[net.dcom] Paradyne modem vs AT&T modem

mark@cbosgd.UUCP (Mark Horton) (01/16/85)

I understand that when you hook up to Telenet, you automatically
lease a Paradyne 9600 baud sync modem.  Can anyone tell me if
this modem has any features not available in the AT&T 9600 baud
sync modem, especially things like remote diagnostic capabilities?
Are the protocols compatible?  In other words, would an AT&T modem
work plugged into Telenet?

	Mark

taylor@ecsvax.UUCP (Steven Taylor) (01/18/85)

I imagine the Paradyne model used is the MP-96 (or compatible).
The MP-96 is a V.29 compatible modem, so it will talk to any
other V.29 modem.  However, this is for the main channel only.

Paradyne has a quite extensive diagnostics system which runs in the 
sideband, and I imagine that this is why Telenet recommends
(demands) this model.  At my former job, we ran the  Paradyne system,
but later quit buying new modems for the "Analysis" system because
the diagnostics were too expensive.  For example, for less than the price
of a single paradyne modem we could buy TWO Rixon R-96 modems, which,
being V.29 compatible, would still act as spares for the Paradyne
modems.  Now, with Halcyon's $995.00  V.29 modem, the Paradynes are
more than three times as expensive.  Diagnostics are awfully nice,
but, for something as simple as a modem, there is an economic
upper bound!

In summary, there are two answers to your question.  Yes, other
modems will talk to the Paradynes, and the answer to whether the AT&T
modem will talk depends on whether it is V.29 compatible.  HOWEVER,
since they provide the network control. it is questionable whether
the Telenet POLICY will allow this.  (Please post the results of
this interaction with Telenet to the net.  I think their monthly
cost includes modems.  Any idea whose modems AT&T's Accunet
specifies/requires?)