IBM EtherJet Cardbus Adapter with 56K Modem V.90 FIRMWARE RELEASE Version 2.31 and 32-bit Flash Utility May 11, 1999 ===================================================================== This release includes the latest version of IBM's firmware (Ver. 2.31) and the latest version of IBM's firmware flashing utility which is used to update your IBM EtherJet CardBus modem with this version of firmware. CONTENTS ======== 1) FLASH Overview 2) Release Notes / Known Limitations 3) V.90 Configuration and Use Information 4) Firmware Upgrade Instructions 5) Troubleshooting 6) Customer Support Access 1) FLASH OVERVIEW =============== The version of the FLASH utility included in this download set is a 32-bit utility intended for use on computers running Windows 95/98 and Windows NT 4.0. If you are using MS-DOS or Windows 3.x use of this utility is not supported. The FLASH Utility is designed to upgrade the EtherJet CardBus modem with the latest version of Firmware. It is recommended that AC power be supplied to your laptop to ensure that continuous power is available. When the download file is executed, the necessary files will be extracted and then the flash program itself (UPGUT32.EXE) will automatically launch. The process should then complete without user intervention, with the exception of a couple of keystrokes after certain portions of the process have finished. In a few cases, certain configuration specific issues may require some additional steps on the part of the user. If difficulties are encountered, consult the information in Section 5. 2) RELEASE NOTES / KNOWN LIMITATIONS ================================= This release of firmware includes the following features: -Support of the ITU v.90 Draft Standard for 56K modem connections -Wake-On-Ring Support -Support for Nokia 6110 phone -Support for AT Flash capability -Level-Learning Technology* *Level-Learning technology optimizes throughput by detecting line conditions and negotiating the highest throughput settings during the start-up sequence. The following issues have been resolved with this release: In order to achieve 56Kbps connects, there can be only one digital to analog conversion between the connecting modems. Also, the modems at both ends of the call must be PCM compatible to achieve 56K speeds; if they are not, they will negotiate a standard V.34 rate. Current FCC regulations limit download speeds of the modem to 53Kbps. Several factors exist that can limit the modem's performance. Factors that contribute to lower connection rates are: -Noisy line conditions on individual calls -Dirty or faulty wiring -Poor connection ability of the modem/fax machine on the other side -The Bulletin Board Service, Internet Service Provider or On-Line Service Provider may be forwarding the call to another location (long distance) to extend their local calling areas. To improve your modem performance, try connecting to and from different locations. 3) V.90 CONFIGURATION AND USE INFORMATION ====================================== S109 register ------------- The firmware contained in this upgrade is designed to initially attempt to make a v.90 connection, and then fall back to K56flex if the host being dialed does not support v.90. However, the host being dialed must support v.90 autodetect in order for a v.90 connection to be initiated by default. At this point in time many v.90 hosts do not yet support autodetect. In such cases it will be necessary to issue an ATS109=2 command to the modem in order to force a v.90 connection. Please note that if this command is used and a v.90 connection is not achieved the modem will fall back directly to v.34. When S109=2, fall back from v.90 to K56Flex is disabled. To set this value back to the default issue an ATS109=1 command. In summary, the values of this register and the resultant behavior are: S109=1 (default) - Negotiates initially at v.90 if host supports v.90 autodetect. If host does not support v.90 autodetect or does not support v.90 at all, will negotiate back to K56flex. S109=2 - Forces v.90 for PCM connects. If host does not support v.90, falls directly back to v.34. Changing the value of the S109 register can be implemented via the following means: -When using a terminal emulator program, enter ATS109=n (where n is the value desired). -To implement with Windows 95/98/NT dial up networking, go to Control Panel\Modems. Highlight the EtherJet CardBus modem and click Properties. Click Connection\Advanced. Enter S109=n (where n is the value desired) in the Extra Settings box. 4) FIRMWARE UPGRADE INSTRUCTIONS ============================= Follow these instructions to update your EtherJet CardBus modem to the latest Firmware: 1. Before beginning the upgrade, close any applications that are running. 2. Boot the system normally. The EtherJet CardBus adapter must be properly installed and functioning correctly prior to proceeding. 3. Create a new directory on your hard disk and copy the IBM download file (v90_cbm.exe) to this directory. NOTE: It is recommended that the created or existing directory that the archive is placed in should adhere to the standard DOS 8.3 file naming format. 4. Click START, Run. Browse to the new directory that contains the download file. Enter v90_cbm.exe in the Open box, and click OK. 5. The necessary files will be extracted from the download file and then the FLASH utility will be automatically launched. 6. The flash utility should detect the modem and list the upgrade data file that will be used. Click FLASH. 7. A warning will appear indicating that power must be continuously supplied to the computer. Click START FLASHING to begin the update. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE ADAPTER OR TURN OFF THE COMPUTER 8. Upon completion, a dialogue box will appear prompting to update the Modem settings. Click UPDATE. When this completes, click OK to exit. 5) TROUBLESHOOTING =============== -In Windows NT 4.0, if the RAS service is installed and is currently using the modem, the flash utility will indicate that the modem cannot be accessed. In such cases the RAS Service must be stopped before the upgrade can be performed. To do so, go to Start\Programs\Administrative Tools\Remote Access Admin. Select the Server menu and then click the Stop Remote Access Service option. Click Yes. The system will take a few seconds to shut down the RAS service. Once this is completed, proceed with flash process. 6) Customer Support Access ======================= The following IBM product support is available: * World Wide Web: -On a Web Browser: 1. Open http://www.networking.ibm.com/support 2. You now have access to all the latest drivers, technical tips, and product information. -For more information regarding other IBM Networking Products go to the IBM Networking Home page: http://www.networking.ibm.com * IBM product support: 1-800-772-2227 for IBM HelpCenter 1-800-565-3344 for HelpPC (Canada) Thank you for making IBM a part of your network. IBM acknowledges all tradenames and trademarks used in this document as the property of their respective owners. ==============================end======================================