working at all, can't communicate, or hasn't installed properly, a modem update may do the trick.

You may also want to update your modem drivers even when the modem is working as expected. As modem manufacturers discover issues and conflicts, they usually address these problems by releasing updated modem drivers (or firmware updates for modems with hardware controllers). Not only do these updates usually contain fixes to known problems, they also often add new features and improvements. By updating your modem drivers periodically, you can take advantage of the latest repairs and enhancements.

Know your modem

Finding out exactly what type of modem you have isn't always easy. If you have an internal modem, you can go into Device Manager and click on Modems in the category list to find out information about your modem. If you have an external modem, the manufacturer and model number should be readily available on the device itself.

Device Manager provides a way for you to update the modem drivers. Once you've found your device in the list, double-click it and select the Driver tab. Click on the Update Driver button and follow the prompts. This option doesn't always yield results though.

If you are able to determine the exact model, going to the modem manufacturer's website is a good way to find modem drivers for download. It's critical to download the correct modem drivers designed for your exact operating system so pay attention to any prompts.

The better way to manage and update your device modem drivers

Updating modem drivers is much easier when you have a tool such as DriverCure working for you. This product takes care of finding the exact drivers for every piece of hardware on your computer, not just modem drivers.

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Drivers

Modem Drivers

Diagnosing and solving modem driver problems

Why keep your modem drivers up-to-date?

Know your modem

The better way to manage and update your device modem drivers